Three Things We Learned from Southampton’s Stunning 4–3 Comeback at Leicester | OneFootball

Southampton have arguably just completed one of the best Championship comebacks in recent history. Their opponents, Leicester City, look set to be in deep trouble for the remainder of the season.

Has Head Coach Tonda Eckert finally ignited a spark? Why must the Saints continue this resurgence in form? Let’s take a look at three things learnt after that hectic but memorable display at the King Power.

1. A Tactical Masterclass

Trailing 3-0 in 29 minutes is unacceptable. Yet, that second half showed no sign of giving up in the slightest. His three substitutions at the start of the second half – Shea Charles, Ross Stewart and Kuryu Matsuki – had a direct impact, showed no desire for damage control, and set the tone for a remarkable turnaround.

Ross Stewart came on and provided the physical profile that was desperately being cried out for. Cameron Archer’s dismal 45-minute performance may have further damaged his case, given the stark contrast of the team’s performance when he exited the field.

The first goal was a culmination of this. Three Leicester players sat close to Stewart before a cross came in. Stewart pounced, responding first and flicking it behind him into the far corner.

One of Eckert’s first decisions as Southampton’s interim head coach in November was the reintroduction of centre-back Jack Stephens. The stats showed that the defence was stronger when he was present, and Eckert’s initial decision has hugely paid off. The captain was pivotal, with his brilliantly taken goal, but also his leadership in guiding the side to victory.

2. Are Leicester in the relegation conversation?

Sitting on an equal points tally as 22nd, the Foxes are in desperate times. Once they had conceded the first goal, there seemed to be a sense of predictability; it felt as if the fans knew what was coming.

Blackburn occupy 22nd with a game in hand. Portsmouth have three games in hand and already sit one point above Leicester. These factors will be looming over the entire club. From performing as the best of the three promoted sides in the Premier League last season, they now find themselves firmly in a relegation fight.

This downfall has truly shown the consequences of their disastrous ownership, evident in their mental collapse when the Saints began to fight back, with zero shots on target after Southampton reduced the deficit to 3-1.

Without a win in six, alongside their recent points deduction, Leicester need a new manager to steer them out of this mess: staying up isn’t a priority but a financial necessity.

3. Saints’ Squad Selection

Tonight showed many things – most notably, the players who were willing to put their bodies on the line when the game demanded it.

Players like Shea Charles, Ryan Manning, and recent signing Cyle Larin all showed their quality and determination. While this is by no means looking to undermine someone like Welington, who has been superb recently. Rather, it shows that when rotation is necessary, Eckert needs to trust these players to step up more often.

Four wins from five have shown a resurgence back to the prior form under Tonda Eckert. The Saints are currently just one point behind sixth, and this recent turn in form has elevated Southampton into the places they desire and fight for: the play-offs.

From 3-0 down to celebrating a 4-3 victory, Eckert has constructed a perfect comeback – one that will live long in the history of Saints fans. Momentum has shifted once again, and Southampton suddenly look like a side that believes they can go all the way.