Southampton 1-2 Everton: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways
By Joe Mcindoe
January Reinforcements Required
In football whenever something goes even slightly amiss the football fan cries January reinforcements! Get your wallet out!
Splashing out exorbitant sums of money, particularly in January is not always a good idea. Business can be rushed, panicked, and overpriced.
It’s in that climate that Southampton must do solid business if they wish to stay in the Premier League. The current crop of backline players has at times shown, determination and focus, but quality has very rarely been there.
Even at their best each member of the defence has proven prone to mistakes. While every great player is prone to an occasional faux pas, Southampton suffer it on a weekly basis. Everton’s first goal more than highlights the fundamental flaws .
If club owner Gao Jisheng cares about keeping his investment on the league’s world stage, he must invest.
Tried and trusted experience of the English top-flight is essential. Someone who has battled in the dogfight before and has a calm head on his shoulders could be the difference maker.
Regretfully, this is going to cost a lot of money. Quality and experience don’t come cheap in the midseason window, particularly if they happen to be English.
If the decision is taken to splash upwards of 40 million, the recruitment process must be rigorous.
From Wesley Hoedt to Guido Carrillo, Saints have suffered several flops over the years. Even recent signees Che Adams and Kevin Danso have hardly hit the ground running.
Another dud would surely see the squad plying their trade in the championship next season.