Five takeaways from Southampton’s five-star demolition of Millwall | OneFootball

Southampton roared back from an early setback to put five past Millwall. According to Sainstmarching.com, five clear lessons emerged as they moved out of the relegation zone and onto a positive points tally for the first time this campaign.

They trailed 1-0 inside 15 minutes, then replied remorselessly. Cyle Larin struck twice, with Finn Azaz, Leo Scienza and Tom Fellows also on target.

Fellows finally netted his first Saints goal almost a year after signing. New arrival Divin Mubama nearly nicked the finish as it squeezed past Max Crocombe, but the winger rightly claimed it.

Head coach Tonda Eckert, 33, outmanoeuvred Millwall’s overloads. He set his midfield to go man for man against the Lions, inviting turnovers and springing into the spaces on transition, an approach that underpinned several goals.

There was emotion too as James Ward-Prowse returned when Flynn Downes departed at half-time with a cut to the head. Ward-Prowse helped Cam Bragg steer midfield and close the game down.

Azaz delivered one of his standout displays. He tapped in after a Scienza surge, created a fine goal for Larin and earned the penalty that Scienza converted from 12 yards.

The result lifted Eckert’s side above relegated West Ham United and Burnley despite starting on -4 points. If they maintain momentum and perhaps retain Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who was omitted amid transfer scrutiny, the Championship is going to be in trouble. Next up is Birmingham City at St Andrew’s as the window closes.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”