Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton 2-0 Huddersfield: FA Cup – Three Match Takeaway Thoughts

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: William Smallbone of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St. Mary's Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: William Smallbone of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St. Mary's Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Che Adams of Southampton warms up prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Che Adams of Southampton warms up prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images) /

How many more chances can Adams be given?

On the surface, the fixture against Huddersfield seemed like the perfect scenario for Che Adams to get his Saints goal account opened. Playing in a side full of confidence against a Championship team, (a league lest we forget that he was prolific in last season), seemed to be a story written in the stars.

To Adams’ credit, there was no lack of effort and as with his strike partner Shane Long, goals should not solely define an attacking player. That being said, a striker who cost the best part of £15 million has to has to deliver eventually in the goal department.

The irony is that at the moment, goal-shy Long looks the likelier to score, whilst by contrast Adams looks nervous and tentative. The Chelsea game proved that Adams can play at this level with his physical presence capable of causing a real nuisance throughout but eventually he is going to run out of chances.

Although all those connected with the club are desperate for him to succeed, the sad reality is that Adams is snatching at chances and being let down by an over eager first touch. Boss Hasenhuttl has been adamant that he does not wish to dispatch his young striker out on loan but would this be the best solution for Adams to rediscover his mojo?

There would be no shame in sending Adams to a Championship side until the end of the season with a recall clause built in to cover the risk of injuries to Ings, Long and Obafemi. At times, there have been moments which reassure that there is a player worth investing time in but sadly these have been few and far between.

Failing to register a goal against Huddersfield is frustrating but as Saints continue to battle to avoid relegation, it is imperative Hasenhuttl has men available to support Ings in scoring goals. If nothing else Adams’ assist, a perfectly weighted pass to release Vokins for the second will give his manager food for thought.