News

Five things: Southampton

Five talking points from Albion's defeat to Southampton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

By Tom Kelly • 25 August 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Neal Maupay in action against Southampton

 1. The aerial superiority of the Brighton defence

The Brighton back three who featured during this frustrating result against Southampton demonstrated that they’re a force to be reckoned with when it comes to competing in the air. Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy, and Man of the Match, Dan Burn dominated their aerial duels in both boxes, winning a large proportion of their defensive and attacking headers. 

By Paul Hazlewood
Solly March

 2. The attacking threat that the wing-backs provide

With Dunk, Duffy and Burn acting as a three-man defence, this allowed Solly March and Martin Montoya the license to venture forward and make an impact within the attacking third. Both wing-backs enjoyed plenty of success within the wide areas during the first-half, which subsequently created a handful of problems for the Southampton defence. The duo showed that they may provide a significant contribution when going forward this season.

By Paul Hazlewood
Leandro Trossard

 3. Leandro Trossard a creative threat for the Seagulls

Throughout the afternoon at The Amex, Trossard caused a multitude of issues for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men. Although his opportunities were limited in the second-half, the Belgian is a positive-thinking forward player who’s happy to receive the ball in tight-spots and create chances for himself and others. Without question, scouts from upcoming opponents will be looking to silence the forward's threat. 

By Paul Hazlewood
Dan Burn

4. Man of the Match Dan Burn shows his versatility

On the back of a fine performance against West Ham which saw him named as the man of the match, Burn won the award yet again. The towering Brighton defender started the fixture as a left-sided centre-back alongside Dunk and Duffy before switching to left-back for the rest of the afternoon. Aside from a solid display, Burn offered his services within the attacking phase, as he looked to provide another attacking option down the left flank. 

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion fans at the Southampton game.

 5. The fans in fine voice

In what can only be described as a frustrating afternoon for the Seagulls, the fans were in fine voice throughout the game. The Seagulls fans proved once again that the Amex is an excellent source of atmosphere on the south coast, despite their side not being able to get on the scoresheet against the Saints.