RALPH Hasenhuttl’s style of play appears to have been fully implemented with statistics revealing that no team has made more tackles in the attacking third than Saints during the opening three fixtures.
The Premier League’s own stats place Saints fifth in the leaderboard for most tackles made altogether, alongside Leeds United with 59.
Only Brighton, Brentford and Wolves have made more – but 20 of those Saints tackles have come in the attacking third, where Hasenhuttl wants the likes of Adam Armstrong and Che Adams to get stuck in and win the ball back.
The next highest are Brighton and Chelsea, both on 11, with Wolves and Brentford having made 10 tackles in the opposition third themselves.
Read more
Southampton 2021-22 summer transfer window. Verdict/opinion
International diary: When and where Southampton stars play
Time/date of Southampton's Carabao Cup Sheffield United trip
That’s nine more tackles made in the attacking third, almost 100% more than any other side in the Premier League.
Oriol Romeu and Jack Stephens have been Saints’ top tacklers so far this season, with 20 of the total between them – but Adams and Moussa Djenepo have made another five each, with a handful coming up towards the opposition goal.
Both of Saints’ first two goals in the 2021-22 Premier League season came from high-press tackles in the opposition half courtesy of Adams, at Everton, and Stephens in the Manchester United clash at St Mary’s.
However, the only stats that are important are points, really, and so far Saints have just the two from the opening three games.
While Hasenhuttl’s vision is clear to see within the Saints squad, supporters will hope to see a first win put on the board when West Ham visit Southampton on Saturday 11 September, following the international break.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel