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Premier League Mid-Season Report – Southampton: Saints Soaring?

It has been a season of progression so far for Southampton, as they look to build on the decent start they have made to the campaign.

Season so far

The Saints did not start the season in the brightest fashion. Winless in the first seven games, Southampton had to wait until the middle of October to claim their first victory of the season, since then it’s been an uphill rise for the Saints.

With a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and experience, Southampton have been able to bridge a healthy gab between themselves and the relegation zone. After some impressive results against much stronger teams, Saints fans will be hoping for more of the same in 2022.

The Manager

Ralph Hasenhuttl entered his third full season with Southampton off the back of a rather disappointing 2020/21 campaign. The club finished in fifteenth place, and after losing star striker Danny Ings in the summer to Aston Villa, it appeared it would be another season of struggle for the Austrian.

However, after a slow start to the season, Hasenhuttl has led Southampton up the table, with his high pressing tempo and quick transitional play a joy to watch when the team is working in full unison. If Southampton can bring in more young, hungry players for the Austrian, then this season could be better than it already is.

Player of the season so far

James Ward-Prowse has led from the front this season. The Southampton captain has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season. His tireless work ethic and amazing fitness levels ensures Hasenhuttl can rely on his captain every single week. Ward-Prowse has contributed to eight goals this season for the Saints, and is known for his superb set-pieces. Calls for him to play more for England grow bigger with every passing week.

Signing of the season

No arrival to the club has impressed as much as Armando Broja has. The 20-year-old Albanian international arrived on loan from Chelsea, and instantly became a favourite amongst the fans. His strength and stature along with his pace makes Broja a defender’s worst nightmare, and his impact on the team is growing game by game. Five goals in the Premier League in just 877 minutes shows just how much of an impact Broja has been having, with Saints fans hopeful of a permanent transfer in the summer.

Most disappointing player

Southampton’s biggest arrival in the summer, Adam Armstrong lit up the Championship last season and looked like the perfect player to replace Danny Ings. However, it has not clicked so far for the former Blackburn Rovers forward, with just two goals in the league so far. After a debut goal against Everton, it seemed Armstrong had adapted to life in the Premier League with ease, but it has not worked out so far. The Englishman is still only 24-years-old, and has plenty of time to improve.

Grade so far: C-
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