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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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Ward-Prowse produces from another set-piece

After seeing so many of James Ward-Prowse’s set-pieces paying off for Saints this season, I had an in-depth look at his production levels from a dead ball since Ralph Hasenhuttl arrived as manager.

My research found that 36.1% of his free-kicks in the final third produce either a goal, assist, a shot on target or create a chance. This drops to 18.6% for corners but it was one of these that produced a lifeline for Saints last night.

An arcing delivery from the right from the captain met the head of Jannik Vestergaard and the Dane buried an excellent header into the far corner – by far the most positive moment for the visitors of the first-half.

Praise must go to a number of important players in setting up these set-piece situations.

Ward-Prowse’s pinpoint deliveries are key of course, but the likes of Vestergaard deserve plaudits for intelligent movement and excellent finishes. The Saints coaching staff, who Hasenhuttl reserved a mention for in his post-match interviews, also help to highlight opportunities to score and specific routines that could prove fruitful.