Southampton have had a – in no other words – ‘good’ start to the season under new manager Claude Puel.
Not bad, but not great. Good. In a way the Saints have exceeded many people’s expectations, as after a summer of once again selling their prized assets, they seem to have invested well, recuperated and seemingly come back no less strong than before.
Impenetrable during September, Southampton didn’t concede a single goal, and while that record hasn’t lasted into October and November, they are still looking a dominant unit at the back.
That unit has seen them record historic wins over Inter Milan and Sparta Prague in their first modern European football campaign.
One of their biggest issues as of late, however, is that they aren’t scoring many goals, with Charlie Austin seemingly the only source for them.
With an extra cutting edge in front of goal, you can’t help but feel that the Saints results would match their performances and they could be sitting much higher in the Premier League table than 10th.
Is January the time to sort this problem? Our locals at the Tavern think so, so it could be a case of two-in and two-out at St Mary’s?
OUT – Jay Rodriguez
Once the golden boy at St. Mary’s, Rodriguez has really struggled to rediscover his form since his lengthy lay off from injury.
The Englishman’s impact upon return has been minimal, and the players he linked up with so well before his injury such as Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Sadio Mane have all left the club for pastures new.
IN – Paul-Georges Ntep
Southampton already have options out wide, however get rid of one and it seems sensible enough to replace him with another.
Rennes winger Paul-Georges Ntep has attracted attention from a host of European clubs, none less so than Southampton, thanks to his pacy displays on the wing for the Ligue 1 outfit.
Four assists already this season is a promising start to the campaign.
OUT – Jordy Clasie
Just like Southampton’s season so far, Clasie has been a good addition to the Saints squad.
Has he mad a major impact however?
No, unfortunately not.
The Dutchman is more often than not second fiddle behind Oriel Romeu, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Steven Davis, and tends not to have too big of an impact when given game time.
IN – Morgan Schneiderlin
Oh how the Saints faithful would love to see this man back in the Red and White stripes.
While his move away was controversial and angered some fans, nobody would deny how influential he was on the club’s success during his tenure.
It looks now as if his playing days are dwindling at Manchester United, so why would he not return to his former stomping ground?
