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Southampton vs Everton: Three Takeaway Thoughts after Saints’ win

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton after his sides 2-0 win 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 Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton after his sides 2-0 win 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 Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Adaptability and tactical nous are becoming cornerstones of Hasenhuttl’s side

Southampton have often been accused of being tactically limited, especially in proceeding years since Koeman’s ignominious departure. Even the charismatic Koeman was often culpable of not having a plan b in matches which did not immediately go his way.

A prime example of the change and willingness to adapt came at St Mary’s after a difficult opening 20 minutes. Southampton were being overloaded in the middle, with the duo Romeu and Ward-Prowse initially stifled by the triumvirate of Allan, Doucoure and Sigurdsson.

As many pundits have since noted, Hasenhuttl responded to the pressure by subtly tweaking his system, with Stuart Armstrong dropping into the midfield when out of possession, whilst Saints maintained their usual 4-2-2-2 in possession. The versatility of players such as Armstrong and Ings, not to mention Theo Walcott who was ineligible for this clash, provide Saints with numerous options depending on the scenario.

Armstrong is increasingly becoming one of the first names on the team sheet, with his ability to drop into little pockets of space invaluable to the Southampton cause. Credit too belongs to Ings as he gave a selfless performance, running the channels and even spending a lengthy period on the Saints’ left.

It was one of these forages down the left flank which brought about the Adams goal, as Ings lofted a perfectly judged cross in, which evaded  the Everton central duo. He was also crucial to the opener as he smartly linked up with Ward-Prowse, before the latter’s crashing drive across Jordan Pickford.

Ings showed examples of nifty footwork at times too, which had a positive effect in demonstrating the art of the possible to a hesitant Nathan Redmond. Although Redmond grew into the game after an ineffectual opening period, he visibly gained confidence after seeing the skill and direct running of teammate Ings. The leadership, relentless pressing and unselfish nature of Ings can be unusual characteristics in a striker but it appears he derives as much pleasure from being creator as he does scoring.