Southampton 1-2 Cardiff City: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways
By Joe Mcindoe
Organization Is Key but Breaking It down Is Even More Important
Since the manager’s arrival, his charges have certainly improved in an attacking sense. The pressing style of play is a real joy to watch, and the ability to counter has made the side a threat.
Against the likes of Arsenal, the red and white have managed to exploit space and opportunities left by sides who look to push forward. Southampton have allowed the opposition a lot of possession but have capitalised upon having the ball in key areas of the pitch.
Conversely, the outfit begins to struggle when it is confronted by defensively organised and determined combatants. Saints previously laboured against a compact Crystal Palace. The team found it difficult to break down a well-set visitor and find the killer ball.
With the arrival of Cardiff, they ran into similar challenges. Neil Warnock’s side offered up the ball, but gave very little in the way of space and time in the last two thirds. While the hosts did manage to break into the final third with patient build-up, they consistently made poor decisions in front of goal.
It wasn’t simply poor shot selection, but the decisions not taken that proved the difference. On multiple occasions, a player would need one more touch or make one more pass, only to be stifled by a Bluebirds man.
At other times, an excellent cross would be flashed across the box with no one there to meet it. The breakthrough came against Palace when James Ward-Prowse saw the play developing and made the decision to break into the box.
On this occasion, no one had the insight to make the difference. If Saints are going to survive this season, they have to learn how to break down obstinate sides. The ability to be well organised as a basic top-flight fundamental. If you can’t overcome that then you won’t last long at England’s top table.