By Okay, let me walk you through how I dug into Southampton’s approach against Tottenham last night. First up, I grabbed my notebook and pulled up the live match stats. Saw Southampton was set up in a flat 4-4-2 – nothing fancy but you know Ralph always makes it organized.
Getting the formation right was step one. I scribbled down the backline: Walker-Peters and Perraud pushing high on the wings, Salisu and Bednarek staying put. Then midfield: Ward-Prowse playing deeper than usual, almost like a third center-back when Spurs had the ball. Armstrong? Total workhorse sprinting everywhere.
Watched the first 20 minutes on replay three times. Noticed how they pressed:
- Only went hard when Spurs’ center-backs had the ball
- Immediately dropped into two tight banks of four when Kane dropped deep
- Let Perisic have space out wide but swarmed Kulusevski
Where things clicked
Southampton actually looked dangerous on counters. Saw Adams make diagonal runs behind Davies constantly. Armstrong’s through balls were risky but when they connected? Oof. Should’ve scored in the 38th minute – still can’t believe Adams skied that.
The adjustment that surprised me came second half. Saints suddenly started hitting long goal kicks. Like, Route One stuff targeting Adams directly. Weird seeing it from a Hasenhüttl side. Maybe trying to bypass Spurs’ midfield press? Dunno if it really worked though.
Most telling moment: When Spurs scored, watched Bednarek step up to intercept but get caught flat-footed. Could see him shouting at JWP right after – coordination breakdown. Painful stuff.
Takeaway after rewinding it all
Honestly think Southampton’s setup was decent. Not glamorous but they frustrated Spurs for big chunks. Just got killed by individual mistakes – that second goal where Perraud switched off? Ouch. Moral of my night: Tactics only get you so far if defenders forget basics. Might try replicating their pressing triggers in Sunday league though!