Southampton 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur: Three match takeaways

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Mauricio Pellegrino manager / head coach of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Mauricio Pellegrino manager / head coach of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Gabbiadini’s struggles

The Italian man hasn’t scored now in 14 games, although admittedly the majority of these appearances have been off the bench.

Previously, Gabbi’s scoring woes have been deemed to lack of service – with the former-Napoli man not especially strong nor quick, he thrives off making clever runs in behind. However, with the Saints’ creative players failing to produce such passes, he’s been isolated.

However yesterday the 26-year-old was on the receiving end of some scorning criticism from the Southampton faithful, as he failed to register a single successful dribble and completed the lowest amount of passes of any starter.

Gabbiadini started life on the south coast with goals in each of his first four games, but has since struggled to find any form and has been linked with a move away from the club.

Previously Southampton supporters had suggested that Pellegrino was ‘misusing’ the Italian but after a serious dent in confidence a lot of fans are now less than sympathetic.