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Southampton vs West Brom: Three takeaway thoughts from Saints’ victory

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Danny Ings with his Southampton team-mates before the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Danny Ings with his Southampton team-mates before the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s Malian midfielder Moussa Djenepo (L) celebrates (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s Malian midfielder Moussa Djenepo (L) celebrates (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

The improvement in fitness is reflected in the improvement in performance

It was evident in the opening match against Crystal Palace that Southampton were not fit enough to play in that irresistible style unleashed after the restart. There was marked improvement in the first half against Spurs but there was an inability to maintain the fitness levels which, coupled with the unnecessarily high defensive line, led to the capitulation.

The performance at Turf Moor continued the upward trend as the increased fitness was reflected in the relentless pressing from the forward line. The Gegenpressing approach relies so heavily on the players being able to commit fully to winning possession back high up the pitch. As the fitness returns, one would expect to see Saints to pose a real menace, even for tougher opposition.

Although there were a few tired bodies by the end of the match against West Brom, there was once more a clear improvement week-on-week performance. The visitors could not cope with the energy of Adams, Armstrong and Ings, with their defence and midfield allowed little time to settle on the ball. Chelsea will pose a tougher task after the international break, especially with the quality of their forward line but Hasenhuttl will be quietly confident that his side can cause Frank Lampard’s side problems.