Southampton v Leicester City: 5 Key talking points

2. Maddison continues to frustrate

As the most high-profile reprobate from the ‘COVID-19 five’, Maddison has had his work cut out to repay the fans for his foolish actions. This game was a clear indication of his lack of full match fitness, which he admitted in a post-match interview. Despite Maddison’s heavy involvement in proceedings, his final product was disappointing, with the number of wasteful long-range efforts being of particular annoyance.

Maddison is supremely talented, and on his day we all know he is capable of the spectacular. Hopefully, a much-improved performance is in order against Newcastle for him to have the slightest chance of making the England squad. Certainly, on this current showing, he deserves to be left at home, in part due to his lack of fitness which may be the reason for his sub-par displays

3. The importance of confidence in a striker

Vardy and Iheanacho are the perfect lesson in how confidence can transform or ruin a striker. Whilst Iheanacho was far from his best, having been well-marshalled by Southampton’s backline, he still managed to deliver the crucial assist for Evans to head in the equaliser. As this is a focus on his attacking duties, Iheanacho’s inability to keep his hands down can be put to one side.

By contrast, Jamie Vardy continued to struggle in front of the goal, missing several glaring opportunities. The biggest of these, a chance on his right foot that McCarthy comfortably saved was one that in years gone by, the Sheffield-born striker would have gobbled up. Despite Vardy’s contributions in other areas, notably his off-the-ball movement, serious concerns over his confidence have to be brought up. Similarly to Timo Werner of Chelsea, it may be that a run of tap-ins may be required for the Foxes talisman to rediscover his poaching instincts.