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Southampton 3-0 Sheffield United | Match Report | Saints move into top 4 after another impressive attacking display

Ahead of the Southampton match against Sheffield United, the Saints had the opportunity to move into the top 4. Danny Ings returned to ralph Hasenhuttl’s line up to partner Che Adams after a short spell out of the starting eleven due to injury. Meanwhile Chris Wilder’s attempts to pick up desperate points saw a back 5 with Ethan Ampadu, a centre-back by trade, played in the deep midfield role to make an effective back six.

Saints surge

Southampton dominated the opening 20 minutes of the match and had several opportunities fail to be taken. The constant threat of Danny Ings was apparent from the first minute. The England international was making the life of the many Sheffield United defenders difficult with incisive runs between the defensive lines.

The best opportunity of the first half of the opening period of the match fell to the defender Jannik Vestergaard. The centre-half towered over the United defenders from a corner but his header curled over the top-left corner.

Sheffield United were able to weather the initial Saints storm but when in possession offered very little. A couple of corners fell the Blades way but they were easily defended and Southampton remained comfortable. However, a chance in the 32nd minute did fall the Blades way. Stevens’ cross found a stretching Sander Berge but the Norwegian was unable to angle his effort on target and the ball trickled well wide of Alex McCarthy’s net.

Che Adams though was able to break the stubborn Blades defence. A high free-kick from James Ward-Prowse was flung into the Sheffield United box. A ball which Ramsdale could have claimed but was instead headed high into the air by Phil Jagielka for Saints defender Bednarek to shoulder towards goal and Adams was on hand to swivel and strike the ball into the net.

The goal opened the game up as Sheffield needed to find a leveller but they remained pinned to their own half with Southampton consistently pressurising. Stuart Armstrong had an excellent run and shot well blocked and James Ward-Prowse struck a tame effort after some excellent wide play from Ings.

Top 4 awaits

The second half saw a return to the Saints swarm as consistent pressure from Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side forced chance after chance. Sheffield United were able to do little to break out and looked to be facing further problems as Southampton’s press continued.

The problems mounted and eventually the Saints broke through again. Good play from Ings on the left laid the ball to Stuart Armstrong and the Scot’s deflected strike wrong-footed Ramsdale and Hasenhuttl’s side took a strong grip over the game.

The match then took on a continued familiar feel. The Saints continued to press and free-kicks and corners were swung in by Ward-Prowse but the third goals was seemingly more eluding that the prior two. Even Danny Ings couldn’t’ squeeze a shot past Ramsdale when played through for a one-on-one scenario.

Ings was again played through and it appeared the previous chance lingered in his mind as when one-on-one again chose to try and square the ball to Adams unsuccessfully. An Ings in his pomp will have surely chosen the more direct should to goal.

And the third would come instead from the substitute Nathan Redmond. The winger played an excellent one-two with Oriol Romeu on the edge of the box and found space to finesse an effort around Ramsdale.

The win moves Southampton up to third in the table above Chelsea after Frank Lampard’s side lost to Everton. Meanwhile the issues for Chris Wilder and Sheffield United continue to lose with just a single point from a possible 36. The pressure will continue to mount and the favourite to be sacked will only see the odds fall more and more.

Southampton have reportedly opened contract negotiations with Danny Ings

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