Burnley midfielder Jonjo Shelvey says Southampton’s attacking approach didn’t trouble him.
Ivan Juric was feeling at ease just a few days ago, confident in his match preparations. Not because of defensive selections, but because he could finally set up his preferred attacking system again.
Southampton isn’t known for being an attacking team. However, given their FA Cup run and the recent 3-0 third-round victory, scoring goals seemed to be the key to another Saints win.
As expected, Juric stuck with Southampton’s counter-attacking approach. From the first whistle, the players appeared committed to executing his game plan.
Unfortunately, they failed to convert their chances. One opportunity after another slipped away, while Burnley capitalized on theirs to turn the night into a frustrating one for the home side at St. Mary’s.
Since then, Southampton’s performance has been widely criticized. Pundits analyzing mistakes is nothing new, but now even rival players have weighed in.
Shelvey mocks Saints’ attack
Burnley’s January loan signing, Jonjo Shelvey, shared a blunt take on Southampton’s struggles.
Speaking to the *Daily Echo*, he said, *”Even when the other team is on the attack, I mean, that was my first proper game. You just feel like they are never going to score.”*
Shelvey may be riding high after Burnley’s win, but his words highlight a serious issue for Southampton—one bigger than their injury concerns.
A potential solution was hinted at by Mateus Fernandes a couple of weeks ago. However, little progress has been seen in its execution.
With the Bournemouth fixture ahead, Juric must urgently find a way to sharpen his team’s attack. Whether he succeeds remains to be seen.
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