Sunday 18 January 2015 14:34, UK
Southampton are beginning to prove themselves as one of the Premier League’s top teams, according to Jamie Carragher.
The Saints continued their impressive run with a 2-1 win away at Newcastle on Saturday Night Football, with victory keeping them third in the table.
Ronald Koeman’s side are now unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, with Carragher believing the south coast side are now being taken more seriously.
“We’re judging Southampton now like one of the top teams, and deservedly so because of where they are now,” Carragher told SNF.
They (Southampton) haven’t got the best defenders or the best central midfielders we’ve seen, but as a unit they’re so difficult to break down.
“If United or City or Chelsea had gone there and done that you’d say that it was a good win, where they ground it out and weren’t at their best.
“We’re judging Southampton like that now, when really we should be saying what a result that was away at Newcastle.”
New star
Recent loan signing Eljero Elia scored his first two goals for the club to seal the win, while Steven Davis and James Ward-Prowse also impressed in a side still missing several first team regulars.
“Looking at the performance, we’ve seen them play better, but it shows how well they’ve done by playing like that and long may it continue,” Carragher said.
“They look like a proper unit. Even though (Victor) Wanyama and (Morgan) Schneiderlin were injured, you didn’t notice it because everyone goes in to try and do a similar sort of job and everyone knows their role.
“There’s obviously a lot of work on the training ground that goes into this, as they’re a very organised team.
“They haven’t got the best defenders or the best central midfielders we’ve seen, but as a unit they’re so difficult to break down.”
Time for a change
Defeat for Newcastle means caretaker boss John Carver is still looking for his first win, with Carragher not expecting the 50-year-old to have a long-term future at St James’ Park.
“He knows that you need to get results,” Carragher added. “Any new manager that comes in needs to hit the ground running, get a few results and get the crowd behind them, so people are willing for you to get the job. Unfortunately the results haven’t done that for him.
“Watching that game, I never felt they (Southampton) were in trouble. The goal was very unfortunate, there was a (Yoan) Gouffran header in the second-half and a bit of pressure late on, but I never felt Newcastle did enough to get three points."
