The key reason why Southampton managed a first Premier League clean-sheet

While striker Adam Armstrong put an end to his struggling Premier League form by scoring his first league goal this season, the defence also had a huge role to play in this all-round 1-0 win. Previously, Southampton often conceded several goals inside a few minutes whenever their Premier League opponents took a 1-0 lead in the match.

Thus, Russell Martin's side clearly knew that they need to avoid conceding any goal in the match, which meant registering a first clean-sheet in the league. Keeping a clean-sheet was a significant task for Southampton, who were one of the three teams alongside Wolves and Brentford who were yet to register their first clean-sheet in the ongoing season.

The key reason why Southampton managed a first Premier League clean-sheet

Mostly, Southampton started their build up play from the defence and often attempted a few passes even when their opponents were implementing their high-pressing tactics near the Southampton box. This regularly led to a few misplaced passes and Russell Martin's side would concede their first few goals in the similar pattern.

However, against Everton, the Southampton defence made a number of important clearances whenever needed instead of continuing the build up play while being surrounded by a few Everton forwards. This played a key role in Southampton's ambitions to keep a first Premier League clean-sheet as they reduced the number of misplaced passes and as a result, didn't gave much ball-possession inside their own half.

A lot of Premier League analysts and former players criticised manager Russell Martin for implementing his possession-based tactical setup, but here, the defence displayed brilliant game awareness and decision making as well. Now, after securing the first Premier League win, Southampton will look forward to preparing for their away fixture against Wolves and another win with a significant goal-difference could lead them to stay away from the relegation-zone as well.

Unlike Southampton, Wolves are yet to take their first clean-sheet and Russell Martin's side need to build on their momentum with this 1-0 win to score a few goals in the next match and secure consecutive Premier League wins for the first time in the ongoing season.