Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton vs. Chelsea: Pre-match talking points – 07/10/18

By Joe Mcindoe

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Gary Cahill of Chelsea embraces Charlie Austin of Southampton following The Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Gary Cahill of Chelsea embraces Charlie Austin of Southampton following The Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Hughes manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Hughes manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images) /

Has Sparky Blown a Hughes?

As we march into today’s game, the pressure on Mark Hughes is gradually building. With just five points gained this term, 13 points dropped from winning positions across his tenure, and seeming to preside over the same old tactical sins every week, it’s been a far from ideal start.

Hughes has not been everyone’s cup of tea within the faithful, and with negative results beginning to mount, dissenting voices can’t be far away.

To be fair to the Welshman, since arriving at St. Mary’s he has already made improvements. His side is more direct, work rate has improved, and until recently the tactics had notably improved too.

Unfortunately, with the insistence on zonal marking, overly conservative substitutions, and continuing with out of form defenders, things have arguably taken a step back.

It would be unfair to judge the boss on the result itself given the tough test ahead, but the manner of the result is the most important thing. Even in defeat a brave style of play can please the fans.

Hughes hasn’t beaten the Blues in his last six attempts, and if he is to change that he will need to be ambitious.