Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lack of cutting edge proves to be problematic
SOUTHAMPTON manager Claude Puel again rued his team’s impotence in front of goal after their 1-0 Europa League defeat at Sparta Prague.
On an evening where they hoped to secure their progress to the event’s knockout stages, they went behind in the 11th minute and rarely looked capable of the comeback that would have earned them first place in Group K.
Puel’s team have won only two of their past eight fixtures and there is no suspicion they are short of talent. The manager had already discussed their need to turn possession into goals but on this occasion there was also a lack of aggression.
Asked if his team was too nice, Puel responded: “We have all the times the ball. We lost the ball, every time we can recover very quickly with good aggression, a good spirit.
“After a goal, we need to put away our chances. We have all t he possibilities with the character and the aggression. We showed this. For me it’s just to find the clinical streak, to finish our action.”
Sparta’s fourth European victory in succession means they will finish top and be among the seeded teams in the draw for the final 32. However, given Southampton had beaten them 3-0 at St Mary’s in September it was surprising that Costa Nhamoinesu’s early finish was enough to defeat them.
Southampton instead must draw 0-0 or win at home to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in December, a disappointing outcome their 2,000 travelling fans voiced when booing them off.
They threatened in only the third minute when Shane Long and Jordy Clasie combined to put Jay Rodriguez through on goal but he wasted the chance.