OPINION
Southampton have never been infamous for their attacking prowess, and that certainly showed in their 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Ivan Cavaleiro and Jonny Castro subjected the Saints to yet another defeat, but to be honest, it did not come as much of a surprise if you look closely at what their problem is.
Southampton have never been known for having some of the Premier League’s best talent up front, but handing striker Charlie Austin a start is not the solution to their woes in the final third.
Austin is regarded as an excellent substitute who can come on and make a real difference to game – he does not perform if he is selected to play from the start.
As we know, some players either prefer a first team spot, or a cameo as a “super sub” – and it is clear which one the 29-year-old is.
His chances against Wolves were few and far between, and he never looked like he caused his opponents much bother with his attacking play – or lack of it.
Danny Ings works much better when leading the line by himself, and Mark Hughes is likely to budge Austin out of the starting line up if this showing is anything to go by.
Hughes may be attempting to find the answer to Southampton’s lack of potency in attack, but Austin is most definitely not it.
Reinforcements may be needed in January to support Ings, who cannot be relied upon to deliver the goods all of the time.
Austin must be relegated to the bench in their next fixture, as Hughes knows that he is far more effective when asked to contribute later on into a game.
There is no denying that £70,000-a-week [Spotrac] player is a decent forward – but only from the bench.