This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
For the most part of this campaign, Ralph Hasenhuttl hasn’t really been consistent in his team selections.
The former RB Leipzig boss has already used eight different formations in just 15 Premier League outings, including three-at-the-back, four-at-the-back and five-at-the-back defences.
Understandably, that constant disruption has seen Southampton have the Premier League’s leakiest backline so far this season, conceding 33 goals in 15 games – an average of more than two goals per 90 minutes.
However, a recent decision from the Austrian coach is reaping its rewards, and Hasenhuttl is doing the right thing despite the move potentially showcasing some more defensive errors.
What has he done?
Since the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League back at the start of November, Hasenhuttl has deployed Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek alongside each other consistently for the first time this season – apart from the last five games, Stephens’ only other start came against Burnley on the opening day as part of a back five.
Notably, the switch from Hasenhuttl saw Southampton narrowly lose to the Citizens and Everton, but deliver more convincing performances defensively, before results also started to go their way – the Saints have drawn against Arsenal and beaten both Watford and Norwich in their last three outings, and should’ve won all three in truth.
Brave but correct from Hasenhuttl
The 52-year-old’s decision was a brave one, seeing as both Stephens and Bednarek are prone to mistakes and are also both fairly young as well as lacking experience – the former is 25, while the Poland international is 23.
Bednarek has already gotten himself in a pickle this term when he and Angus Gunn failed to communicate before Callum Wilson rolled the ball into an empty net earlier this season.
In Stephens’ case, it was his poor touch of the ball against Watford – in which it rolled down his knee – that played Ismaila Sarr in to score the first goal between the two sides last week, when the centre-back perhaps should’ve just put his foot through it.
Despite these moments, Hasenhuttl is doing the right thing and is being rewarded for finally settling his backline down.
In other news, take a look at the XI that we think Ralph Hasenhuttl should start against Newcastle on Sunday…
