Southampton’s extraordinary ascension to the top of the Premier League table was completed in ruthless style against a woefully poor Newcastle side.
Although Saints do not expect to remain long in the dizzying heights of first place, it is safe to say that their temporary occupation on the summit of the table sparked unbridled joy amongst the fanbase.
Their triumph came at St Mary’s by virtue of a 2-0 victory over Steve Bruce’s Newcastle team, themselves fresh from beating Everton last weekend. Whilst Hasenhuttl briefly lamented the lack of goals scored in his post match interview, he was willing to allow himself a wry smile in light of their remarkable achievement.
Southampton fans would have to cast their minds back to 1988 to remember the last time the club occupied first place in top flight football.
There have since been various slights aimed towards Southampton fans on social media, suggesting they have a small club mentality in view of the way they have celebrated their moment in the sun.
However, for most football fans, especially in view of the recent discussions about breakaway leagues etc, this is a welcome and timely reminder regarding what the sport is ultimately about.
In an age beset with uncertainty, financial hardship, difficult decisions and health issues due to the ongoing pandemic, Southampton provided a brief and beautiful release, a moment of pure escapism for their fans. This is why sport is so important for all at all levels during this period of uncertainty and why, providing a safe and controlled environment can be ensured, as much outdoor sport as possible should continue.
With notable absences due to injury for Ryan Bertrand and Saints talisman, Danny Ings, there was an understandable trepidation when Newcastle flew into town. The Magpies have often been a bogey team for Southampton in recent years but well taken goals from Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong were sufficient to see off Newcastle.
Southampton played some sublime football at times, with slick one touch passing, breathless and direct running, coupled with relentless pressing all over the pitch. Newcastle manager Steve Bruce was honest post match in acknowledging that the better side won.
It is no exaggeration to say that the football was intoxicating but the most pleasing element of the performance was the camaraderie shown by the players. Adams and Walcott paired up to great effect, whilst Jack Stephens did an admirable job in the unfamiliar position of left back.
Stephens looked uncertain initially but grew into the game and stuck resolutely to his job. Stephens was cautious in possession but he played a significant part of Saints recycling the ball effectively. Many have been critical about Stephens in recent weeks but he responded magnificently with a calm and understated display.
Normally this column seeks to focus on three key players for Southampton but in this instance, it would be inappropriate to single out players. This was a complete performance, where every player acted as an essential cog in the machine.
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The pressing game favoured by Hasenhuttl only works when everyone buys in to the philosophy and it was evident for all to see that each player believes utterly in the Austrian’s gameplan. Although Armstrong and Adams will take the plaudits for their goals, equal credit should go to the collective effort for some clinical passing which split the Newcastle defence open mercilessly.
Bednarek and Vestergaard were outstanding, bullying in-form Callum Wilson, limiting him to the periphery of the game. They showed calmness and ambition with their passing, with the ever willing Romeu and Ward-Prowse willing to come deep to receive the ball.
The speed with which Saints turned defence into attack was frightening. The ability to transition quickly was helped by the raw pace of Walcott and Adams, as well as the intelligent running of Djenepo and Armstrong.
Hasenhuttl has talked in animated fashion about the red zone, a term traditionally used in American football, but here adapted for football. Carl Anka from the Atlantic explained it neatly in an article in February this year and for Hasenhuttl, it refers the the zones in front of the opposition back four.
Saints flooded that area against Newcastle, overwhelming their opponents with some sharp passing and clever movement. There is something very refreshing about the way the team are performing currently and no one typified it more than Moussa Djenepo did at St Mary’s.
Better known for his attacking play, the Malian winger offered defensive support to Stephens and made a number of important tackles. His energy was infectious and for many fans, seeing an attacking player dedicated to offering his teammate support.
Down the over flank, Kyle Walker-Peters maintained his excellent form with his willing running and tracking. At only 23 years old, it is hard to see the right back not improving further and he has already justified his relatively small transfer fee several times over.
Armstrong worked well in tandem with Walker-Peters, bring the play inside and by narrowing it, he dragged the Newcastle left back inwards. This gave the Saints right back plenty of space to run into as the Newcastle sought to limit Armstrong’s influence.
Ironically Armstrong’s passing was not at its best but he worked expertly in small pockets of space and by pressing high up the pitch, he forced an error from Longstaff for the second goal. After snatching the ball, he shimmied to his left and cut the shot back across the Newcastle keeper into the bottom right.
The central duo of Romeu and Ward-Prowse will be hard to dislodge from the team, even with the recent acquisition of Diallo. The pair make up a double pivot together and their partnership seems to be only improving.
Interestingly, they appear to be driving the other to improve. For example, Romeu’s shooting and passing is becoming noticeably more ambitious, whilst Ward-Prowse’s is tackling in a tougher fashion.
A word of praise needs reserving for Walcott and Adams partnered up front together in Ings’ absence. They toiled for the common cause, running directly at Newcastle defenders and smashing holes in their back line, whilst holding the ball up with clever flicks. The link up play for the first goal was characteristic of Southampton’s general play.
Walker-Peters did well to nick the ball in a dangerous position, before Walcott carried it and squared it to Che Adams. The Southampton striker smashed it first time in emphatic fashion, registering his third goal of the season. His growing confidence is evident for all to see, whilst Walcott’s excitement about his return to the South coast is palpable.
A final word for Alex McCarthy. The Southampton goal keeper had very little to do but when Joelinton sent a header towards the top right corner late on, McCarthy produced an astonishing save to preserve the lead.
He has earned four clean sheets in nine games, a wonderful achievement for an often maligned goalkeeper. As with the rest of his team, he is growing under Hasenhuttl’s direction as the Southampton manager creates his brave new world. Vive la revolution.