x

Southampton At Brighton The Verdict

Ralph Hasenhuttl rang the changes after the defeat at Burnley, but not a lot changed initially, but the good news was that they dug in got a goal back and in the second half looked a lot more like the side that had looked so good earlier in the season.

Saints could not have got off to a worse start when a mix up gifted Brighton an opening goal in the first couple of minutes, the first half was not a pretty sight for the visiting supporters but it looked like the team would get in at half time only a goal down and the chance to regroup after seeing Tino Livramento stretchered off a few minutes earlier.

But then came more Fred Karno's defending when Mohamed Salisu put through his own goal with a minute to go before the break.

That meant that many Saints supporters didn't see James Ward Prowse's free kick a couple of minutes later that reduced the deficit after streaming to the concourses, but that gave Saints the impetus they needed after the break.

They came out a different team and pushed the Seagulls back and it was no surprise when James Ward Prowse fired home a low drive on 54 minutes to complete the come back.

Brighton had their moments afterwards including a disallowed goal, but it was Saints who probably felt they deserved the three points come the final whistle.

So what could we take from this draw, firstly that several players are still going through dodgy patches, Mo Salisu can't put a foot right at present and is going through possibly the first dip in form in hie career, he is good enough to play through it and come out a better and stronger player.

The same could also be said for Armando Broja who started on the bench after a series of poor games and came on for the last 11 minutes.

It was good to see that Nathan Redmond & Nathan Tella started the game and put in good shifts, the midfield dominated the second half and drove the side forward.

Up front Che Adams and Shane Long played as a pair and put in a lot of hard work that has been missing up front of late.

So a point that did little for either side, Saints are now heading for the final four games of the season looking more to next season than this, there is plenty of good things in place in the squad, but the truth is that there are still key areas to sort out.

Up front it is far from certain where Armado Broja will be playing next season, a couple of months ago he was the hottest ticket in town being linked to all and sundry, but his form since then has been patchy and the transfer talk has died down a little.

Perhaps this will work in Saints favour as the Albanian from Slough will obviously aware that he still is in a learning curve and that to go for a big team for a big fee will perhaps be a bit early for him at the moment, another season on loan at St Mary's might serve him well.

So the job now for Saints is twofold, firstly to gain as many points as they can and finish as high as they can, but secondly and perhaps more importantly, begin the planning for next season, find out who will be staying and who we will be looking to ship out.

This season is just about job done, we have secured our place in the Premier League for an 11th consecutive season comfortably, it is now all about what we do next season that truly matters now.

What to read next:

Swansea City : Top striker target in the Swans sights, the full lowdown
There’s a lot more to Notts County’s prolific goalscorer than meets the eye. Not least his excellent injury record and the fact at twenty seven he is now in his prime as a professional footballer.
Swansea City : Nathan Wood knows he is available for transfer
Swansea City centre back Nathan Wood is aware that the Swans will listen to offers for his transfer away from the club this summer. His contract was extended recently with the Swans triggering a one year option on the player.
Joe Allen to stay at Swansea as retained list is imminent. Ogbeta to leave ?
It seems Joe Allen’s immediate future will continue to be at Swansea City as an agreement in principle has been reached between the two parties.
Swansea City : The real value will be the players who stay at the club
With the Swans retained list about to be named, generally around the 18th of the month, we take a look at those who stay, and their value to the club. The players who have the determination to turn next season in to more than a passing parade and a dismal home loss record.
Swansea City : The confusing decision making for a whole season
It was a pretty poor end to what can only be described as a disappointing football season for Swansea City. The defeat to Millwall yesterday was a display that has frustrated Swansea City supporters all season. A lack of effort, intensity and desire rewarding the home support with yet another home loss.
Swansea City 0 - 1 Millwall - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Swansea City : Grimes misses a penalty in a return to bad old ways
An error strewn and tepid Swansea display ensured thousands left the stadium before the staff and players did their usual walk around at this end of season game. It wasn’t a good look as two players received red cards and any effort by the home side was lost in a static and frustrating display.
Swansea City : Last game of the season, latest injury news and the full low down on the big game
Today brings the Championship season to a close for the majority of the clubs involved, and the Swans face Millwall at 12.30pm today at the Swansea.com stadium. Just over 1,100 visiting supporters have made the journey in what we hope is a celebration of the end of the season for both clubs.
Swansea City : What needs to happen now ?
The Indy’s lead football writer, Andrew Winfield goes in deep on this weeks issues and the real problems in store for the Swans.
Swansea City : The facts on players in and out and the strategy behind it
This week has seen some bad financial news for the Swans, and of course more questions than answers yet again. That aside there is some great news from the age grade side at U21 as once again we see a player knocking on the door of the first team squad.