DANNY MURPHY: Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton have earned respect – they could even crack the top six
It is a compliment to Ralph Hasenhuttl and Southampton how seriously Manchester City treated Saturday’s game.
Pep Guardiola had done his homework and managed the game well in the latter stages to ensure his side left with a 1-0 win.
They’ll be delighted with that and it goes to show Southampton’s early-season form isn’t a flash in the pan.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (right) has earned respect from Pep Guardiola (left)
Even in defeat, they gave a terrific performance and tested City all over the park. If they play with that amount of desire, energy and confidence for the rest of the season, there is no reason they can’t challenge to finish in the top six.
Their forward line Danny Ings, Che Adams and Theo Walcott get most of the headlines but I believe the secret behind their success is the pairing of Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse.
In an era when most midfield players are either classified as holders or No 10s, these two boys can do both, a real throwback.
Their workrate is phenomenal and though Romeu is probably recognised as the tougher tackler, he’s also good on the ball and capable of making progressive passes. Likewise, Ward-Prowse is renowned for his set pieces but can do the other side and get around the pitch and track runners.
Oriol Romeu (L) has impressed in midfield for Southampton with his phenomenal workrate
James Ward-Prowse, who is a major threat from set-pieces, has also been hugely impressive
I know early season results were unpredictable but I think Saturday was a marker to clubs like Southampton that Liverpool and City are still the teams to beat and likely to finish one and two this season.
That’s not to denigrate Saints at all. They have players in their side like the two I’ve mentioned who are good enough to play for any side when at their best. It’s the consistency over 38 games they have to strive for now.
It’s also a fact of life that Southampton don’t have the strength in depth of the bigger clubs. One has to hope the knock to Ings doesn’t have repercussions.
Southampton suffered a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City but put in a determined display
City’s extra quality narrowly won the day on this occasion and they had to play a lot better than they did at Old Trafford last weekend. This time, Pep’s men were at it, and Hasenhuttl should regard that as a sign of respect to the job he’s doing.
Like Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek at West Ham, Southampton will back their central pair against anyone. Romeu and Ward-Prowse gave Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri a real challenge on Saturday, and let’s remember they are internationals for Germany and Spain.
In the end, City played sensibly to secure the three points, locking the back door and trying to counter. It shows Southampton are to be taken seriously.
