Set to welcome Premier League leaders Liverpool to St. Mary’s Stadium tomorrow, Saints boss Claude Puel has claimed the whole squad needs to be more “efficient” in front of goal, report the Daily Echo.
With Charlie Austin boasting eight goals across all competitions, Southampton’s next top scorer is Nathan Redmond on three strikes and Puel realises that Saints can’t simply rely on the former Burnley and QPR striker.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s 3pm kick-off, Puel claimed: “Charlie is a clinical player. He’s efficient in front of goal, and it’s important for the squad. He’s also scored many penalties. Always it’s important to keep him at a good physical level.
Currently sitting tenth in the Premier League table following back-to-back defeats to Chelsea and Hull City, the Saints’ slip is frustrating considering the fact they boast the third highest chance conversion rate in the top flight right now.
It would appear that creating the chances isn’t the issue for Saints right now but it’s simply tucking them away with Hull City capitalising on this very fact in the 2-1 win at KCOM Stadium last time out.
With Liverpool in rampant mood having scored the most goals (30) so far this term, it is absolutely vital that Southampton take the chances afforded to them in tomorrow’s afternoon’s Premier League clash.