Southampton: One thing Hasenhuttl will need to sort before Wolves game

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Ralph Hasenhuettl, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Ralph Hasenhuettl, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

It looks like being an intriguing end to the Premier League season for Southampton with their top-flight survival still yet to be confirmed.

They currently sit just one place above the relegation zone but have a healthy five point advantage over Cardiff in 18th with six games left to play.

Friday saw them put up a valiant fight against league leaders Liverpool but a late surge by the visitors to St Mary’s saw them lose 3-1.

The second goal that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side conceded in particular will have been disappointing for the players to give away though.

A rapid counter-attack from a Saints corner saw Mohamed Salah take full advantage in brutal fashion, but this isn’t the first time this has happened to Saints when playing at home.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

An almost identical situation occurred back in December as West Ham arrived on the South Coast on a Thursday evening.

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With the game poised at 1-1 following two quick second-half goals, Saints were again countered from their own corner with Felipe Anderson netting the winner after another fast break.

At this stage of the season and with points still needed, Hasenhuttl and his team must take steps to avoid this happening again.

This will be particularly important on Saturday when they take on Wolves; proven to be one of the best counter-attacking sides in the stop-flight this year under Nuno Espirito Santo.

They currently sit eighth after a superb first campaign back in the Premier League and have netted five goals on the counter-attack this season (premierleague.com).

Saints will be likely to have the majority of possession at the weekend too with home advantage, meaning Wolves’ breaks forward could be extra effective.

The main thing that Hasenhuttl will need to do is make sure there is suitable defensive cover when his side have a set-piece.

Both Salah and Anderson were left against just one man back defending and both Liverpool and West Ham made it look simple to counter Saints.

Those games were at 1-1 when both goals were scored and further vital points could be dropped if Saints don’t take a look at this fine detail.