Saints Marching
Fansided

Chelsea 2-0 Southampton (FA Cup): Three key takeaways

By Ben Whitlock

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Mark Hughes, manager of Southampton is seen on the touchline during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Mark Hughes, manager of Southampton is seen on the touchline during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton reacts after 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: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton reacts after 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) /

Is Hoedt good enough? 

Summer signing Wesley Hoedt has shown some promising performances since arriving on the south coast from Lazio. The dutch international was bought in to replace his fellow countryman Virgil Van Dijk, and in his defence, he had big boots to fill.

Despite looking solid and disciplined throughout the first half, and for large portions of the second, he was punished for some appalling defending for Alvaro Morata’s 82nd minute goal that put the game to bed.

As Azpilicueta whipped in a cross from the right hand side, Hoedt was pushed out of the way of the ball far to easily, and then made no real effort to correct his positioning, allowing Morata to nod in from close range.

Hoedt can’t afford anymore weak defending in the last few games, as he is going to have to lead from the back in order to help Saints stay afloat.