Southampton Fan View: Saints cannot afford to be passive against Stoke

Drawing and losing must-win games has become something of a norm for Southampton this season.

Throughout the course of the campaign, games down the bottom of the league have been eagerly anticipated but have been met with a general feeling of disappointment and resent from the Saints supporters. Mauricio Pellegrino’s negative approach to these matches have ultimately cost the team and it is no surprise to see Saints situated where they are in the league.

Pellegrino simply cannot afford to make the same mistakes this weekend, though, as Saints welcome Stoke City to St Mary’s Stadium in the biggest game of their season so far.

Southampton are currently sat in 16th place on 27 points, narrowly above the relegation zone only as a result of their goal difference. Stoke are just one point behind Saints in the league but are 19th and facing a decisive period of their season. It’s incredibly tight at the bottom of the table and there can be no excuses – Southampton have to defeat Stoke.

AS IT HAPPENED: Burnley v Southampton

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It has to be stressed to Pellegrino that this game is not one the club can draw. Anything aside from a win could have catastrophic consequences for Saints and be a colossal hindrance to their aims to avoid the drop down to the Championship.

In order to do this, however, Pellegrino must swallow his pride and play in a way which does not inhibit his players, but allow them to attack and play with the necessary drive and urgency. The squad consists of a number of impressive attacking players but none are playing up to their genuine level, largely due to Pellegrino’s emphasis on a laboured approach.

Southampton’s attacking players have been out of form throughout the season but if the dour draw at Burnley showed us anything, it’s that the duo of Manolo Gabbiadini and Josh Sims could be vital in the run-in towards the end of the season.

Gabbiadini is a supremely talented striker. That’s been known to everyone aside from Pellegrino, it seems. His movement is exceptional and is often too quickly-thought for a team of our creative abilities. He has found goals hard to come by of late but that is mainly down to a lack of service and support.

The Italian international’s swivel and finish on the volley in the dying moments of the game at Turf Moor only acted as a reminder of his ability. He can be the talisman for Saints in their bid for survival but he simply must be used in an effective manner.

Although it was Gabbiadini who claimed the plaudits for his well-taken goal, credit and recognition has to go to Sims. The youngster came off the bench and changed the game with his direct running. After such a cameo, it would be foolish to say the least if Pellegrino neglects to start the 20-year-old against Stoke.

Irrespective of personnel, it goes without saying that the approach has to be correct against the Potters. Saints have been far too passive throughout the campaign and must now play on the front foot in the game that could be decisive in their future as Premier League club.