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Brighton vs Southampton: A tactical and statistical analysis of Saints’ win

By Marc Walker

Southampton's English defender Kyle Walker-Peters (L) is fouled by Brighton's English midfielder Solly March (R) leading to a penalty during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on December 7, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / 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 MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's English defender Kyle Walker-Peters (L) is fouled by Brighton's English midfielder Solly March (R) leading to a penalty during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on December 7, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / 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 MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Jan Bednarek of Southampton (2L) and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (R) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Jan Bednarek of Southampton (2L) and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (R) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Southampton got back on track and lifted themselves up the table to fifth after a 2-1 win over Brighton on Monday evening.

A disorganised first-half showing saw them fall behind to a Pascal Gross penalty, but Jannik Vestergaard’s header handed Saints a lifeline on the stroke of half-time.

A much better second-half display brought back control for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side though and they were able to work their way into the lead – albeit thanks to a penalty that caused controversy.

It is always said that a good team wins when they have no played to their full potential though, and that’s what Saints did as they moved back to within four points of Spurs at the top of the Premier League.

Here is a tactical and statistical look at how their win came about: