da betsson： The Premier League is starting to take shape after nine games, and it doesn’t make good reading for Southampton.
da betsul： Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side find themselves languishing in 17th place, just two goals above the relegation zone having amassed just eight points out of a possible 27.
The Saints are struggling to score goals, finding the back of the net just nine times. On the other hand, they are shipping them like there’s no tomorrow at the back, with 16 concessions to their name.
Accountable for four of those nine goals is of course Danny Ings.
The £20m striker has worked hard for his strikes. Against Liverpool, he pressed Adrian before the Spaniard’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Ings and flew into the net, and he scored a similar goal after closing Hugo Lloris down against Tottenham.
Last time out, he pounced on a loose ball after Jesus Vallejo aimlessly punted it long, before slotting past Rui Patricio – that knack of being able to score goals out of nothing will be like gold dust for the Saints as they battle to avoid the drop.
So, how crucial will the England international be in Southampton’s relegation battle? Let’s see what the writers at Football FanCast think…
Billy Meyers
“With Che Adams still yet to score, Ings will be absolutely pivotal to Southampton in their battle to avoid the drop – make no mistake about it, they are certainly now embroiled in a basement scrap.
“Hasenhuttl’s side can’t seem to keep them out having conceded the third-most amount of goals in the Premier League this term, so it is crucial that they either sort that out, or outscore their opponents – both seem unlikely, but if they are to do the latter, Ings will be key. The only other man who looks capable of finding the net is Moussa Djenepo, but seeing as he can’t stay fit, Ings’ importance has only increased.”
Kealan Hughes
“Ings has been vital to the Saints this year in terms of his goals and work rate, and while he seems integral at this moment in time, there are others who should soon serve the team well in their fight for survival. One of those is Che Adams, who is still taking time to adjust to the Premier League, but has been very unlucky so far.
“He has hit the woodwork once and his XG (expected goals) of 2.5 shows he is getting in the right positions, so there is a feeling that when the first goal arrives, many more will follow – he could end up being a crucial player for Hasenhuttl. Until he does, however, Ings will have to continue his current form if Southampton are to pick up points – if he was to spend time out then it would be a disastrous blow for the club.”
VJ
“After a wretched time with injuries, Danny Ings looks hell-bent on making up for all the lost time in his career. His decision to move to Southampton on a permanent basis has given him a new lease of life, and he is proving to be one of the Saints’ go-to men when the chips are down.
“His incredible shot conversion rate of 26% this season is better than Sadio Mane’s 25.3% average from last season – the Senegal international, of course, won the Premier League Golden Boot. When you’re down at the bottom, you need a clinical finisher to capitalise on half-chances. Ings has proven he can be the Saints’ much-needed saviour.”
Matt Dawson
“Ings is absolutely colossal in their promotion hopes and his recent performances are fine evidence of that. Without the forward I’d really fear for the Saints, especially given the lack of pure goalscoring options alongside him. I’m a big fan of Adams and he was superb in the Championship, scoring 22 goals, but he’s looked a shadow of his former self in the Premier League and seems to panic in front of goal.
“He may have failed to find the net this term but I’ve no doubt he’ll be a solid top-flight performer in the future. However, that might not be good enough for Southampton if they go down. Ings’ five goals in his last four games prove just how crucial he is to Hasenhuttl, but whether they can keep him fit is another issue. His injury history is well documented and they could be in bother if he picks up a knock at any moment.
“The challenge for the south coast side is whether they can score enough goals from other areas. While Ings is incredibly valuable to their hopes of staying in the division, they cannot rely on him solely.”