That exodus came, how are we looking?

 

Three games into the season, a sense that Southampton’s new identity is taking shape. The anticipated exodus is underway and on the pitch the voids left by departures are being filled.

All three recognised central midfielders from last season - Diallo, Lavia & JWP - have left the club this summer creating a shortage in this position. Enter Will Smallbone. Having spent last season in the Championship with Stoke, he emerged as one of the first names on the team sheet for this season. Excelling against both Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City in his role as a deep lying playmaker.

Typically he left the field against Norwich injured and likely out for a month.

Shea Charles presumably deputises in this role against Plymouth on Saturday - Charles whom had been signed to replace Lavia now the sole central midfielder available to start. 

Appreciate the caveats that the Flynn Downes deal may be completed in time for Saturdays match and that Stu Armstrong & Alcaraz both featured in central midfield against Norwich. It is perhaps naive to assume Downes can stroll straight into a starting place without the training time to establish the ‘connections’ that is RM’s preference. Stu and Charly both offer attacking impetus but offer little defensive stability, potentially leaving Charles as a ‘one man band’ in front of the defense.

I do believe the midfield Saturday will comprise of Charles, Alcaraz and Stu with the same level of chaotic, end to end football as the weekend before to be expected. Downes, if available, may feature later in the game to replace a tiring Stu.

Clearly the midfield has seen an overhaul given personnel changes however in JWP you lose far more than a name on the team sheet. Captain, penalty and general set piece taker are all roles that needing filling. It appears we have.

Jack Stephens was named as the new captain. From the outside looking in he appears adept at organising those around him on the pitch, in previous seasons he was responsible for collecting fines amongst the playing squad and most importantly Martin backs him.

While JWP wasn’t prolific from the spot, at least you knew who was stepping up to take penalties. Thankfully against Norwich we were treated to finding out who has taken the mantle. 

Adam Armstrong confidently dispatching two spot kicks against former Saint Angus Gunn - now 3 goals in 2 games for Adarma.

In pre season we were treated to glimpses of new set piece takers, notably Ryan Manning whipping a free kick in for Charles to score against Bournemouth. For the first time in a long time it appears Southampton may have some variety in their set piece approach.

Corners against Norwich split between Manning and Smallbone depending on the side of the pitch, both firing in-swingers towards the opposition box. The pair sharing free kick duty too, Smallbone’s free kick delivery resulting in penalty number 1 last Saturday. Attacking set pieces offered optimism going forward although as early mentioned the Smallbone injury might scupper this.

With Stephens as captain, Armstrong on penalties & Manning/Smallbone on set pieces that four players to replace the void left by ever reliable JWP. A lot of change so far and there’s an overarching sense that it’s not done yet.