Despite dominating the ball, Southampton were fruitless against Graham Alexander’s Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday, heading back to the south coast without a point to their name.
The Saints’ day started off terribly, as best centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck slipped and dislocated his shoulder in the 11th minute.
20 minutes later, Preston’s Jordan Thompson hit a sweet volley past Daniel Peretz, which ended up the match-winning goal.
We’ve taken five key learnings from the game that will leave Saints frustrated heading into another international break.
Another nightmare first half
Southampton’s first shot on target came in the fifth minute of added time in the first half, at the end of a period that proved frustrating for head coach Tonda Eckert’s side.
Like at West Brom in midweek, when Eckert noted the lack of preparation time ahead of the match, the Saints had no control over proceedings in the first 45, despite their possession; over half of their passes came in their own half.
First-half performances should be a key concern for Eckert and his coaching staff over the two-week break.
Schlotterbeck worries
Keven Schlotterbeck’s dislocated shoulder provides a real concern for Southampton.
This specific kind of injury often results in weeks sidelined, which could mean the international break has come at a good time for the Saints, as their most important defender begins recovery.
Physios at the club will aim to have Schlotterbeck back in the side for a huge match against fellow promotion contenders Middlesbrough at the end of the month, but it may be too soon.
Abbott stepped in well
Zach Abbott replaced Schlotterbeck in the 11th minute, moving Jack Stephens out to the left centre-back position.
Abbott, on loan from Nottingham Forest, gave Saints fans a first taste of what he can bring to the side in a central defensive position, and played rather well.
The 20-year-old won all of his ground and aerial duels, giving him a real claim for a spot in the team after the break.
Saints form against struggling sides
While they have a great record against the top teams this season, Southampton’s form against strugglers continues to disappoint.
Sides lower than them in the table: Waford, Lincoln, Wrexham, Bolton and Preston have all taken points off them, showing Eckert’s side’s struggles when forced to break down reinforced defences.
It’s an aspect of their game that may need a rethink - but without star striker Cyle Larin, it’s hard to be surprised at the lack of thunder against sides that sit deep and soak up pressure.
Mubama not rated
Southampton swung in 33 crosses against Preston North End, but none were converted.
You have to wonder why the Saints chose to put so many balls into the box, considering Cyle Larin was out through injury, and with Manchester City loanee Divin Mubama left on the bench until the 80th minute.
It appears Tonda Eckert just doesn’t rate his only fit and available striker, with 5’9” playmaker Lewis Dobbin being preferred centrally.
One piece of business the Saints must do in just under two months is sign a worthy backup to Cyle Larin in the transfer window.
The dynamic of the Canadian and Ross Stewart worked well last campaign; a similar partnership must be struck by technical director Johannes Spors as the transfer period edges closer.
For everybody at Staplewood, there will be plenty to chew over for the next couple of weeks.
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