James Bree’s resurgence powers Southampton as Nathan Wood finds form | OneFootball

Southampton toppled leaders Swansea City 3-1 at St. Mary's on Tuesday night, with James Bree’s revival front and centre.

According to Sainstmarching.com, the display underlined Tonda Eckert’s squad depth. The visitors arrived top having conceded only one goal all season. He brought on Kuryu Matsuki, who set up Leo Scienza’s clincher moments later, and Keven Schlotterbeck impressed again.

Once deemed an awkward fit, Bree is now a fixture at right-back. He endured three seasons of drip-fed minutes before a loan to Charlton Athletic at the start of 2025/26, reuniting with Nathan Jones, who also coached him for two games at Southampton.

Five goal contributions at Charlton prompted a recall and, under Eckert, he has revived a stalled Saints career. Since then he has lost only one Championship match when selected, producing three goals and four assists in 34 appearances. He signed a new contract this summer and remains central with little competition on the right.

A second redemption arc is building. Despite the deadline-day arrival of Zach Abbott, Nathan Wood partnered Schlotterbeck against Swansea. Last season brought only seven league starts in 2026, yet he already has four this term.

He was culpable for Lincoln City’s late equaliser at Sincil Bank, but against Swansea he posted 90% pass accuracy, won six tackles and duels, and helped build from the back. With no Taylor Harwood-Bellis, his starting berth is his to lose, and Bree and Wood are likely to begin again when Bristol City visit St. Mary's on Saturday.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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