Southampton boss Tonda Eckert praised his side’s character after a win over Stoke City in August. The match, played at St Mary's on Saturday, ended with two late goals from Divin Mubama.
Early Season Grind
Eckert said the beginning of the season is a period where teams “don’t come easy to you” and must “grind out games”. He added that while Southampton are still a work in progress, the club’s recent form has been impressive, having won 14 and drawn five of the last 22 games after sitting 15th on 17 January with eight wins from 27 matches.
The Match Overview
Stoke City had a level start, keeping pace with the Saints for the first hour. However, pressure built in the final 30 minutes, and two late goals swung the game in Southampton’s favour. Divin Mubama, who spent last season on loan at Stoke, scored the decisive goal, marking a dramatic introduction to his new club.
Eckert’s Comments
Eckert highlighted the need for teams to “go all in” at half-time and to “dig deep” to secure points. He noted that while some spells looked good, others need improvement, and that the early season is a “special period” where managing to put points on the board is crucial.
Kit Clash and Other Details
Stoke would have worn a camouflage second strip on Saturday, but a potential kit clash with Southampton’s black shorts meant the change was ruled out. The match also came after Southampton’s four-point deduction at the start of the season and a play-off exit that ended in disgrace.
Mubama’s Impact
Eckert praised Mubama’s hunger and potential as a number nine, saying, “What a way to introduce himself at St Mary's.” The goal was the only one in the match, giving Southampton a 2-0 win over Stoke City.
Looking Ahead
Eckert concluded that the team’s “massive step” in August is a positive sign, but stressed that the club must continue to fight for results as the season progresses.
