FOLLOW THAT STAR
...but boss Ralph insists: I’m not Alpine Klopp!
DAVID WAGNER will be glad to see the back of 2018 and raise a glass of flat John Smith’s to a happier New Year.
Southampton recorded back-to-back wins under new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, and look full of festive fizz and bold resolutions.
In stark contrast, Huddersfield boss Wagner watched his team’s fifth loss in a disastrous December. The Terriers have scored just 11 goals this season.
It’s as clear as a Christmas stocking on the fireplace that Wagner is in desperate need of a striker if there is the remotest chance of shooting a way out of this misfiring mess.
No such net-profit problems for Southampton who had Nathan Redmond grabbing his first of the season followed by a Danny Ings penalty and a third from sub Michael Obafemi.
Down-hearted Wagner doesn’t know if he’s got a hitman budget at all, and said: “What it means for January I can’t give a serious answer.
“But we performed at a very high level in the second half. That’s why I’m more frustrated about the first half. The worst for a long period.
“We were not calm enough. Not brave enough on the ball. We have to make ourselves independent from what’s around us in the table.”
Saints boss Hasenhuttl was a little embarrassed about a comparison with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp.
He said: “I have my own philosophy and maybe some parts are similar to Jurgen’s philosophy. But we are both clear about how football should be. He has a fantastic team and maybe they can win the Premier League.
“For us, we have other targets and it feels good. It was a fantastic first half. Always very dangerous. I am very happy for our supporters. We have quality and we deserved to win.”
Wagner was realistic enough to admit before a ball was kicked that no opponent would give Huddersfield any pre-christmas presents.
The German was spot on. There were only 15 minutes on the clock when the Saints flew into the lead.
Pierre-emile Hojbjerg split the Terriers defence wide open with a slotted pass of perfection. Redmond raced clear to finish superbly.
Three minutes from the break, Southampton charged into a two-goal lead when Zanka tripped Ings and the Saints striker scored from the spot.
Then came the unexpected fightback with Huddersfield responding to whatever Wagner bellowed in the dressing room at half-time.
Huddersfield’s goal came out of nowhere. Philip Billing picked up in what looked a harmless area and suddenly unleashed a swerving drive which left Alex Mccarthy flat-footed – and looking totally embarrassed.
But just when you fully expected a Huddersfield equaliser, Saints sub Obafemi took a pass from Redmond and rolled the ball into the corner.