Southampton 2-5 Spurs: A tactical and statistical review of Saints’ loss
By Marc Walker
McCarthy’s hesitance costs Saints half-time lead
Ever since the restart of the 2019/20 season, Saints have used Alex McCarthy as a ‘sweeper keeper’ to sweep up behind their high defensive line.
The 30-year-old made one successful clearance of a ball in behind his backline in the first-half but was then at fault as Son Hueng-Min claimed his first goal of the afternoon.
Spurs broke forward and a ball across the box from Harry Kane looked to far in front of Son to reach before McCarthy. A confident charge out would have seen the shot-stopper able to clear easily into the empty stands at St Mary’s.
However, he stopped midway and instead chose to retreat to his goalline, which allowed Son to gather his thoughts before rifling hard into the far corner of the net.
Ralph Hasenhuttl could be heard shouting “come on Alex!” as the pass from Kane made its way into the area where it should have been cleared and the Austrian will have been disappointed to see this goal go in moments before the break.