A thread on Carlos Alcaraz’s role in the current Southampton setup.

After his form at the end of last season, he’s a bit of a favourite with the Saints fans and a favourite of mine.

Everything points to him being a crucial part of Russell Martin’s team this season #SaintsFC Alcaraz is one of the 8s in Saints’ team.

He is there to provide progressive passing angles, and then often moves into a no.10 position in the final third.

His ability to drive with the ball, operate in tight spaces and shoot from range make him ideal for this #SaintsFC

A thread on the shapes that I saw Southampton take up against AZ Alkmaar.

The game gave me my first chance to see Russell Martin’s team live and up close.

First, the normal build-up shape we have seen since Martin was put in charge.

- Narrow at the back
- Midfield passing… https://t.co/YqOHQAn5lotwitter.com/i/web/status/1…
How can we improve our attacking play?

In this example:

Image 1: A. Armstrong has the ball deep and lays off to Manning

Image 2: Armstrong makes a darting run in behind with Alkmaar players focusing on the ball

Image 3: Will Smallbone can play to Armstrong or play through the… https://t.co/Z25uRpvcFPtwitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Right, here’s a thread on our Achilles’ heel - not being able to deal with set-pieces.

Have covered this topic before (last tweet in thread) - it’s still holding us back in huge games.

We offer a free goal to teams if they get it right #SaintsFC
Reasons for this weakness (my opinion):

- Lack of height vs other teams
- Saints know they have aerial weakness, so defend zonally and then play for offside
- Defensive line has lost timing/nerve
- Not enough work is being done to sort it
- Players can’t zonal mark
#SaintsFC

A thread on what I’ve found on Nathan Jones.

Even though it’s difficult not to, please don’t jump to conclusions.

Remember, Sport Republic are looking for hidden gems - he has the potential to be one if we give him a chance #SaintsFC

https://twitter.com/j_tanswell/status/1589585075343355905

Jones finished his playing days with a 7-year spell at Yeovil.

During this time, he took his coaching badges, he coached Yeovil ladies, then became men’s player-assistant, and then first-team coach.

This proved his desire to manage #SaintsFC

A long thread of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s best moments as Southampton boss.

First, his first home win in which he showed his passion from the sidelines with memorable celebrations #SaintsFC
Following the Arsenal win, Saints then won at Huddersfield.

Michael Obafemi became the club’s youngest PL scorer #SaintsFC

We need some good omens for today.

Our last win vs Newcastle was this game in 2020, also on 6th November. It sent us top of the English top-flight for the first time in 32 years.

Good times #SaintsFC
Stu Armstrong’s second to confirm the win #SaintsFC