This week's Watt View debates whether Claude Puel was right to employ squad rotation for this weeks double header of home games.
Saints boss Claude Puel's decision to rotate players has been the subject of much debate since Thursday's Europa League win over Sparta Prague.
The Frenchman stated expressly ahead of yesterday's visit of Swansea of his plans to ring the changes and insisted he would not be deterred.
"The season is very long with many chances to play, many possibilities, many games," he said.
"My job is not just to play ten or 11 players but to improve with all these players and to give chances to show their qualities. It’s important for the development of the club and for the future."
As Puel reflects on two wins in European and league action in a week - with seven changes against Sparta from the team which played Arsenal and six changes against the Swans - he will feel his decisions were justified.
And who is anyone to argue against that? He and the team delivered what was required and asked of them.
There were many dissenting voices around St Mary's upon hearing the news Charlie Austin, Saints' two-goal hero in midweek, and ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were dropped to the bench.
As it happened, their introductions on 54 minutes had the desired impact, with former QPR frontman Austin coolly chesting down and rifling home ten minutes after his introduction from Cedric's flicked cross. The Portuguese being another player rested on Thursday evening.
Austin also hit the bar prior to his goal and could have had more.
Hojbjerg's quality was again clear to see, giving the team another dimension going forward and focused energy across the centre of the field.
"Different players played on Thursday," Puel said after yesterday's win. "It was another team for this game and it's important to keep energy to avoid finishing the game with tiredness.
"For example, to start this game with the same players as Thursday it is not possible. It's important to keep a good attitude when some players can start the game or stay as substitute, or perhaps be off for a day.”
Austin suffered hamstring and knee injuries last season which resulted in him making just seven appearances for Saints.
Following his match-winning strike yesterday, Puel concentrated the explanation for his rationale on the Englishman.
"Charlie cannot start another game after just two days off, it is not possible,” he said.
"But if he can be introduced [as a substitute] the second time, for example, he can make the difference."
He added: "If he started at the beginning it would be very difficult to score. It's important to keep good energy for every player, and to turn the team and to try to have all the time good results.”
Obviously only time will tell if the system will be as successful throughout Saints' Europa League group stage campaign but Puel, having managed teams in both the Europa League and Champions League, is aware of the demands on players.
Given Austin's injuries last season, a steady approach has to be the way to go with him.
Puel's decision to stick to his policy resulted in three goals for the striker in four days.
On this occasion, at least, the rotation paid dividends.