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No person would have anticipated to see this outcome come full-time when it filtered via final evening, Southampton’s 25-match unbeaten run in all competitions grinding to a disappointing halt away at Bristol Metropolis as Russell Martin’s Saints have been in the end humbled by the Robins.
Dropping 3-1 at Ashton Gate noticed the Saints lose floor on the highest two within the Championship as a direct consequence, with Leeds strolling to a 4-0 win away at Swansea Metropolis to capitalise on a uncommon Southampton off-day and leapfrog Martin’s males.
The South Coast aspect must mud themselves down and go once more this coming Friday, as Carlos Corberan’s West Bromwich Albion wait able to pounce on any Southampton frailties after this loss.
A variety of usually dependable gamers let Martin down badly away in Bristol, notably Gavin Bazunu who conceded three targets regardless of solely dealing with 4 photographs on track all evening.
Gavin Bazunu’s sport vs Bristol Metropolis in numbers
Bristol confirmed to Southampton what it means to have a scientific edge at Ashton Gate final evening, placing a as soon as unbeatable-looking Saints aspect to the sword.
Nonetheless, Martin will really feel disgruntled by his primary goalkeeper in-between the sticks in Bazunu – the previous Manchester Metropolis goalkeeper now leaking six targets in his final two matches.
The shaky 21-year-old shot-stopper was bailed out by Southampton bagging 5 targets at St. Mary’s to beat Huddersfield City final time at house, however his weaknesses in objective have been there for all to see versus a ruthless Robins aspect.
The Republic of Eire worldwide would make only one solitary save within the nervy Southampton objective, watching on as a bystander at factors because the hosts ran riot in a superb second-half show from Liam Manning’s males.
Coupled along with his poor day on the workplace versus the Terriers too, it might properly be time for Martin to present Bazunu a breather when the Saints journey to the Hawthorns on Friday evening in what could possibly be a tough contest.
Likewise, the bemused Southampton boss might resolve to drop Will Smallbone from his first-team plans within the West Midlands additionally after an uninspiring midfield show from the 23-year-old within the 3-1 defeat.
Will Smallbone’s sport vs Bristol Metropolis in numbers
The one surviving member of the central midfield trio from the barnstorming Huddersfield victory – with Flynn Downes injured and Stuart Armstrong making up the numbers on the bench – Smallbone may not be so assured about his possibilities beginning the subsequent match after his exhibiting at Ashton Gate.
The lacklustre Saints quantity 16 would fail to win any duel in opposition to Manning’s rampant aspect, while solely testing the opposition keeper Max O’Leary with one on-target effort all sport when serving to out in assault.
Smallbone’s numbers vs Bristol Metropolis |
|
---|---|
Minutes performed |
90 |
Touches |
63 |
Correct passes |
44/53 (83%) |
Duels gained |
0/6 |
Possession misplaced |
11x |
Stats by Sofascore |
As might be seen within the desk above, it was a sub-par efficiency in reality from the often reliable 23-year-old – Smallbone lackadaisically giving up possession 11 occasions within the centre of the park, while additionally failing to register a single sort out when the house aspect attacked with power and tempo on many a breakaway transfer.
Martin will pray that Downes is not out for a major interval and might deliver him again into the lineup in opposition to West Brom on the expense of Smallbone, who will drop to the bench after a forgettable efficiency within the 3-1 loss.
The Saints boss will simply excuse this loss as all the way down to lethargy and potential complacency, with Southampton having to get again to successful methods in opposition to the Baggies to make sure the wheels do not start to come back off after such a prolonged unbeaten run.
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