When Southampton went 1-0 down inside 15 minutes against Millwall, there was a feeling inside St Mary’s that it could potentially be a long afternoon ahead.
Tonda Eckert’s team had other ideas and came back in style by thumping five goals past a helpless Lions defence.
Goals from Cyle Larin (who scored twice), Finn Azaz, Leo Scienza, and a first in Saints colours for Tom Fellows led to jubilant scenes on the south coast as they soared out of the relegation zone onto a positive points tally for the first time this campaign.
We’ve taken five lessons from the five-star performance that Southampton and their fans can use as they enter the final days of the transfer window and a meeting with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
Tom Fellows can score!
One of the most poignant moments of the game, and there were a few, was when Tom Fellows finally bagged his first Southampton goal. Almost exactly a year on from his signing for the club and many missed opportunities later, the 23-year-old managed to hit the back of the net.
Fellows’ goal was nearly comically stolen by new Saints signing Divin Mubama, who almost touched the ball as it made its way through goalkeeper Max Crocombe. It went down as a Tom Fellows goal nevertheless, and St Mary’s couldn’t have been happier for the ex-Baggie as he wheeled away in celebration after encouragement from his teammates.
Tonda Eckert remains an expert tactician
Millwall committed players forward in abundance in an attempt to overload Southampton and bypass their press. Tonda Eckert stopped that from happening.
The 33-year-old head coach ordered his midfielders to take a man-to-man approach with the Lions’ central players, and then hoped the Saints players would nick the ball back and counter into the space left behind. It worked a treat, with a number of Southampton’s goals coming from the transition.
Ward-Prowse return not just sentimental
It was another emotional moment as former Southampton captain and Academy product James Ward-Prowse made his return to the club as Flynn Downes went off at half-time with a cut to the head.
Ward-Prowse’s name was serenaded around St Mary’s, and his signing was backed up by an expert performance, where he helped Cam Bragg control the midfield and marshal Saints to victory.
One of Finn Azaz’s best games
When Finn Azaz is good, he’s good. It’s becoming a common occurrence for Southampton now, with the ex-Middlesbrough man motoring in games and almost looking incapable of losing possession at times.
Azaz couldn’t miss when he was handed a tap-in after Leo Scienza’s marauding run, but set up Cyle Larin for a wonderful goal and won Saints a penalty, returning the favour to Scienza, who bagged from 12 yards.
Championship is Southampton’s oyster
It’s clear to see Southampton are an excellent side, and that will make them feel all the more hungry as they fight for the promotion that was taken away from them by an independent commission panel in May.
Tonda Eckert’s side overtook relegated West Ham United and Burnley with the win against Millwall, despite starting on -4 points in the league. If they can keep the momentum going and perhaps retain Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who was left out once again amid transfer scrutiny, the Championship is going to be in trouble this season.
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