Saints centre forwards have only combined a total of 3 goals so far, and boss Will Still must unwrap summer transfer books to play with the idea of putting new signing Finn Azaz as a striker upfront.
No matter how unnatural it sounds, the recent EFL Cup elimination couldn't have come at a better time for the Saints. Because while it opens possibilities for reinforcement opportunities, it redirects the attention to their attack force, which has been pathetic lately.
Specifically, the embarrassing Armstrong and Léo Schienza's miss in the game was a concise picture of Southampton's season performance upfront. Ready for a disastrous stat? All 4 Saints centre-forwards have combined for just 3 goals so far.
Needless to say, this should serve as an alarm call for Saints strikers to up their game, but at this stage, boss Will Still can't be naive to let go of an opportunity to test a new number 9 upfront. And the best part is that all it might take is scrambling his summer transfer books.
Still needs to put Finn Azaz into the number 9 role
Many may not remember, but Fabrizio Romano had introduced new signing Finn Azaz as a "striker" to the Saints fanbase, and that's what should serve as an inspiration for Will Still now.
With his trust far beyond over in Ben Brereton, and the current combinations failing apart, Still can't be more motivated to throw Azaz with the number nine shirt on. Who knows, if the conventional attacking midfielder turns out to be a Josh Brownhill in disguise.
After all, having filled in on the spot discussed for Brownhill, Azaz definitely doesn't lack quality compared to the former. And even if not improving on Brownhill's mavericks, there's simply no reason Azaz can't repeat his last Championship spell for the Saints.
Well, agreed that with the next game scheduled against Middlesbrough, Azaz's change of roles comes as a risky bet. But even then, it doesn't get any earlier to test the Irishman as a striker, given Saints stand limited chances to get the better of the league leaders anyway.
In fact, personally, Azaz would be looking forward to this game to prove to his former side that he made the right decision in joining Southampton. And needless to say, what better shall it come with his inaugural goal at St. Mary's to take the side home.