Southampton FC’s Champions League Dream All But Over with Loss at Stoke City
Southampton FC’s dream of finishing in the Premier League’s top four and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League has all but ended thanks to a second half collapse at Stoke City.
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The side played well during the first half, with the Premier League’s best defensive side allowing very few chances early on. The defensive prowess shown by the Saints led to many quality opportunities on the counter attack.
Unfortunately for Southampton, the side could not finish any of these attacks. Southampton’s inability to finish in the final third is ultimately what cost the side this match.
While Arsenal and Chelsea target Morgan Schneiderlin gave the Saints the lead midway through the first half, Stoke City would not be denied. Stoke should have been level at the break if not for a horrendous miss from Steven N’Zoni.
Two minutes into the second half however, Stoke City found the goal they should have had prior to halftime. Thanks to a mistake by Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, Mame Diouf scored possibly his easiest goal of the season.
With the wind swirling within Brittannia Stadium, Davis failed to secure the ball that deflected off the crossbar. Many believe the goalkeeper thought the ball was going over, with the bounce going right to the feet of Diouf who easily buried the equalizer.
While Stoke had leveled the match, most of the second half was dominated by Southampton. Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane linked up many times in the attack, with both failing in the final touch.
A defensive error by Saints captain Jose Fonte — who failed to clear the ball from the penalty area — shattered the Saints slim Champions League dream. After touches from almost every forward Stoke player, Charlie Adam buried a left footed shot past Davis to give Stoke a 2-1 lead.
While Ronald Koeman brought on both Shane Long and Eljero Elia to aid the attack, Southampton would fail to find an equalizer. The side has also appeared to lose Toby Alderweireld for an extended time with the defender suffering an apparent shoulder injury during the second minute of injury time.
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With a top seven finish surely secured, Southampton are likely to play in next seasons Europa League. Should Arsenal or Liverpool win the FA Cup, fifth through seventh in the Premier League table will qualify for Europe.
While Europa League will still be seen as a victory by most — given Southampton were early season relegation favorites — missing out on the Champions League will be a huge hit to Ronald Koeman’s future plans.
Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Scneiderlin have already said they will attempt to leave for Champions League football this summer. With a second consecutive summer exodus likely, many questions will have to be asked of the Saints future.
However, with seized matches left five matches left in the season and Champions League out of the question, many supporters can now relax and just enjoy the football as it comes; something that hasn’t happened much this season.