Southampton 1-2 Cardiff City: Premier League – Three Key Players

Southampton suffered a last minute defeat to relegation rivals Cardiff City in what might be the season-defining match at St. Mary’s.

The Saints appeared to be in the driver’s seat until Cardiff City capitalized on their very first corner kick via centre-back Soi Bamba.  The 69th minute goal was a display of sheer desire which was the difference-making characteristic in the defeat.

Southampton held the majority of possession, but looked absolutely lost in the attacking third.  The combination of Nathan Redmond and Shane Long could not seem to link up with James Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who were asked to join the front two from the midfield.  It resulted in a lot of unconnected through passes, and shots on target from distance which hardly troubled Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was the subject of criticism for the first time since being hired by the Saints in December.  The Austrian manager chose to go with his preferred 3-5-2 against a defence which dropped deep and was likely holding out for just a draw.  With the score 0-0 at half time and the offense obviously sputtering, Hasenhuttl also neglected to make an early change to put his team on the front foot instead of ultimately needing to come from behind.

The loss has seen the Saints drop back into the relegation zone, and has left fans understandably moaning for more.  The ability to drop points after the 80th minute is no different than it was under Mark Hughes, but fortunately there is a break in Premier League action to regroup and refocus  ahead.

Here are our three key players from the match with Cardiff City.