In the away fixture against Thomas Frank's Brentford, Southampton faced another defeat in the Premier League after conceding three goals in the match. Although, the Saints were decent for most part of the game, defensive mistakes kept Russell Martin's side away from taking a draw in the third matchday. However, there was a big positive for Southampton towards the end of the match.
The Saints haven't scored a Premier League goal since securing promotion from the Championship playoffs last season. With Brentford leading 3-0, young talent Tyler Dibling created a good chance which was scored by Yukinari Sugawara with a brilliant finish to make the score 3-1 at full time. This is Southampton’s first goal in the new Premier League season and a first Saints goal for new signing Sugawara.
Yukinari Sugawara thanks the fans after scoring his first goal for Southampton
The Japan international joined Southampton in this transfer window from Dutch side Alkmaar for a £5 million transfer fee. The 24-year-old has been one of the best emerging right back in European football after his impressive four seasons at Alkmaar. Now, after scoring his first Southampton goal, Sugawara thanked the fans for their support, saying,
"I love the Southampton fans, I hope they love me back more."Yukinari Sugawara
In the three matches of the new season, Sugawara has been a good signing for Russell Martin's side. With his blistering pace going forward and a great recovery pace, Sugawara's versatility allows Southampton to advance the ball inside the final third as well as gives manager Russell Martin, the tactical flexibility of playing three centre backs as well. Alongside Kyle Walker Peters on the opposite left flank, Sugawara can participate in the build up play in order to increase the goal scoring chances for Southampton.
Although, the Saints are nineteenth in the Premier League table, they need to improve their tactics and find a good balance in the lineup to start winning games.