Southampton 2-5 Spurs: A tactical and statistical review of Saints’ loss

Djenepo takes his chance

Saints were the best team by far in the first-half and a winger Moussa Djenepo proved a big threat to Spurs.

In all, he completed four of seven attempted dribbles, made 20 passes and had two shots in 90 minutes on the pitch. He also hit the woodwork and won Saints’ second-half penalty (stats via whoscored.com).

An opportunity was given to the Malian with Nathan Redmond out injured for this match and it is fair to say that he gives more variety in attacking positions.

Redmond can be a crucial player or Saints on his day but is keen to keep the ball on his right foot all the time despite playing on the left-wing. Yes, this allows him to roam into central positions to shoot from but means that he very rarely challenges his marker down the outside.

Djenepo is much more two-footed and examples of this came on Sunday. He hit the post with a long-range, left-footed strike and almost created a goal brilliantly when he wriggled around the challenge of Matt Doherty in the box.

Food for thought ahead of next weekend.