Saints Marching
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Burnley 1-1 Southampton: Three key takeaways

By Erik Franzo

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Alex McCarthy of Southampton celebrates his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Alex McCarthy of Southampton celebrates his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Josh Sims of Southampton is chased by Shir Tzedek of Hapoel Be’er Sheva during the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Southampton FC and Hapoel Be’er-Sheva FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 8, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Josh Sims of Southampton is chased by Shir Tzedek of Hapoel Be’er Sheva during the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Southampton FC and Hapoel Be’er-Sheva FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 8, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Josh Sims is a difference maker

A takeaway from last week’s FA Cup game was the need to find Josh Sims opportunities with the first team.  Maybe the manager read our article, because he was first off the bench on Saturday.

Sims showed intent from his first touch on the ball, taking over for James Ward-Prowse in the 58th minute immediately following the Burnley goal.

He wants to go forward, shows no hesitation in the attacking third, and displayed a change of pace that Burnley defenders could not deal with.

If not for an amazing Nick Pope save, he would have scored his first goal of the season.  A curling top-corner effort after taking on two defenders.

Nathan Redmond started again, and is showing signs of increased confidence.  Although it is Sims who is starting to show that he is the type of creative winger with a positive attitude that needs to be on the pitch every week.