Despite a winless start to the Premier League, Southampton confidently dispatched Czech opponents Sparta Prague in a comfortable 3-0 victory at St Mary’s Stadium.
Jay Rodriguez sunk the final nail into coffin with Saints’ third goal deep in injury time after Charlie Austin’s brace in the opening half-hour.
Austin’s first came from the spot after Costa Nhamoinesu was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. There was some delay in the awarding of the penalty with referee Manuel Gräfe initially pointing for a corner until one of the assistants informed him of the incident.
An argument between Austin and Dusan Tadić over who should take the penalty broke out, with it believed the Serb was Claude Puel’s designated penalty taker. Eventually the English striker and stand-in captain Virgil van Dijk convinced Tadić to surrender the spot-kick and the latter was quick to celebrate its conversion.
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Watch our full interview with @chazaustin10 after his two-goal display in #SaintsFC‘s win over @ACSparta_CZ: https://t.co/RJTxWQtY2e
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 15, 2016
Puel records first win
It hasn’t been the ideal start to life at St. Mary’s for Puel and despite four matches in the league without a win, he now has lift off. Losses against Manchester United and Arsenal are hardly a surprise, but draws to Watford and Sunderland has been underwhelming.
The poor start sees the South Coast club hovering near the bottom of the table so a performance and result in the Europa League was critical for Puel. This is was a display full of confidence and a sense of purpose, something Puel will look to replicate when the Saints host Swansea City at home this weekend.
Rotation, rotation, rotation
The Saints manager made seven changes to the side which lost at the death against Arsenal. Puel understood the need to keep his players fresh and it was a decision vindicated by his ruthless players.
Sparta made three changes, however one has to question their commitment to the cause after a lacklustre display marred by some ill-disciplined attacks towards the end of the game when their frustrations grew apparent.
Austin signals his intent
Since making the move in January from Championship club Queens Park Rangers it hasn’t been a pleasant start to life for Austin. The centre-forward scored on his debut against Manchester United but has struggled for form ever since.
Injury hampered and confidence issues saw Austin floundered last term, as Graziano Pellè was first choice. Similarly this season, Austin has been relegated to a bit-part role behind the combination of Shane Long and Nathan Redmond up front.
In his second start for the season, Austin will hope his double has endeared himself to the fans and more importantly the manager.
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