Schneiderlin Injury At Just The Wrong Time
The injury which forced Morgan Schneiderlin off would not have been a problem if Jack Cork had not been missing through illness.
Sometimes in football you dont get the rub of the green at vital times and this was one of them for Saints on Sunday afternoon.
Morgan Schneiderlin is a great player, but in central midfield we are blessed with a wealth of talent, however if there was one weekend we did not need someone to get injured from the central midfield it was this one.
The first problem was that although Steven Davis was back and indeed put in a great display, he was clearly lacking a bit of fitness which meant that in the second half he started to run out of steam, but the second problem was perhaps more of an issue, Jack Cork was missing through illness, add long term casualty James Ward Prowse to the equation and it was always going to be tough and Schneiderlin's injury could not have happened at a worse time.
It meant that we had to play Toby Alderweireld in the centre of midfield and bring in Yoshida, Koeman deciding that this was not the game to bring on Harrison Reed but to go for experience.
Reed might be needed for the trip to Arsenal though with Schneiderlin looking doubtful, however if Jack Cork is recovered it wont be a problem at least not with a starting line up, however any other knocks and we will again be exposed.
What to read next:
Southampton V Arsenal The PreviewPerhaps one of the most difficult previews that I have had to write, perhaps one of the most disorganises, unmotivated top flight Southampton teams I have ever seen now has to go to one of the best teams in the Premier League, surely there is only one outcome.
Jack Stephens Deserves Saints Fans Respect At This TimeAlthough I do not think that Jack Stephens should be the captain of Southampton or for that matter a first choice starter in the team, I respect what he has done for the club and he now finds himself in a position that is not of his making.
Jack Stephens Given Further Ban And FineAfter his initial 3 match ban for being sent off against Manchester United ended with the trip to Bournemouth on Monday night, comes the news that Southampton Captain Jack Stephens will have to serve a bit more time out yet.
A Rough Guide To ArsenalSouthampton travel to The Emirates looking to win there for the first time in the League for almost 40 years, the chances of that run ending look slim after Monday night's result at Bournemouth, but here is all the info for the 3,000 Saints supporters who will be there.
Southampton At Bournemouth The VerdictAt 6.44pm The Bell pub opposite Pokesdown Station was full of Saints fans full of hope, a minute later the team news came in and was greeted by incredulous gasps, you fel at that moment that the night would not end well.