Southampton could become English football's set-piece specialists soon again | OneFootball

Recently, U21 talent Joachim Kayi Sanda scored his inaugural club goal from a corner, becoming one of the many Saints defenders this season to do so.

Tell me, though Southampton's upcoming fixture is right here, aren't you still stuck in that brilliant last-game goal against Palace? In case you are a Saints fan, you can't help but agree to this.

What a goal that was, a brilliant cross from Mateus combined with a perfectly placed header from Paul Onuachu.

Well, it's these goals that make us fans comforted that the club is improving in its strengths despite some unwanted results on the way.

Which strength? Southampton's playstyle that involves heading abilities as key in the project. Admit it or not, the Saints club has shown leaps and bounds of improvement in this aspect this season.

If not for that, defenders like Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek wouldn’t be neck-and-neck with the Saints’ forwards in goals scored. Notably, most of their goals have come through headers on set pieces.

Southampton may become English football's set-piece specialists again

Interestingly, while we talk of Southampton's set-piece conversion improvements, we have another example to add to this list. It's of U-21 prodigy Joachim Kayi Sanda.

Recently, the winter signing scored his inaugural goal for the club, and what better way than through a setpiece? In the Saints' 3-0 win over Blackburn, Sanda's goal was the spotlight, having given the side a crucial lead.

Well, it may be a far-thought speculation, but given Southampton's developments, it feels possible for them to emerge as England's set-piece specialists again. Previously, having adorned this title under club heroes like James Ward Prowse, the Saints possess the potential to reclaim the spot.

Further, what makes this dream achievable is the club's concerted efforts in the department. You might remember some time ago, Southampton appointed Simon Rusk in the role and the club is already reaping the fruits of the well-planned call.

Let’s hope more of these moments keep popping up because as Saints fans, we’d love nothing more than to see the club rise again as set-piece giants.