Southampton held 1-1 at Lincoln: five takeaways from a frustrating afternoon | OneFootball

Southampton’s momentum stalled with a 1-1 draw at Lincoln City, a second straight 1-1, leaving five clear takeaways before Swansea City.

Welington’s long-range strike put Saints ahead before Lincoln’s late pressure forced a leveller in the final 20 minutes. According to Sainstmarching.com, Tonda Eckert’s side were too easily stifled.

Keven Schlotterbeck excelled in his third start, leading the game for touches, hitting five passes into the final third and winning all four ground duels plus five of nine aerials. The decision now is who partners him, with Jack Stephens, Nathan Wood or Zach Abbott.

With James Ward-Prowse on set pieces, rotation at left-back feels viable. Given a first start of the season at Sincil Bank, Welington delivered a screamer and strengthened his claim.

Eckert’s changes backfired. Sam Edozie and Divin Mubama replaced Leo Scienza and Cyle Larin but could not hold the ball, then Nathan Wood for Kuryu Matsuki formed a back five that ceded control.

Squad depth is a concern. Edozie had publicly asked to leave on Instagram earlier in the week before returning, and Lewis Dobbin, 23, was underwhelming and is still awaiting a Championship start.

Flynn Downes, 27, has been outstanding after extra summer work and he bristled at protecting a lead, said Lincoln’s direct style does not suit Saints and demanded that starters and subs step up quickly.

Downes wore the armband against Birmingham City. Attention now turns to Swansea City and Eckert’s choices, with the captaincy down to who partners Schlotterbeck.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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