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Southampton 1-3 Bournemouth: Premier League – Three Match takeaways

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Cedric Soares of Southampton is challenged by Jack Stacey of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on September 20, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Cedric Soares of Southampton is challenged by Jack Stacey of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on September 20, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Southampton player Ryan Bertrand in action during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on August 10, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Southampton player Ryan Bertrand in action during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on August 10, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

What’s Going On With Bertrand?

This may be the most pressing question to start of the season.  There have been reports of ankle injuries, fitness, and just falling out of favor with Hasenhuttl, but which is it?

Moussa Djenepo, Kevin Danso, and Cedric Soares have all seen starts at left wing back in his absence, but none of them have displayed the tactical knowledge required for success.  As a former captain and senior member of the squad, one would expect Bertrand to still be first choice in 4 and 5 back sets, but until his second half appearance on Friday, we had not seen him since he was subbed off versus Liverpool.

Does anyone remember why Bertrand was taken off the pitch versus Liverpool?  He was subbed in the 77th minute and replaced by Moussa Djenepo, so potentially it was to add to the attack.  However, he had taken a hit just minutes before in a missed midfield tackle which led to the second LFC goal.  Bertrand was then left out of the team entirely for two Premier League matches and Fulham away, before being added to the bench at Sheffield.

Bertrand’s halftime reinstatement on Friday says we should expect him on the pitch at Pompey.  One would imagine he is going to be “up for the game,” and his experience will be invaluable in a hostile environment.  Honestly, if he is not included, it will just add to the intrigue in why Ralph Hasenhuttl has forgotten about a player who has given a lot to the club and still has a lot to give.