What a fantastic performance from Claude Puel’s Southampton.
After a pretty boring first half that saw the game stuck at 0-0, things game to life with Charlie Austin leading the charge against his old side Burnley.
The former QPR forward scored a brace as the Saints secured a 3-1 victory, with the first being a real poacher’s effort in the six yard box.
That was then followed by the best goal of the game as Nathan Redmond rifled home from a corner at the far post, before his strike partner grabbed a second.
Admittedly, it was a penalty, but Austin still managed to dispatch it with ease and that ultimately killed the game off despite Sam Vokes’ late penalty of his own.
A good win for Southampton, then, whilst Burnley struggled.
We at Football Fancast believe there’s something to be learned from every game, whether it’s a scoreless draw in the conference or a six-goal thriller in the Champions League.
With that in mind, here are five things we learned…
Southampton on a roll
The Saints are flying now after a slow start and appear to be really finding their rhythm under Claude Puel. The win has made it four games unbeaten in the Premier League, with three of those being victories, and it’s thanks to the likes of Redmond and Austin up top as well as Virgil Van Dijk and Jose Fonte at the back.
Burnley need goals
Burnley were in the game in the first half as they kept it to 0-0 but never looked like scoring and that simply won’t keep them in the Premier League this season. Admittedly, they grabbed one back late on but that was via the penalty spot – improvement is needed. Perhaps, when Andre Gray is back, they will start finding the net more.
Sean Dyche knows his best team
Dyche named the same Burnley side for the third week running and clearly knows what his best side is now. With Andre Gray out suspended, the Clarets’ side has looked fairly settled and structured, despite conceding, and that was the running theme again in this game. It remains to be seen if Gray comes straight back in once eligible but it’s likely he will.
Tom Heaton is a class ‘keeper
He may be England’s third-choice at best but Heaton once again showed why he is a top Premier League stopper, despite conceding three. The save he made from pretty much point-blank range off of Charlie Austin’s head will live long in the memory and will no doubt be one of the moments he looks back on at the end of his career with great pride.
Charlie Austin is key
Southampton were the dominant side but without this man they may not have won the game in the end. He had a number of chances before his opening goal, highlighting his natural ability to get on the end of opportunities, and is bang in form right now. If he can stay fit, Southampton could be set for a great season once again this year.
