Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways
By Joe Mcindoe
The New and Improved James Ward-Prowse?
JWP scored his third goal in as many games, with a cool finish. With a nice pass across the area from Matt Target, the move marked the best of Southampton’s labour throughout the night.
Ward-Prowse is slowly but surely becoming a game influencer. In recent performances the Academy graduate has looked, sharp, and forward thinking. His belter against Everton saw him seize upon the loose ball ahead of the defender before charging into space.
His latest work takes the plaudits for the ability to spot a developing move and capitalize on it. As the attack comes down the wing, the number 16 is several yards outside the D. By the time a teammate has made the decision to put the ball across the box, the midfielder has stealthily made up the ground, is in the area, with plenty of space.
The 24-year-old has always been a solid player for the club but has never truly been someone that fans could expect to fundamentally impact a match. The Englishman didn’t have a bag of tricks to speak of, nor blistering pace. His excellent set piece delivery has seldom Yielded goals.
With Hasenhüttl at the helm and looking to develop a more aggressive style, it could finally be the right catalyst to get the best out of Prowse. If this new proactive form continues, then it could be like a new signing to the club.
But the faithful shouldn’t get too carried away, this isn’t the only run the player has had in his career. It is at least his most promising to date though.