Three Things We Learnt After Southampton’s Second Triumph Over Leicester In Just 5 Days | OneFootball

It’s another defeat for Leicester at the hands of the Saints this week. Foxes manager Andy King appeared keen to move on from Tonda Eckert, with his brief post-match handshake reflecting a frustrating afternoon for Leicester.

A youthful Southampton took on and performed comfortably against a mostly senior Leicester. Eckert, previously being the under-21s manager, trusted his former players and came out successful as a result – but what did we learn after today’s FA Cup fourth-round clash?

1. Saints’ Strikers…

A first start for Cyle Larin led to his second goal in red and white. A calm and composed penalty gave Southampton the lead before half-time. His striker partner – Cameron Archer – struggled to get to grips with the game. His lack of physicality has been spotlighted this season; it’s been a problem since he first signed, but his inability to settle in England’s second tier leaves a summer departure appearing increasingly possible, given he looked set to leave in January.

Southampton enjoyed successful periods with Adam Armstrong as the central striker this season under Eckert, so it rightfully sparks concerns about Archer’s continued struggles to make a consistent impact.

Both Cyle Larin and Scotsman Ross Stewart are likely to be rotated ahead of the last fourteen games of the season. Their ability to hold up play, contribute in build-up, and provide a goal threat is key moving forward. Whether Archer gets more opportunities is ultimately up to squad injuries providing him with chances to break into the side again.

2. Cameron Bragg Has To Be Given More Chances

The youngster made his season debut against Charlton in a 5-1 win, where he played excellently – and today was just as good, if not better.

Bragg wasn’t shy to receive in the initial phase, providing a sense of composure and security in possession, pairing well with fellow midfielder Oriol Romeu, who had his first start of the season. Tonda Eckert has been a big admirer of the Saints academy graduate, labelling him a “top professional”.

And he’s right. A total of 5 under-21 players featured for Southampton this afternoon, each working hard and playing throughout extra time. Bragg played the entire 120 minutes, while players such as winger Sufianu Sillah Dibaga and central midfielder Barnaby Williams excited the fans with their effective cameos.

Another very promising game for the academy.

3. Leicester Need a Manager

While it seems obvious, it currently remains that Leicester aren’t in the financial position to hire a new manager. It’s desperately needed if they are to stay up, though. While today was a cup clash, their previous appearance against the Saints in midweek highlighted off-the-field issues bleeding onto the pitch.

They were able to limit Southampton better today; however, when you consider Eckert had made 10 changes to his starting eleven and made a further six substitutions, Leicester weren’t capable of capitalising on a massively disjointed side. Andy King has yet to yield a win, and the ownership is in turmoil. It’s worrying times for Leicester, but a new manager could be the glimmer of hope to spark their end-of-season.

Wide play was where they were most effective, especially on the left-hand side with Stephy Mavididi. Constantly playing it centrally to either Ayew or Daka, with their backs to the goal, led to little attacking impact. This was due to the aggressiveness of Southampton’s centre-backs, with Joshua Quarshie often following the striker when they dropped deeper.

After their equaliser, a brilliantly taken bicycle kick by midfielder Oliver Skipp, they lacked the cutting edge to push further. Half chances from set pieces will have left a sour feeling, especially after a late Saints free kick found James Bree to score the winner.

Southampton are enjoying a brilliant spell of form – at the perfect time too. Play-offs are in their sights, and with another cup clash in the next round, it provides a crucial opportunity for both senior and youth players looking to break into the squad. It could be a blessing for Leicester, though, with fewer games in their schedule allowing them to focus on the task at hand in the league.