Southampton drew with Burnley 0-0 on match week 1 for an identical start to the 2018-19 campaign.
It was a rough opening 20 minutes with Southampton seeing little possession. Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand were effectively removed from the game by intelligent Sean Dyche tactics. However, it is likely Burnley’s Europa League qualification that prepared them to play at a higher pace.
New signing Jannik Vestergaard was called upon frequently to subdue Burnley aerial threats. He was also the target of the first two Southampton corners, suggesting he will a key player throughout this campaign. His performance alone leaves a lot of hope for an improved defense this season.
The Saints grew into the game in the first half via Mario Lemina and Nathan Redmond taking control of play. Redmond appeared confident and willing on the ball which should be a welcome sight to all Saints fans.
Southampton did test new Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart through a Lemina header 17 minutes in, but still lacked numbers in the box to make a real threat. Burnley however, significantly tested Alex McCarthy on a number of occasions, and twice in quick succession during first half stoppage time.
Alex McCarthy’s contribution was fantastic, making the save of the game just 11 minutes in on Aaron Lennon, and punching away dangerous crosses from set pieces with command.
The second half again saw the Saints start slowly. Burnley controlling possession and creating opportunities until a Southampton tactical change.
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Charlie Austin’s most notable contribution was knocking Stuart Armstrong out of the game during a midfield collision. However, it appeared to be the turning point, as Mark Hughes brought on newcomers Danny Ings and Mohamed Elyounoussi in a double switch. Armstrong and Soares were subbed off and the team went into a 4-2-3-1 formation.
From that moment on, Southampton looked more lively and were able to maintain possession while creating chances. Although the best chance came as Burnley nearly scored on themselves in the 60th minute from a corner. A header off the line by Stephen Ward the only thing in the way.
The final 15 minutes Burnley may have been feeling the effects of a Thursday night game in Istanbul, but they stood strong to keep the shutout.
Redmond led most of the Saints’ attacks, routinely picking the ball up in midfield and driving it forward. Elyounoussi also shined in the spot light and was nearly setup by Ings for a game winner.
Manolo Gabbiadini was the final Southampton substitution and played with renewed spirit which attributes to the depth of this year’s squad.
Southampton will be OK with the result based on how the game started, but probably thought they could have taken three points in the end. The change of formation was the difference in the game, and all the new faces on the pitch increases excitement for Saturday’s trip to Everton.