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Southampton vs West Brom: A tactical and statistical review of Saints’ win

By Marc Walker

Southampton's Malian midfielder Moussa Djenepo (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on October 4, 2020. (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's Malian midfielder Moussa Djenepo (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on October 4, 2020. (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Che Adams of Southampton (Photo by Matthew Childs – Pool/Getty Images)
Che Adams of Southampton (Photo by Matthew Childs – Pool/Getty Images) /

Adams needs to start scoring – but is playing the Poulsen/Augustin role well

When he was manager of RB Leipzig, Ralph Hasenhuttl started implementing his pressing 4-2-2-2 on one of the world’s biggest stages. Key to this were to strikers – a smaller, clinical finisher in Timo Werner and a taller creator in Jean-Kevin Augustin or Yussuf Poulsen.

This is what is taking shape with Saints now. Danny Ings is their goalscorer supreme, whilst Che Adams puts in the hard work to provide for his teammates and hold up the ball when his team need him to release some pressure.

Pointing this out is not making an excuse for Adams at all. His finishing has been off so far this season and he needs to get back to being instinctive in front of goal.

His ability to work for the team is what is making him standout at the moment and is what will keep him in the team ahead of Shane Long and Michael Obafemi. Would Saints have won at Burnley last week without his clever run and pullback for Ings?

It could take a little while again, but being patient with Adams will see him contribute the 10+ goals that Saints need from him.