Southampton 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur: Three match takeaways

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Michael Obafemi of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Obafemi gets minutes

Aside from picking up a point against one of the league’s big six, the biggest positive yesterday from a fan’s perspective was seeing the teenage striker Michael Obafemi come off the bench for his first senior appearance.

The 17-year-old becomes the second-youngest ever player to make his debut in the Premier League for the Saints, behind Luke Shaw. Therefore, he’s the most-junior striker to have made his senior debut for Southampton since the top flight was re-branded.

Over the past couple of seasons a lot less academy players have made an impact on the Southampton first team – just today Matt Targett was loaned out to Fulham. Jake Hesketh and Josh Sims have both struggled with injuries and whilst Sam McQueen has been impressive, he’s still streets behind Ryan Bertrand.

Obafemi also got his first taste of first-team football less than a week before the Saints face Watford in the FA Cup – the perfect stage to give the youngster his first start.

The teenager may of squandered a chance late on in the game against Tottenham but the exposure will only give him a surge of confidence going into the second half of the season.