Eckert: We need to manage games better
Tonda Eckert was pleased with elements of his team’s performance against Charlton at St Mary’s, but admitted Southampton need to manage games better after taking the lead.
Saints enjoyed almost total control of a goalless first half, and deservedly took the lead three minutes into the second period when Ross Stewart headed home Leo Scienza’s left-wing cross.
With Saints expected to press home their advantage, instead the visitors fought back to claim a share of the spoils through Sonny Carey’s 67th-minute strike.
“Obviously we went into the game to take three points and we didn’t manage to do that, but I still think there were some very good moments in the 90 minutes,” Eckert reflected.
“It’s not so easy to break down a deep block. I think we got enough chances, nothing too concrete, and it was just so important that we made sure we scored the first goal.
“We were talking about it at half time – we need to touch the sides a little bit more with the quality we have out on the wing, and that’s where the first goal comes from straight after. I think it’s for us to manage those games a little bit better, and make sure we take those three points.”
The head coach felt his side could have done more to exploit the spaces vacated by Charlton when the visitors pushed forward to find a way back into the game after falling behind.
“Charlton needs to open up a little bit more and there were more there for the taking,” he added.
“Spaces do open up, but that’s for us to make the next step, like we’ve done over the last weeks, and make sure that once we go up in those games, especially at home, and we bring them home.
“It (Charlton) is a good team – the Championship is never that easy as it seems. Then I think we had enough chances towards the end of the game to bring the game back in our direction. We didn’t manage to do it today, and now it’s full focus on Tuesday.”
For a limited time only, Saints Memberships are half price. Enjoy early ticket access and discounts across the club for just £15 for Adults and £7.50 for Juniors.
