Southampton Have Developed A Revolutionary Tactic They Only Use Between 60 And 70 Minutes

Southampton appear to have developed a tactic they only use between the 60th and 70th minute - and it involves players going down.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's side are one of the hardest-working in the Premier League and their relentless pressing is a reason why.

To maintain those levels, Saints stars need to keep themselves hydrated and strictly maintain their nutrition levels.

A recent study from The Athletic shows in 14 of Southampton's 24 league games this season, one player has required treatment from the physio partway through the second half.

It's believed the reason is to let players take an energy gel which is filled with a form of carbohydrate.

The first instance of this happening came against Manchester United in August when Che Adams went down in the 61st minute.

As he was receiving treatment on the pitch, his teammates travelled to the touchline and received tactical instructions while having their gel.

When the game resumed, Southampton managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw against the Red Devils.

Stats this season show Southampton have scored nine goals after the 60th minute this season but conceded 14.

The tactic is only used when there is still something to play for in the game, for example it wasn't used in November's 4-0 defeat to Liverpool as turning that result around was nigh-on impossible.

Adam Armstrong is the player who has gone down most with four stoppages and aside from Tino Livramento, who legitimately clashed with Norwich City's Brandom Williams, they've all been attackers who go down.

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers sports physiotherapist Phil Hayward explained: "They will be taking on energy gels, which contains maltodextrin (a form of carbohydrate) and gets into the bloodstream pretty quickly.

"You would start to see a response in around 10 minutes...

"I’m sure the sports scientists would have recommended it and suggested when it should be done, and Hasenhuttl has given it the green light.

"This is a really good joined-up approach and shows how well they operate."

When the Premier League returned from lockdown in 2020, drinks breaks were introduced while games were played in warmer weather.

Could developments like this see teams lobby for their return in in the future?

Southampton are 10th in the league and drew their last game 1-1 with United.