Southampton’s automatic promotion hopes remain alive after defeating Sunderland 4-2 at St Mary’s on the weekend.
Russell Martin‘s side move within five points of third-placed Ipswich Town and six behind Leeds United with a game in hand.
The Saints have endured a difficult spell of late but now appear to be back on track and West Ham loanee Flynn Downes has been a key part of their renaissance.
The 25-year-old midfielder is irreplaceable in Martin’s possession-based system and that notion was amplified on the weekend.
Journalist hails Flynn Downes’ performance v Sunderland
While Downes was sidelined through injury, Southampton suffered three defeats from four and it severely dented their hopes of automatic promotion. Since returning, Saints have won back-to-back games which evinces just how influential he is.
Daily Echo journalist Alfie House heaped praise on Downes in his post-match ratings on the weekend: “Really impressive performance from an integral cog in the Saints machine.
“Made a big impact going forward, winning balls high up the pitch in the first half and being involved in the play for Rothwell’s first goal. Tied with Harwood-Bellis and Smallbone as most tackles (two).”
A look at Downes’ stats against Sunderland and its easy to see why he was so sorely missed.
Flynn Downes’ incredible stats v Sunderland
Southampton’s thrilling 4-2 victory over Sunderland saw Joe Rothwell crowned Player of the Match for his second-half brace.
Whilst that was thoroughly deserved, Downes was the unsung hero having made 74 touches, winning four duels and making one key pass, as per Sofascore.
Pair that with the fact he maintained an incredible 90 per cent pass completion rate and it’s clear to see that he enabled Saints to victory.
Heading into the business end of the season, with 10 games remaining, Martin will be desperate to avoid another injury to Downes.
The Saints will likely look to turn his loan deal permanent, as The Hammers have deemed him surplus to requirement, meaning he’ll be available in the summer.
That’ll be a top priority for the club, though, it could depend on whether they gain promotion, as he won’t be short of suitors from the Premier League.
Downes joined West Ham in a £12m deal less than two years ago, so they’ll be hopeful of recouping much of that fee, if not making a return on the former England youth international.
Southampton now have 18 days to prepare for their next fixture, as they don’t play until after the international break.
The South Coasters play host to Middlesbrough at the end of the month, kickstarting a gruelling fixture schedule consisting of 10 games in 36 days.