Southampton extended their Premier League winless drought to twelve games with a 1-1 draw against Brighton on Wednesday night.
A Glen Murray spot kick, against the run of play turned the game on its head 14 minutes in. From then on in, it was a listless attacking display from Southampton as they tried to crack a defense sitting deep.
Despite dominating possession, the Saints again showed an ineffectiveness in the attacking third. A sheer lack of confidence compiled with a growing unease throughout St. Mary’s stadium must be to blame.
If not for a miraculous Jack Stephens goal from a James Ward-Prowse set piece, Mauricio Pellegrino would surely have been sent packing. With ample support of Saints fans.
However, with the definition of a “relegation match” on the horizon against West Brom on Saturday, immediate change seems unlikely.
Southampton must push on and find a way to win, despite leadership that failed to secure deadline day deals, and instills confidence in a manager that seems to have none himself.
Here are three takeaways from the result with Brighton.