Thursday 27 August 2015

FC Midtjylland Surprise Lacklustre Southampton

The European dream is over for Southampton as Danish outfit FC Midtjylland overcome the odds to send the seaside team crashing out of the competition.

In the opening exchanges, Southampton did have chances. Jose Fonte had a diving header cleared off the line within 5 minutes. It was excellent defending from the Danish side but the Saints really should have broken the deadlock.

Southampton had the majority of the possession, but were unable to capitalise as their passing was often too slow and laborious. Midtjylland were able to get organised behind the ball which made it difficult for Southampton to break down. Steve Davis had an excellent chance after a chest down by Pelle around the 20 minute mark but his shot was straight at the keeper.

It was FC Midtjylland who broke the deadlock after a sloppy pass from Jay Rodriguez found Bach-Bak. The right back centred the ball for Duncan to nip in front of the Southampton defender and finish the ball past Maartin Stekelenberg in nets. The first half performance was pretty poor from Southampton. They lacked conviction in any move they tried and eventually paid due to some slack defending.

The Saints started the second half brightly and, unlike the first, they moved the ball about quicker. Both full backs were able to get beyond their man however the final ball often disappointed. Southampton didn't have many clear cut chances during the match and I cannot recall any in the second half. Starting the season more sluggish, it's back to the drawing board for Ronald Koeman.

As the game drew to a close, Southampton were leaving gaps at the back in order to pursue the goal to send them into extra time. To be expected, Midtjylland countered but were unable to extend their lead. Jose Fonte had a nightmare, making countless mistakes and allowing Duncan to steal in front of him for the goal. Southampton did have a handle ball appeal dismissed by the referee and replays show that it really should have been a penalty.

Southampton are in need of a decent result at the weekend against Norwich in order to build confidence up and break the bad rut of results. With Koeman rumoured to be in the market for Virgil Van Dijk, he is a solid player, winning Celtic's player of the season in his first year. A disappointing performance from Ronald Koeman's men that will need plenty of work if they are to reach the heights of last season again and have another attempt at reaching a European group stage.

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