Fans turn on Ralph as Saints capitulate
And manager admits: We aren’t playing like Premier team now
SACKED in the morning. That was the cry from the Southampton supporters, aimed at their own manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, as their side’s dire form continued with a crushing 3-0 defeat by Brentford.
Thomas Frank’s side scored twice in the space 77 first-half seconds to set themselves on the way to victory — one that makes them all-but safe after moving nine points clear of Burnley, in 16th place. The Clarets have just three left to play.
For the Saints, safety is still not a formality. They have long looked like a side ready for the curtain to come down on this campaign. Since the end of February, Hasenhuttl’s men have picked up just five points from a possible 30. Their shock success over Arsenal last month is looking more and more vital with each passing game.
Hasenhuttl had stressed earlier in the week that he felt the 40 points already accrued by his side may not prove enough to stay up. With just Liverpool at home and a trip to Leicester remaining, it’s hard to see them improving on that total.
‘Since I am here, I will always be responsible for everything,’ the Austrian said post-match.
‘Every mistake my players make, for every shot on goal that’s not a goal, I take responsibility. It’s my job.
‘We can understand the fans’ frustration. At the moment we are not playing like a Premier (League) team.’
The defence certainly does not resemble one that belongs in the top flight. They have now conceded 24 in their last 10. Here they were undone by a Brentford display that once again owed much of its brilliance to the ingenuity of Christian Eriksen. Even on a
relative off-day by his own high standards, he still played a telling part.
It was his corner that picked out Ivan Toney for the first goal, the striker taking the ball down and flashing a cross for Pontus Jansson to tuck home.
And it was the 30-year-old Dane’s dangerous run that was unceremoniously ended by Mohammed Salisu a matter of seconds later, only for Yoane Wissa to pick up the pieces and make the most of a brilliant use of the advantage by referee Michael Salisbury. ‘I’m pleased for the win, for the performance. We have a good opportunity to finish on a high,’ said Frank, who will be looking up the table with two games against Everton and Leeds remaining.
Victory for the Bees also brought their fourth clean sheet in a row at home. They look a side who have their act together at both ends. The same can hardly be said for their opponents.
The afternoon had actually started brightly the Saints. They carved out the first meaningful chance of the game but Romain Perraud fired wide. That was as promising as it got.
It was not long until Brentford took control, though. After 13 minutes, Toney was allowed to chest down Eriksen’s corner. He sent the ball back across the face of goal where Jansson’s protruding boot directed the ball in. Within seconds it was two.
Eriksen picked up Wissa’s flick-on and made a beeline for goal. The midfielder was scythed down by Salisu, but his team-mate had followed his own flick and seized on the ball, before driving forward and slotting into the right-hand corner.
With a little over 10 minutes remaining the points were sealed. Christian Norgaard slipped a pass into the feet of Kristoffer Ajer, who slotted the ball home for his first goal for the club.
Another mistake then that Hasenhuttl will take responsibility for. By some fans reckoning, it is one mistake too many.
BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Raya 6; Ajer 7, P Jansson 7, Bech Sorensen 6, Henry 6.5; Norgaard 6.5, Jensen 6 (Young-Coombes, 87min), Eriksen 8; Mbeumo 6 (Baptiste 81), Toney 8, Wissa 7 (Dasilva 69, 6). Subs (not used): Lossl, Jeanvier, Fosu-Henry, Janelt, Roerslev, Stevens. SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-3): Forster 5; Walker-Peters 5.5, Bednarek 5, Salisu 4.5, Perraud 5.5; S Armstrong 6 (Romeu 83), Ward-Prowse 6, Diallo 5.5 (Elyounoussi 64, 6), Redmond 6; A Armstrong 5, Broja 5. Booked: Diallo. Subs (not used): McCarthy, Lyanco, Long, Adams, Tella, Valery, Dibling. Referee: M Salisbury (Lancashire) 7.