Burnley 1-1 Southampton: Three key takeaways 24/2/2018

2 of 4

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

The system is becoming stale

Mauricio Pellegrino’s 4-2-3-1 is as predictable as they come. Other than the loss to Wolverhampton in the Carabao Cup, and heartbreak at Manchester City, we have not seen the Southampton manager deviate from his plan.

Yes, the formation worked under Ronald Koeman and in some regards Claude Puel, but with the run of form this season, one would think Pellegrino would try something different.

Against Burnley, the Saints were incredibly predictable, so much so that Sean Dyche did not even make a substitution.

Ryan Bertrand and Cedric Soares continue to bomb forward with little success, leaving a stretched back line, susceptible to the counter attack. The wing backs are failing to connect with the attacking midfielders, and it is also forcing talented players such as Mario Lemina to play a more holding position in defense.

With a critical stretch six-pointers ahead, teams are going to prepared for Southampton’s style, or lack-there-of. Dyche seemed incredibly comfortable playing his system, even in the midst of a 10 game winless streak. A sign that it is time to try something new to generate a more consistent attack.