Southampton 1-1 Huddersfield: Premier League – Three Match takeaways

Southampton were unable to finish the 2018-19 Premier League season in style, ending the campaign with a 1-1 draw against relegated Huddersfield Town.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was hoping to send fans into the summer break with a victory at Saint Mary’s, but an Angus Gunn mistake led to a Terrier’s equaliser.  Southampton clearly had the better of the opportunities over the course of the match, while lacking the finishing product they will look to add in the offseason.

Nathan Redmond proved his Player of the Season award was well deserved. His 41st minute goal was a gem of a strike to open scoring.  Cutting in from the left side, Redmond beat two defenders before unleashing a shot that reminded all Saint’s fans of #22’s development this season. A year ago he was getting booed for a lack of confidence under Pellegrino, and now he is the focal point of Hasenhuttl’s Southampton success.

The game itself was not exactly riveting.  Possession was nearly even, and Huddersfield did well to create chances off of sloppy play within Southampton’s midfield.  Danny Ings and Shane Long did well holding the ball up as a pairing, but were unable to pull the trigger when it mattered most. James Ward-Prowse could have put the game out of reach with the Saints’ best move of the second half, but was denied by Huddersfield youngster Joel Coleman and the bar.

Although the Saints relinquished another lead in their final game, there is genuine belief in the manager and the players he trusts.  The future is bright is Hasenhuttl’s hands and that is the most important takeaway of the season. However, here are three takeaways from the match with Huddersfield town.