Southampton: Fans love Alex McCarthy’s comment on win vs Sheff Utd

Southampton claimed another Premier League win when they saw off Sheffield United 3-0 on Sunday afternoon and lifted themselves into the top four in the process.

2,000 happy Saints supporters were in attendance too and witnessed their side playing for the first time in nine months.

The visiting Blades defended deep at St Mary’s and attempted to to scrap for something to add to their one point so far this season, but Saints proved far too strong and patiently waited for the right moments to strike.

It seems that one man in particular who enjoyed the dominant performance was Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

After playing in a game where he did not have to make a save, he tweeted this:

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McCarthy’s lack of action in his own goalmouth was partly due to Saints controlling the flow of the game and partly due to Sheffield United’s inability to create much at all when looking to reply.

The 31-year-old was active in terms of passing out from the back though and made more passes than nine of Sheffield United’s players after completing 22 of his attempted 24.

In many ways, this sums up what Saints have become.

McCarthy looks a much bigger presence when Saints are defending and his improved confidence – part of playing in a highly successful team at the minute – sees him regularly claiming crosses, making strong saves and making himself available for a pass back.

Last season, the situation was a lot different. The rest of the Saints team would often leave McCarthy isolated in his own penalty area – meaning that there was plenty of space for the opposition behind the backline.

It is clear that a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to turn McCarthy into a modern day goalkeeper who is very capable with his feet now. Ralph Hasenhuttl has praised his coaching staff recently and it is clear that the setup around the players is really paying dividends right now.