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Southampton 0-3 Chelsea: Three key takeaways – 07/10/18

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton tackles Olivier Giroud of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton tackles Olivier Giroud of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Eden Hazard of Chelsea runs with the ball under pressure from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Eden Hazard of Chelsea runs with the ball under pressure from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

A Bright Spot During Dark Times

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg continues to be a shining light for a struggling Southampton side.  He leads by example, plays with his heart, and works incredibly hard for his teammates until the final whistle.

On Sunday against Chelsea, his qualities shown through again.  In a two man midfield with Mario Lemina, he played very defensively, sitting in front of the centre-back trio, forcing the play wide.  After a half-time substitution and the addition of Oriol Romeu, he was provided more freedom and joined the attack, playing some great forward passes to create real chances.  The best example, a floated ball to a Ryan Bertrand run, where the left back knew he should have hit the frame.

It is very important to see the positive progression the Danish International has made.  Denmark head coach Age Hariede has taken notice since leaving Hojbjerg out of the World Cup squad in May.

With leadership and team unity lacking in the side, one has to wonder why Hojbjerg has not been handed the captain band.  If the vote happened now, he would be a consensus pick for Southampton player of the year, and that is after gifting Leicester City three points earlier this season.

Southampton are marred by Premier League results, but negativity reminds us to search for the positive, and we surely have something special with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in our every week starting eleven.