...which is exactly what I felt. Then I read Hughes's lament after the match (https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018-08-18/mark-hughes-post-match-everton-southampton-premier-league). We all know that this defence lapses, the players themselves know that this defence lapses and, I hope, Hughes knows that this defence lapses. It's not Secret Squirrel - we all know this stuff so why didn't he avoid it? Vestergaard being 'ill' can't be helped but is Maya now persona non grata? Is Bednarek thought to be not over his World Cup travails? Team selection might help avoid further lapses; Hughes simply shouldn't pair up Stephens and Hoedt, as was proved time and again last year.
On top of this, we need more accountability in the midfield: Romeu is not the player he was two years ago although perhaps, with more steel next to him, Lemina might be able to be more effective. We can only play with what we have: would Hojbjerg add more grit than Romeu next week? It's worth a try.
Thank you, Charlie Austin, but I think the taxi might be pulling up soon. Hoping that Armstrong and Elyounoussi are match-fit next week, Austin may be that bludgeon tool from the bench if/when we need to throw caution to the wind.
Roll on next Saturday - let's put this right.
