Southampton 2-2 Brighton 17/09/18: Three Key Takeaways

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton (23) scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion at St Mary’s Stadium on September 17, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

Hojbjerg, Lemina and Redmond key

The new 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 system that Saints now seem to prefer now has brought out the very best in some players.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Mario Lemina were immense in the first-half and gave the Brighton midfield no time whatsoever on the ball, and it was telling that the whole performance suffered when the team were told to drop deep and defend.

Nathan Redmond has become a completely different player this season and could be a key creative force over the course of the campaign. His wide-left role allows him to attack down the line and take his opponents on, which he did a number of times on Monday.

This way of playing only seems fruitful when the team are on the front foot though. Hojbjerg’s influence with two goals in two games has only come with a licence to roam forward.

Once Saints have taken a two-goal lead in games, solidity needs to be added; perhaps an extra Central-Midfielder to maintain that level of control.