Southampton’s faultless start under caretaker manager Tonda Eckert came to an end on Saturday with a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Millwall, capped by Tristan Crama’s 97th-minute winner.
The defeat ended the Saints’ four-match winning streak.
Eckert has already demonstrated his willingness to make dramatic changes.
Adam Armstrong has been reinstated as central striker, Gavin Bazunu has returned to goalkeeping duties, and teenage midfielder Cameron Bragg has earned two starts.
However, £15 million forward Cameron Archer is still waiting for his chance under the interim boss.
Archer, who had an ankle injury late in Will Still’s tenure, returned on the bench against Leicester City. However, he was then left out entirely for the Millwall match. Eckert told the Daily Echo that the choice was simply “selection-based.” Armstrong remained in the starting lineup, while young forward Nicholas Oyekunle was chosen over Archer on the bench.
Archer confronts a battle for minutes.
Archer hasn’t had many chances to establish himself since Eckert took over. Under Still, he made five starts in 12 league games, scoring once in a 2-2 draw against Watford.
He has previously performed at Championship level, with memorable seasons at Preston North End and Middlesbrough, but he has yet to establish his groove with Southampton.
If Eckert continues at the helm, Archer may have to work hard to disrupt his objectives.
Armstrong appears to have recovered in the center role, while Oyekunle is the latest academy talent vying for senior minutes following Eckert’s promotion from the junior setup.
Southampton’s striker dilemma persists.
With four veteran attackers on the roster, Oyekunle’s appearance on the bench emphasizes the forwards’ lack of consistency.
Armstrong is currently irreplaceable, Ross Stewart is still recovering from another long-term injury, and summer addition Damion Downes—who had made five consecutive substitute appearances—was unexpectedly absent against Millwall.
There has been conjecture over his omission, but neither the club nor the player has provided an explanation, and no reliable reports have emerged.
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