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Portsmouth 0-4 Southampton: Carabao Cup – Three Match Takeaways

By Alastair Case

PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: The Southampton side celebrate at the final whistle during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: The Southampton side celebrate at the final whistle during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Nathan Redmond of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Nathan Redmond of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Saints do have a ruthless streak in front of goal

In too many games over the last few seasons, Southampton have demonstrated an inability to capitalise on opportunities and put games to bed. Only last Friday, Saints failed to punish an average Bournemouth side, despite having the majority of possession.

Yet against their old enemy Portsmouth, Southampton displayed a ruthless streak led by a buoyant Danny Ings, who appeared to relish scoring for his boyhood club at Fratton Park. Ralph Hasenhuttl needs to emphasise to his players that this clinical edge needs transferring into their league form, especially with tough games to come against Spurs, Chelsea and Wolves in the coming weeks.

There is no doubting the quality Southampton now possess within their forward ranks with the newly re-integrated Sofiane Boufal, Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond all offering viable options behind Che Adams and Danny Ings. Yet for all their quality, goals are still at a premium, especially with Adams still looking nervous and snatching at chances. Could it be time to restore Ings to the starting line up following his exploits at Fratton? On this performance definitely.