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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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Gary Prior/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Gary Prior/Getty Images) /

Making a case for two up top

Manolo Gabbiadini scored his first goal for Southampton since his brace way back on matchday 8.  Even more significant is the goal came from a knockdown header from partner striker, Guido Carrillo.

Based on the first takeaway, a change in formation is highly unlikely, but maybe this connection provided Pellegrino a glimpse of what could be.

Southampton are a wide-attacking team, sending in the second most crosses in the league after Tottenham.  Wouldn’t it make sense to put two strikers up top to increase the targets in the box?

Outside of Carrillo, the attacking options inside the penalty area are Nathan Redmond, Dusan Tadic, James Ward-Prowse, and often the wing backs Soares and Bertrand.  Where is the height and ability to finish from crosses?

This is not the first time this has been argued, but relevant given the strikers’ connection for the game tieing goal. Southampton fans can only hope we see a few more adjustments during the important run of games ahead.