Southampton 3-3 Bournemouth: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways
By Joe Mcindoe
Let’s Take It from the Top
Having secured top-flight status for another year, attention now turns to the warm-up to pre-season.
That time of the season in which the remaining meaningless games take a backseat, friendly matches are finalized, fans wonder how on earth they are going to get through three whole footballess months, and the discussion over comings and goings of the transfer window can begin.
Looking at the current personnel, it is important Southampton make two key signings to strengthen up top.
The Saints shallow front-line is either, injury prone, out of form, or inconsistent. Despite being the best all-around striker at the club, Ings has struggled with injury niggles. Austin meanwhile has struggled for goals, and favour under Ralph Hasenhüttl.
The third of the front-line forwards, Shane Long is enjoying something of a purple patch having netted four times in five games. The Irishman also has the honour of scoring the fastest Premier League goal ever. The number seven converted in just 7.69 seconds (according to the Guardian).
Despite, Long’s sudden run a form he is not cut out to carry the load of the main striker. Before the change in fortune Shane hadn’t scored since January. That said, his role as a support player could be invaluable.
Long is able to pressure unsuspecting defenders with his pace and work rate. He would be an excellent supplier to a top marksman, or as an isolated counterattacking striker.
Going forward the team would benefit from the acquisition of a seasoned goal-scorer or a top championship marksman, to take the main workload, and show good chemistry with the likes of Ings. Hasenhüttl or the a yet unappointed director of football, has to find a player capable of staying fit and available for 38 games.
The second piece of business up top should ideally be new face to bolster the ranks. This wouldn’t necessarily need to be an elite player, but someone capable of competing for places, supporting his colleagues, and leading the line when others are injured. While it would likely be a support signing, it would be an important one.
Austin has struggled to find his way onto the score sheet this season and is low on the pecking order. It would not be a surprise to see the 29-year-old seek a more active role in pastures new.
This extra backup signing would not only be for depth but also fill the bench with a player more attuned to the manager’s style.