As Saints prepare to take on south coast rivals Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, we look back at a crucial thriller between the two teams that took place five years ago.
In a match that will be remembered for years to come, Southampton secured their Premier League status with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Bournemouth.
The see-saw encounter was a microcosm of the entire season, with both teams displaying attacking flair, defensive lapses, and unwavering determination.
Saints started the match on April 27, 2019, with a clear intent to dominate. Their high-pressing style forced Bournemouth to play on the back foot, and they created several early chances through their slick passing and movement.
Nathan Redmond, in particular, was a constant threat, causing problems for the Bournemouth defence with his pace and trickery.
Eventually, the pressure paid off as Shane Long opened the scoring on 12 minutes with his fourth goal in five games.
But Bournemouth were dangerous on the counter-attack, and they managed to equalise against the run of play through a well-worked move involving Josh King, Callum Wilson, and Dan Gosling.
Saints were made to pay as Bournemouth took the lead on 32 minutes.
They cleared a corner only as far as David Brooks who drilled in a low shot from 25 yards. Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn got down to his right to save but could only push the ball in front of him where Wilson reacted quickest to finish.
Matt Targett replaced Oriol Romeu as Saints switched formation to play with a back five at half time.
And it was Saints who got the next goal on 55 minutes.
Ward-Prowse delivered it out of nothing as he was allowed time and space to fire in a left-footed shot from 20 yards that beat Boruc far too easily and levelled things up at 2-2.
Saints were well on top and made it 3-2 on 67 minutes.
The wing backs combined with Yan Valery whipping in a hanging cross from the right that found Targett at the far post.
He produced a fantastic header that went back across goal to beat Boruc.
Saints looked to be heading towards three points with Bournemouth having barely threatened in the second period but conceded with four minutes remaining.
King broke forward and fed Fraser down the left. He brushed past Valery and played a dangerous low cross into the six yard box that was bundled home by Wilson.
The final minutes of the match were a nerve-wracking affair, with both teams pushing for a winning goal. Bournemouth had the best chance to secure victory, but Gunn made a crucial save to ensure that the match ended in a draw.
The point earned from the draw was enough to secure Southampton's Premier League status for the following season.
At the time, then-manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s tenure at Southampton had been nothing short of miraculous.
When he arrived in the previous December, the club was teetering on the brink of relegation, plagued by a lack of confidence and a collective malaise.
However, under his stewardship, Southampton had not only avoided the drop but had also secured its Premier League status with relative ease.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Hasenhuttl’s achievement was the absence of significant transfer activity during his tenure.
With limited resources, he managed to transform a struggling squad into a competitive force.
The Austrian manager instilled a new-found intensity and discipline into his players, resulting in a marked improvement in their fitness and performance.
Beyond the tactical adjustments and physical improvements, Hasenhuttl’s success that season could attributed to his ability to galvanise the entire club. He created a positive and supportive environment, fostering a sense of unity among players, staff, and fans. His unwavering belief in his players and his demanding approach helped to unlock their potential.
While Southampton’s style of play could be exhilarating, it also came with its risks.
The team’s attacking flair often left them vulnerable at the back, particularly against counter-attacks. However, considering the progress they made, the shortcomings seem relatively minor.
As Southampton entered the 2019/20 season, there was a palpable sense of optimism among the fanbase.
Hasenhuttl proved himself to be a master tactician and a motivational leader, and there was every reason to believe he could continue to take the club forward.
The rest is history.
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