As the Premier League made it's return, the struggles continued for Southampton and Gavin Bazunu, who has come in for strong criticism in the loss to Brighton.
It was a day to forget for Bazunu and his teammates, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brighton, with the Ireland goalkeeper putting in a disappointing performance between the posts.
Goals from Adam Lallana, an own goal from Romain Perraud and Solly March leaves Southampton bottom of the table with just one win in their last five games.
For Bazunu, today's display will hurt him the most, especially when we know what he's capable of when he plays for Ireland. He should have done better for Lallana's header, getting a strong had to the ball but unable to keep it out.
Bazunu also should have claimed the ball for the second goal, with his ability to claim crosses yet again questioned.
The 20-year-old hasn't been at his best this season, and while he hasn't been helped by the defence in front of him, Ireland fans will know better than anyone what he is capable of.
Bazunu Southampton Woes Continue
Southampton are struggling in a relegation battle, and their defence has left a lot to be desired. The signing of Bazunu was meant to bring more stability to the side, but it sadly hasn't planned out tht way.
The player ratings weren't kind to the goalkeeper, with some giving him as low as a 3/10 rating for his performance.
After today's defeat, Southampton fans made their feelings clear on twitter.
Too many #saintsfc players stealing a living at this level. Moussa, Diallo, Perraud, Moi and Lyanco don’t look good enough. Bazunu not good enough. Adams, KWP and JWP do enough but the team looks doomed sadly
— Tom Parker (@TomParker81) December 26, 2022
bazunu was so poor for that 1st goal ffs, this southampton move has been dreadful for him
— Aaron⭐️⭐️ (@aarona_224) December 26, 2022
Probably controversial, but McCarthy is a better keeper right now. Bazunu will be better but he’s good at the moment. #saintsfc
— Stuart Pearce (@skinnz_stu) December 26, 2022
£20m for a League One goalkeeper. Premier League have got to investigate that Bazunu transfer
— Manveer (@FfsManveer) December 26, 2022
surely gotta drop bazunu for the next game. at fault for 3 goals in the last 2 games. not good enough
— Karl (@ObscureThing77) December 26, 2022
If the 20-year-old was hoping for a much needed confidence boost from his manager Nathan Jones, than he certainly didn't receive it in his post match comments.
When asked about Bazunu's display, he hinted him possibly being replaced by Alex McCarthy.
That’s something that we’ll keep in-house.But Gav is a fantastic prospect and has had one or two tough moments in recent weeks, but he is a fantastic goalkeeper.
Alex rolled his ankle the other day in training and this means he is unavailable, so there are not the choices I’d like. But I’m not going to come in and chastise Gav, he made a really good save (versus Brighton) and one or two good saves at Liverpool."
There's no doubt that this is a rough period for the Ireland goalkeeper so early in his Premier League career, but he will be confident he can turn around his and Southampton's fortunes.
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