Following a dismal performance from the hosts, Southampton were afforded breathing space in the relegation battle at the bottom of the table, pulling five points clear from the drop zone after a 1-0 away victory over Brighton at the Amex.
This South Coast derby was likely one of the most reserved matches of the entire season as both managers approached the match cautiously. Although chances were scarce in the first half, Southampton looked more likely to score in the opening moments of the match.
The early pressure from the Saints was not rewarded until the second half however when Yves Bissouma was caught in possession allowing Nathan Redmond to speed towards goal in search of a breakthrough. The former Norwich man was a constant bother for Brighton’s back line and his dash towards goal ended in the winger laying off the ball for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who slotted the ball past Mat Ryan.
The Seagulls who had been playing what might have been some of the dullest football the Amex has witnessed this season came to life after the Dane’s goal and quickly began their forays in the Saints half of the pitch. Knockaert, whose recent form has impressed, almost curled in a strike from outside the box shortly after the opening goal but narrowly missed.
The hosts would continue to haplessly plug away throughout the rest of the second half and although Martin Montoya’s brilliant strike late in the second half almost resulted in the equalizer, it would seem luck was on Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side as Hughton remained unable to unlock Southampton’s defensive line.
The Saints left the Amex with three points that will help them feel a little more optimistic about their hopes of being in the Premier League next season while Hughton and his Seagulls were likely left feeling ashamed of the disastrous performance in front of their own fans.
Football without risks
Before the match, Glenn Murray mentioned to the press that this was a “must not lose” match. Why the Englishman chose that phrase over “must win” is absolutely baffling, but nevertheless, the phrase describes Brighton’s most recent football perfectly.
Hughton’s reserved tactics have been disastrous, and instead of pushing for a victory at home, the Englishman was happy to let his team sit back and absorb Southampton’s pressure – unsurprisingly, that tactic ended in yet another humiliating defeat. The mentality and tactics Hughton is currently implementing are toxic as the Seagulls cannot afford to have a “must not lose” mentality when relegation is loudly calling their names.
Brighton have to take risks in upcoming matches and if they are going to try the same tactics at Stamford Bridge during the week they might as well forfeit. It’s all very dull from the Seagulls at the moment and unfortunately, the manager seems to be fine with dull as long as it works.
Southampton should be safe
Unlike their hosts, the Saints pushed desperately for a win, realizing that the outcome of the match could very well decide whether they will be playing Championship football next season. Their efforts were rewarded as they are now level with Brighton on points and could potentially leapfrog their South Coast rivals in the coming weeks.
However, hopefulness has the potential to destroy the progress of any team in the relegation zone and it is crucial that Hasenhüttl makes it known to his players how important the coming weeks of football will be. Indeed, their next match against Liverpool will test their abilities and their resolve and could be crucial at both ends of the table.
The energy coming from the team and the manager definitely has the potential to carry the Saints through the rest of the season. The finish line is within sight for Hasenhüttl, but he must make sure they do not stumble on their way there.
Could Hughton’s job be at stake?
Who could replace Hughton at the Amex? No names come to mind immediately and perhaps this is why the Englishman has managed to keep his spot. Still, questions remain over whether he can take Brighton to the next level.
If one takes a look at managers like Nuno Espirito Santo or Javi Gracia, both managers stepped into Premier League football without much experience, but they have been quite successful thanks to their tactics and the mentality they instill in their players. Hughton has had experience in England and has played dull football for most of the season whilst also giving away the mid-table spot his team had earlier in the season.
After Saturday’s match Hughton mentioned that “if the [his] players are not up” for the match against Chelsea they would lose. It’s an obvious statement, but also one that implies that the players are supposed to motivate themselves. Hughton’s job as a manager is to instill desire into his players, but his words and the recent results could definitely fool one into thinking he’s forgotten this.
Considering the desperate times at the Amex, it may be time for the Englishman to visit Solksjaer and ask what he did to inspire a lacklsutre United. But in all seriousness, Hughton must change the current routine for his sake and the sake of his team.
Southampton – smart play, smart players
Players that had looked dead before Hasenhüttl’s arrival have suddenly blossomed. Nathan Redmond in particular looked very dangerous on Saturday and his quick feet and decision making was what gave the Saints a second consecutive victory.
The high press Southampton’s manager has employed has brought out the best in many of his players and Ward Prowse and Redmond are just two names on the long list of players that have improved since the new manager’s arrival.
The back line has also improved massively and what was once a porous defense has been more secure while also offering more in attack. The combination of adventurous play and talented players has paid dividends for the Saints and recent performances such as the narrow defeat to Manchester United and Saturday’s win over Brighton are evidence that Southampton are moving in the right direction.
