Southampton lacking a clinical edge in the final third will be a ‘big concern’ for Ralph Hasenhuttl, says transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Underwhelming start
The Saints have made a disappointing start to the new Premier League season, having found the back of the net just seven times, leaving them 14th in the table and just three points above relegation.
The Austrian has opted for the attacking partnership of Adam Armstrong and Che Adams in recent matches, but the duo have only managed to score three goals between them.
The Latest: Hasenhuttl’s ‘big concern’
Asked by GiveMeSport about Southampton’s problems in the final third and what they could do to resolve them, Jones identified the pace of the build-up play behind the front men as the real issue:
“They are a lacking goal threat for sure and it’s a big concern because they really are not an exciting team to watch most of the time.
“They need some life in this team, but they seem to play so slowly and Hasenhuttl has to rectify that.”
The Verdict: Time to take advantage
Before the World Cup in November, the Saints have a real opportunity to capitalise on some of their upcoming fixtures and try to take maximum points.
The south coast outfit have got games against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton, all of which are more than winnable with those clubs each lying in a similar position in the league table.
Summer signing Sekou Mara is yet to get off the mark, and he will be hoping to make an impression after the international break in a bid to help his side regain some decent form.