Last time out Aston Villa impressed as they held the Premier League Champions to a point. Next up, the Saints travel to Villa Park in a crucial must win game for Gerrard and his players.
I spoke to Southampton fan, Dan Hargraves, to find out more about the Saints start to the season.
UTV PODCAST X DAN HARGRAVES
Southampton have enjoyed a fairly mixed start to the season which has seen them rise to 12th place so far. Whatβs your take on the start to the season?
It’s been a good start given the fixtures we’ve had and the uncertainty regarding our squad given how many new players there are. We’ve looked good in the majority of games and our new signings have looked great, particularly Romeo Lavia and Armel Bella-Kotchap although the former is injured for Friday
Dan Hargraves
Armando Broja was a crucial player for Southampton last season with many Saints feeling disappointed that a follow up deal couldnβt get over the line. Can you see that effecting your season?
He was important but his form in the final 3 months of the season was poor and I think his plan was to always stay at Chelsea if given the opportunity. It would’ve been nice to get a proven striker through the door but it didn’t feel like we were ever going to push hard to get Broja back permanently.
Dan Hargraves
Hassenhutl used the last transfer window as a chance to rebuild an ageing squad. As a result of that Aston Villa snatched up Polish international Bednarek. What are your thoughts on Bednarek leaving and your transfer business in general?
Bednarek, for the majority of his appearances, has been incredibly average over the past couple of seasons and no fan feels aggrieved to see him go. I personally don’t see how he gets a regular starting spot at Villa myself. He can make a good tackle and interception but his positioning is his clear weakness
Dan Hargraves
Finally whatβs your score prediction?
I think we’ll give you guys a game but you’re in desperate need of a win which may see us struggle. I don’t think we’ll win the match but, like I said, I think we’ll give you a game. 1-1
Dan Hargraves
OPPOSITION FOCUS | HASSENHUTL
Over the last few years Southampton have been involved in some interesting results. These include not one but two 9-0 defeats to Leicester and Manchester United. Normally, that would be enough for any manager to get the sack but not at Southampton.
One of the better examples of a project is what Hassenhutl has built in Southampton. In fact, the only more obvious example I can think of is Brighton prior to Chelsea’s acquisition of Potter. But what’s refreshing about this Southampton team is that they believe in the concept and will not abandon it because of a few negative results.
I’m going to delve into Hassenhutl’s tenure in Southampton to determine if the project is successful. To do so, though, you must consider Hassenhutl’s preferred style of play. In his first press conference as Saints manager, he stated that “the biggest guarantee of the Premier League this season is the enjoyment and thrill of watching Southampton play.“
This comment is more than backed up by the Austrian’s preferred style of play. Hassenhutl, perhaps because of his time in Germany, he urges his team to use gegenpressing. The Klopp style, popularised in England by Liverpool’s Klopp, sees strikers leading the press from the front. This means that the ball has been won by the opposing goal, meaning that there is a greater threat to attack.
The former striker expects his strikers to work hard, and his influence can be seen in current Villa player Danny Ings. When he’s on the pitch, the prolific striker, like his strike partner Ollie Watkins, is keen to win the ball high.
In terms of defence, Hassenhutl likes to use a back four but also encourage his full backs, particularly Walker-Peters to use the space in front of them. This means that Ward-Prowse and Diallo are often hindered as they have to look after the space vacated by the fullbacks. This is an issue often shown in the Villa side with the likes of McGinn and Ramsey.
Overall, Hassenhutl has been very successful in implementing his playing style. However, their problems lies in the fact that the playing style isnβt always effective and Hassenhutl seems to be reluctant in making a Plan B.
MY PREDICTION
I think this will be an interesting game with two teams in very similar places. However, if Villa Park is as electric as it was against Man City then I believe that changes everything. Friday night, under the lights, what can be better? Iβm going 3-0 with Ings claiming a hat trick.
AUTHOR | ELLIS BURNETT
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive ellisburnett – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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