Southampton 1-1 Huddersfield: Three match takeaways

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Charlie Austin of Southampton clashes with Jonas Lossl of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Unneeded complications

Pre-match talk and headlines were not only about Saints’ poor form but also about the increasingly likely transfer of Virgil van Dijk away from the club in January.

The Dutchman was left out of the matchday squad with ongoing rumours about his future and, although this transfer would seemingly suit both Saints and any potential buyers, it meant more distractions and complications for the players and staff to deal with.

Charlie Austin would also leave his foot in on Huddersfield keeper Jonas Lossl in the first half, and he has subsequently received a ban from the FA. However, it looks as though he may spend that ban on the sidelines anyway after hobbling off the pitch with what looked like a hamstring injury late on.