Southampton extended their unbeaten run to 12 games on Saturday, but left Vicarage Road disappointed as Watford’s last gasp leveller meant it was one point rather than three.
Neither Taylor Harwood-Bellis nor Gavin Bazunu covered themselves in glory for the part they both played in Rhys Healey’s 96th minute equaliser, but Russell Martin‘s side must take the point and look ahead to Coventry City on Wednesday.
Southampton were without Flynn Downes through illness and struggled to control the game in the midfielder’s absence. In truth, a draw was perhaps a fair result as Watford had the better chances despite Southampton having the bulk of possession.
Southampton‘s attacking incisiveness was found lacking, with Che Adams‘ goal the only chance of real quality. Unfortunately, one of the key men tasked with providing the creative spark in Martin’s team was incredibly underwhelming as he and his side failed to break Watford down.
Carlos Alcaraz fails to make an impact
Russell Martin set up his Southampton side in an unorthodox shape, which was something of a hybrid formation; switching between a 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond and a 4-3-3.
Carlos Alcaraz was the player deployed in a role which saw him switch between a central striker and an attacking midfielder, operating as a kind of false nine with some licence to roam. This role means that it is Alcaraz’ responsibility to provide chances and impact the game in the final third, but unfortunately the 21-year-old was unable to do that and was substituted at half-time to compound his misery.
The Daily Echo gave Alcaraz a match rating of five out of ten, saying that the Argentinian was “Wasteful in possession during the first 45 minutes.” Ryan Fraser was the man that came on to replace Alcaraz at half-time and the decision paid off with the winger providing the cross that saw Adam Armstrong head down for Adams to put Saints ahead on 56 minutes.
Alcaraz statistics v Watford paint the picture
Speaking about the decision, Southampton manager Russell Martin admitted that it “wasn’t his (Alcaraz’) day but he will have plenty of days where it is his, Saturday wasn’t one of them”.
Alcaraz had just 21 touches and only made 11 passes, which were both the lowest of any of the Southampton players that started the game, including Bazunu in goal. In the position he was deployed, Alcaraz’ job was to get on the ball and cause Watford problems but unfortunately he was unable to do that.
The statistics from Alcaraz’ 45 minutes are damning. The youngster had no shots, made no dribbles and created zero chances, whilst also losing possession seven times; once every three touches.
Alcaraz is just 21 and has shown real potential since joining Southampton in January, but he does have a tendency to let the game pass him by at times. He plays in a crucial position for Martin’s side so Alcaraz must find a way to consistently be involved and impact games.
With the likes of Fraser and Joe Aribo playing well against Watford and Downes expected to return, Alcaraz may find himself watching the game against Coventry City from the bench on Wednesday night.