Hasenhüttl assesses "top team"

By SFC Media time Thu 09 Sep Saints vs West Ham United
Photo by Matt Watson

Ralph Hasenhüttl has this morning been speaking to the media about the threat posed by Saturday's visitors to St Mary's Stadium, West Ham United.

Southampton's record against the Hammers isn't particularly favourable, having enjoyed little success in recent meetings, with the manager describing them as one of the 'top teams' in the league at present.

Certainly, the London side's form has been impressive in the opening few weeks of the new term, with forward Michail Antonio catching the eye for his goal-scoring exploits in every Premier League bout thus far (four in total).

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Justin Tallis - Pool/Getty Images)
Ralph Hasenhüttl pictured with West Ham boss David Moyes

"We know the strength that they have," Hasenhüttl asserted. "Very good individual qualities in the team. But also a very clear and efficient way of playing football. This is the reason why they've been so successful.

"If you want, they don't give you many chances of winning balls, because they don't take many risks building up. They have quick counter-attacks, quick ball into the striker and a very dynamic strong guy in Antonio. He can decide games by his own.

"They have a good midfield. It's very tough to defend them around the box, they come quick in your half. Everything what a good team wants to do, they have.

"Finally, their quality in the final third, for scoring in the right moments they don't need a lot of chances to score. This is part of a top team."

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