Southampton 2-2 Derby (3-5 pens): FA Cup – Three Match Takeaways

Anyone Feeling a Sense of Déjà Vu?

Southampton looked good at times on the attack but allowed the visitors to grow into the game and were fortunate not to be behind just before the break. A ball surrendering mistake by Kayne Ramsay and subsequent good move by County were chalked off the score board for a very narrow VAR judgment of offside.

After Saints eventually took the lead through Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond the old demons reared their heads once more. A well struck free kick for the first and dubious defending for the second turned what should have been a relatively straightforward 15 minutes, into a gut-wrenching hour. The second goal in particular feels very reminiscent of past sins.

Two defenders attempt to face up to the crossing player, while the attacker is left with a straightforward free header. On this occasion, the crosser was Harry Wilson, the goalscorer Martyn Waghorn, and the defender giving up the space was Kayne Ramsay.

The cast of characters may have changed, but this is a well-worn script played out over and over again. To make matters worse the South coast side gave up multiple free headers and clear-cut chances.

Rams manager Frank Lampard may be disappointed his side failed to win it before penalties. The hosts were saved on several occasions by a lack of clinical finishing. Hasenhüttl’s men have improved in recent matches with some quality backline performances, but improvements don’t equate to an overnight cure.

Putting the current personnel up against the likes of former associates Toby Alderweireld, Virgil van Dijk, and even José Fonte, the gap in quality does not look good. Past players came with confidence, an ability to read the game, undeniable talent, and mental strength.

The Austrian manager will have to work long and hard with an honest if average defence. That’s not to say they lack talent, but fans have been treated to an embarrassment of riches over the years.

While there might not be a budding Alderweireld among them, technique can be improved on the training pitch and mental fragility can be corrected over time. Just improving focus and clearing out mental doubts will enable the squad to reach their talent ceiling.

In the meantime, the team can take a small crumb of comfort, from the fact that recent star performer Jan Bednarek was on the bench for most of the evening. During the contest against Leicester City, Bednarek held the line well and made a crucial last-ditch challenge to help his side claim all three points.

The Polish international has shown a calm ability to win key battles and take charge of situations. With Bednarek set to return to the starting lineup for the visit of Everton things will almost certainly improve. He might not be on their level, but Jan has already shown some of the key qualities that set his predecessors apart.