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Game week 22nd kicked off in a fascinating style with Sunderland desperate for 3 points and Southampton trying to get the upper hand in the mid-table.
Prior to the encounter, Sunderland recorded 8 points from possible 15.So, Sunderland were on the positive run before coming into the match considering they were struggling at the bottom of the table. Elsewhere, Southampton registered only 6 points from possible 15 before entering in the field, given they were expected to push for at least 7th spot in the EPL.
And certainly, Southampton’s first half performance demonstrated why they were believed to put pressure on the big boys in England. They showed precise one touch passing, excellent pressing game and superb counter-attacking skills during the first half.
So, today, I will try to illuminate few things we learnt from the game.
1) Clubs should learn from Southampton:
Prior to 2013-14 Premier League season, Southampton were dubbed as a below average team. 4 years ago, they were fighting in the lower leagues to get a top flight status. But, today, they are not only in the Premier League but also playing beautiful, easy on the eye football on the field. The key thing I want to point out here is that Southampton has been fielding 5 or more players who are English, on consecutive basis. They are encouraging young blood, predominantly, English, to display the talent they have, on the football field.
They are taking positive strides towards the upper end of the table and along the way they are trying to blossom the future of English football.
If FA notices these things they will be encouraged to try and bring a foreign player quota in the playing eleven in the future considering the past failures of English national team.
And you all know the saying, “You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.”
So, it’s something FA should try to bring in for the bright future of senior English team.
2) Altidore is not good enough for EPL :
: With unsatisfactory outing in the first spell with Hull city, Altidore was given 2nd chance to shine and lead the black cats in EPL. More than 50% of analysts expected him to do well in his 2nd spell with the black cats. Judging the physical prowess of Altidore many considered his return as a mature one. But he has been nothing else than disappointing.
He was quiet for the 70 minutes he played. He was found marking space on the corner when Sunderland conceded the 2nd goal.
On the fair note for Altidore, Sunderland were poor for the first half and overall they haven’t created good chances for their attackers since the beginning of the season. But, if you have to get out of the bottom you need your strikers to do more.
Following are the stats of Altidore so far in EPL
| Apps | Goals | Chances Created | Shot Accuracy | Avg pass accuracy | Avg pass length | Avg duels won | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 19 | 1 | 16 | 64% | 68% | 14m | 37% | 1 | 3 | 0 |
But is he good enough? I don’t think so!
3) Home form is critical for Sunderland
Sunderland demonstrated survival instincts in the 2nd off. Sunderland put relentless pressure on the visitors in final 45 minutes and their fans played a big role in the comeback.
If Sunderland are to avoid relegation they have to take advantage of the remaining games they have to play at their Home turf. They have 8 home games remaining and if they take around 20 points from possible 24, mathematically they will be very close to the survival.
Under Gus Poyet, Sunderland have shown good organisation skills and defensive qualities. He has raised the spirit in the camp. And, if they are to extend their stay in EPL, they should be more clinical at the stadium of lights.
4) Lovren’s injury is a big blow for Southampton
Lovren was stretchered off the field during the closing stages of the match. Though there is no update on how serious the injury is, the reports say that he has been hospitalized.
Prior to coming into the match, Southampton had one of the best defensive records in epl. They had established a good balance between their defense and attack.
He has been probably the best signing for the Saints and one of the best defenders in epl this season. He has showed great passing skills for a defender. He is always a threat on the set piece and has displayed maturity, good reading of the game,excellent aerial ability.
Following are the stats of Lovren after the match he played against Sunderland
| Apps | Goals | Chances Created | Shot Accuracy | Avg pass accuracy | Avg pass length | Avg duels won | Avg defensive actions | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 20 | 2 | 4 | 23% | 82% | 22m | 60% | 11 | 4 | 0 |
