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Leicester City 0-0 Southampton: Three key takeaways

By Erik Franzo

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City is challenged by Wesley Hoedt of Southampton during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton at The King Power Stadium on April 19, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City is challenged by Wesley Hoedt of Southampton during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton at The King Power Stadium on April 19, 2018 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Shane Long of Southampton controls the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on March 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Shane Long of Southampton controls the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on March 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

Long is the Man?

This will undoubtedly be one of the more debated topics for the final few games of the season.  Fans understand Shane Long’s work ethic and ability to chase down lost causes is invaluable, but his goal-scoring record will always be in question.

Charlie Austin is the preferred striker, simply because he scores goals.  However, when the like for like change was made around the 70th minute, Southampton lost their ability to get out of the back.

Could it be the lack of attacking players surrounding the striker?

Dusan Tadic, James Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were the most likely to connect with Long, and do not instill much, if any, attacking confidence.  Why not pair the striker with Austin, or put a speedy player like Josh Sims or Nathan Redmond around him?

The lone striker formation did produce goals in each of the last two games, but if the team is going to win games late, it may be time for a change in tactics.