Since changing to a four-at-the-back system against Sheffield United, Tonda Eckert’s Southampton side have taken seven points from nine in the Sky Bet Championship, against the Blades, rivals Portsmouth, and Stoke City, respectively.
In his latest press conference, Eckert explained why new striker Cyle Larin was brought in - and how important he’ll be in the side continuing to play this successful back four formation.
Back four to continue?
With an unorthodox striker in Adam Armstrong exiting the club for Wolverhampton Wanderers, the signing of a bigger-profile Cyle Larin makes sense.
Tonda Eckert explained why Larin was signed in his pre-Watford press conference, "I think size and physicality has not necessarily been one of our qualities [so far this season], especially if we play with two centre-backs" - all but suggesting the Saints are set to continue with this 4-2-3-1 in the long-term.
While it was not a big window in terms of incomings, the German will be happy that his squad is ready to compete, whilst not being as bloated in terms of numbers as it was.
Another player who will be instrumental in playing this back four for Southampton is centre back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who attracted Premier League interest during the winter transfer window.
Despite incoming offers from West Ham, Harwood-Bellis had one of his best games of the season against Stoke City. "Excellent. [on Harwood-Bellis] Especially last weekend, there are not many players that can play that pass for the goal, it opens up the whole game for us. He has taken on more and more responsibility," Eckert raved about the England international.
The Saints look in decent shape to push on, and things can only get better for a side sitting eight places and seven points off the play-off spots.
A squad raring to go
Tonda Eckert spoke on Southampton’s team availability ahead of Saturday’s home game against Watford: "Good. I think as good as it can be. The only one seeing the specialist today is Mads [Roerslev]. The rest of the squad is looking good."
The only other player seemingly set to sit out is young winger Jay Robinson, who is set to miss the game through “minor issues”. This could be a great opportunity for Sam Edozie, who has been out of the picture all season, to come back in and win the left-winger backup spot behind Leo Scienza.
But on the whole, things are looking up in the short term for Southampton, despite a seven-game winless run just two weeks ago.
A new formation, a new striker, and new hopes of kicking on for the Saints.