It was a case of a little too much youth and not enough experience, but the gamble paid off for Claude Puel in the win against Sunderland.
Claude Puel run the changes making 9 of them from the side that earned a draw at Manchester City, however it was perhaps a little too much and Saints failed to sparkle against a poor Sunderland side, but had enough ultimately to see them over the line.
I understand why Clause Puel had to make so many changes, he had too many injuries and tired players not to be able not to, however it was almost a step too far for a side that comprised mostly of youngsters or players coming back from injury with the only true experienced players in the starting line up with any real game time or expectation of being first choice in the starting line up on Sunday against Chelsea being Jose Fonte and James Ward Prowse.
But it was clear from the start that this was a Saints side who were a little too disjointed to play with any real fluidity.
The first half was awful and the second not much better with the only three talking points being the superb goal from Sofiane Boufal, the fact that Yoshida should have been punished for a blatant penalty and wasn't and a fine save from Alex McCarthy late on.
Apart from that it was a game to fall asleep in, but perhaps that was how it needed to be, Saints passed the ball well, but too often did not have an outlet going forward after losing Rodriguez after 25 minutes.
Isgrove was too lightweight up front and Olomola put in plenty of effort and running, but was clearly too raw to step up to the first team just yet, he just didn't seem to have the knack for timing his runs, that's not to say he won't have in the future, but for now he needs a little more time in the academy and the odd cameo role, not being asked to lead the line.
The midfield was lacking its key players, but was anchored by Hojbjerg and Ward Prowse but struggled to get any real passing going, we looked comfortable but not very creative and too often we lacked the confidence to have a go from range.
Luckily enough Sofiane Boufal did have that confident when he sublimely controlled a high lofted clearance from Jose Fonte feinted inside and curled a shot into the far corner leaving the keeper with no chance, a goa that was reminiscent of Le Tissier at his best.
After that Sunderland perked up as Saints tired and Sofiane Boufal having to stay on the field with Reed cramped up, it could have turned sour, Yoshida needlessly tripped Victor Anichebe and the ref should have pointed to the spot but didn't leaving David Moyes frustrated and then sent off.
Jermaine Defoe had a good chance but drew a decent save from Alex MCarthy.
The game perhaps hopefully answered a few questions for Claude Puel, the first was that Yoshida always seems to have a needless tackle or bad backpass in him, we need to get in a consistent Premier quality central defender, it is no good being solid for 89 minutes if you keep losing concentration at key moments, he got away with it this time but it has cost us in the past and will again, it needs addressing.
The second is that sadly Lloyd Isgrove is not going to make it at Premier League level, he has the skill, but he hasn't the physical attributes needed.
The third is that Olomola is not ready yet for the first team, that is a harsh comment as really Puel had no choice to throw him on early, perhaps if he had come on in the final 20 minutes it would have been better, but he is still too raw for such a big part as he had, but he showed enough to suggest he can learn and push for a place if not this season then next.
Fourthly it was unfair on Jack Stephens to give him his first real taste of first team football and then play him out of position, especially when the team is so disjointed in the first place, it was not giving him a chance to shine.
Fifthly Jay Rodriguez is the most unlucky player in football with injuries, this time a head injury, he could pick up a knock in a box full of feathers, not his fault he just seems to be unlucky at the moment, I for one though are not writing him off.
All in all though Claude Puel did what he had to do, he now knows a little more about his squad and it's limitations and the good thing is we got away with it and are now in the last eight of the competition.