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Southampton: Three things the Saints must do to avoid Premier League relegation

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: A fan makes his way to the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary's Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: A fan makes his way to the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary's Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/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) /

Two forwards needed to take advantage of crosses

In a season where Southampton’s play style has been somewhat confusing for fans to figure out, one thing is for sure; the players like their crosses.

According to premierleague.com, Saints have produced the second-most crosses in the Premier League season with 641. This is a figure topped only by Spurs, who have produced 651 so far.

To take full advantage of this high number of balls into the box, surely two strikers have to be on the pitch and in the penalty area. The importance of this was highlighted in the Saints equalising goal at Burnley, where Guido Carrillo knocked the ball down for Manolo Gabbiadini to finish.

Carrillo himself has won an average of 6.4 aerials duels per game according to whoscored.com, which is the highest average of any Saints players this season. However, he clearly needs someone like Gabbiadini to work with alongside him or behind him for the team to reap the rewards.