Banal Burnley

Let`s face it, Burnley played for the draw. I have no doubt they would have settled for a point prior to the game and the delighted reaction of boss Steve Cotterill somewhat proved this: ‘It was an excellent point for us to get today and I am a very happy manager.” It is not the first time Saints have drawn against inferior opposition at home, but the difference between a good side and one capable of automatic promotion is the ability to break down these sorts of teams with a moment of magic.

Saints lack this magician at the moment, and even though they often dominate these types of games, it is the predictable nature of their approach that leaves fans frustrated. Set pieces look to be our most likely source of goals at the moment and, excluding Gareth Bale, it is difficult to pick out a player who can make things happen. It is preposterous to continuously rely on a 17-year-old defender for inspiration however, and I therefore feel Burley should somehow establish Idiakez into his plans or look to the transfer/loan market.

Many Saints fans would like to see another striker brought in to take the pressure off Rasiak. Given the inexperience of the three other strikers in the squad (Jones, Wright-Phillips and McGoldrick) an injury or suspension to Rasiak could potentially turn the team`s promotion push on its head. Southampton only need to look to Niklaus Bendtner at Birmingham and Arturo Lupoli at Derby to see the benefits that a youngster can bring; alternatively an experienced player who knows this level inside-out could provide that extra something to turn draws into wins.

It is reported that two deals to bring in players are imminent; hopefully one of these signings will be the sort of player to help Saints break down and punish the negative teams who come looking for a draw.