Southampton vs Everton: A tactical and statistical review of Saints' win

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

By Marc Walker | Oct 25, 2020

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates his team's second goal, scored by team mate Che Adams (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on October 25, 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 Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

Danny Ings vs Everton today:

1 touch in the penalty area
1 shot on goal

BUT

62 touches in all
40 passes
18 passes in the final third
2 key passes
2 assists
4 successful dribbles

A special player with an incredible football brain 🧠 #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/MHUbJDBzW5
— Saints Marching (@SaintsMarching_) October 25, 2020

Anything Kane can do, Ings can do…just as well

As a very decent striker himself, Alan Smith described Danny Ings’ performance as a “masterclass” – and he was right.

Ings has earned plaudits for his goalscoring and finishing in the Premier League over the last year or so but today it was his creative side that too over.

He had just one touch in the penalty area and one shot on goal but looked to be deliberately placed deeper throughout the 90 minutes to put his creative brain to great use.

In all, he had 62 touches, completed four dribbles and registered two assists from 40 passes. As out tweet says, he has an incredible football brain and Saints are lucky to have him.

Spurs man Harry Kane has been widely praised for his creative play recently so maybe Gareth Southgate will realise that he now has another striker capable of playing in a similar way for England.