Southampton’s tactical identity under Ivan Jurić has undergone a noticeable transformation, with a shift towards a more direct approach in possession and a high-intensity pressing system off the ball. Lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, they rely heavily on aerial duels, quick transitions, and an aggressive pressing structure, but their overall attacking efficiency remains one of the weakest in the league.
Since Jurić’s appointment, Southampton have moved away from short build-up play, preferring to launch long balls into the final third. Their goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, records the longest average goal-kick length in the Premier League, and Southampton rank second in launch rate. Most of these aerial balls are aimed at 6’7” striker Paul Onuachu, who competes in the highest number of aerial duels per game for the team. If Onuachu loses his aeral duel, Southampton’s midfielders are tasked with recovering loose balls and quickly progressing forward.
Their attacking play is heavily reliant on crosses, ranking fourth in the league for deliveries into the penalty area since Jurić’s arrival. Kamaldeen Sulemana is their most dangerous winger, consistently attempting take-ons to beat defenders on the left flank, while defender James Bree frequently pushes high from right center-back to provide width. Despite these tactical adjustments, Southampton continue to struggle in front of goal, ranking 19th in both goals scored and expected goals (xG), highlighting their lack of cutting edge.
Defensively, Southampton press aggressively in a 5-2-3 shape, deploying a man-marking system that sees central midfielders tracking opposition deep into their own half. This leaves large spaces between the defensive and midfield lines, which opponents can exploit. Their center-backs also tend to follow attacking midfielders into advanced positions, further destabilizing their defensive shape. While their pressing intensity has increased, they still rank among the worst in the league for expected goals against (xGA), conceding high-quality chances regularly.
Southampton’s transition play is built around speed. When they win the ball, they look to break quickly before the opposition can organize defensively. Conversely, when they lose possession, they counter-press immediately to limit space for opposition counter-attacks. However, their structural weaknesses often leave them exposed, making them vulnerable to quick attacking transitions.
For Chelsea, the key to breaking Southampton lies in exploiting the gaps left by their man-marking system. By dragging defenders out of position, Chelsea’s attackers can make runs into the vacated spaces. Additionally, Southampton’s struggles in defensive transitions present an opportunity for Chelsea’s fast attackers to capitalize on counter-attacks. While Southampton’s aerial presence could be a factor, their overall defensive frailties make them a side that can be broken down with the right movement and quick attacking combinations.