Eckert comments on West Ham’s recent form, praising their strikers who are on fire this season, while also expressing concern over the injured duo.

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert praised his side’s collective effort after they secured an impressive 3-2 victory away to West Ham in a Championship clash between two promotion contenders.

Eckert admitted that Southampton knew they would need to begin the match strongly against a quality West Ham side, particularly in front of their home supporters. The Saints followed the plan prepared during the week and established an early advantage, although the intensity of that opening spell demanded significant energy from the players.

The manager accepted that Southampton would inevitably have to endure difficult periods against a team of West Ham’s quality. His players wanted to retain possession and create opportunities to control the game, but Eckert stressed the importance of remaining courageous after the interval.

Tonda Eckert spoke after his side’s win at West Ham (Image: PA)

He felt Southampton’s periods with the ball became shorter during the second half. Having invested so much energy into the opening stages, the team needed to manage the game more effectively. Eckert believed Southampton could also threaten West Ham through transitions when they regained possession.

He expected West Ham to come out aggressively immediately after half-time and recognised how difficult it would be for Southampton to protect their advantage at such a challenging venue. Despite the pressure, he was delighted with the players’ commitment and described the result as a genuine team performance.

A statement from the Saints

Asked whether Southampton wanted to make a statement with the victory, Eckert insisted that the message was primarily for themselves rather than anyone outside the club.

He explained that Southampton possess considerable technical quality and must consistently demonstrate it during matches. Their approach worked effectively during the opening stages, but the players still needed to convert their opportunities into goals.

According to Eckert, Southampton were more clinical against West Ham than they had been during their previous three matches. He also highlighted the importance of accepting periods without possession and being prepared to defend collectively.

The manager said the players showed a willingness to make sacrifices for the team, which was crucial to securing three points. He now expects the squad to recover and begin preparing for the next fixture.

Keeping pace with the leaders

Southampton began the campaign playing catch-up and Eckert admitted that this has been the reality from the opening match of the season.

However, he believes there is still considerable time remaining in the campaign. The important thing is for Southampton to continue performing well against the division’s strongest sides.

Eckert said the victory demonstrated what his team can produce during certain periods of a match, although he also acknowledged there were areas that still required improvement.

For him, successful seasons are not built purely around tactics. Instead, he believes togetherness is the key ingredient. Southampton’s players are continuing to develop their understanding of one another, and Eckert feels the group is becoming stronger from week to week.

Goalkeeper Daniel praised

When asked whether Southampton deserved their victory, Eckert pointed to the importance of having a goalkeeper capable of producing big performances in difficult away games.

He said that teams can defend collectively, but there are moments when the goalkeeper must make important interventions. Eckert felt Daniel performed extremely well and played an important part in Southampton’s victory.

The manager also admitted there were moments when his side could have handled possession better after the break. Southampton had opportunities to control the game more effectively but were affected by the amount of energy expended during the opening period.

Nevertheless, Eckert felt his players deserved the three points based on their overall contribution.

Eckert discusses the goalscorers

Eckert was asked to assess each of Southampton’s three goalscorers but jokingly pointed out that the discussion had moved away from his emphasis on collective performance.

Regarding James, Eckert explained that he had personally wanted to find ways to get the player into more advanced positions. Before the international break, James had not yet opened his scoring account, but the manager always believed he possessed the quality to score when operating higher up the pitch.

Eckert referenced James’ previous opportunities, including a significant moment in the derby and another chance in the previous match. His goal against West Ham was arguably more difficult, making the finish particularly pleasing.

Kuryu’s goal followed a familiar pattern. Eckert explained that even when Southampton attack down the opposite side, Kuryu consistently makes his way into the penalty area. That movement gives him opportunities to shoot, and the manager knows how dangerous he can be when presented with an open chance.

Dobbin also earned praise after producing an important performance. Eckert acknowledged that adapting to a new club and environment is never straightforward. Despite that, Dobbin contributed significantly both with and without the ball.

The forward showed his ability to drop deeper, receive possession and then drive Southampton forward. Eckert considered it an important moment and a significant performance from the new arrival.

Squad depth and injuries

Asked about Flynn Downes and Cyle Larin, Eckert stressed that he views Southampton as one squad rather than dividing the players between starters and substitutes.

He explained that the Championship season is extremely long and that Southampton deliberately entered the campaign with a relatively small group. The coaching staff have complete confidence in everyone within the squad, meaning every player must be ready to contribute when their opportunity arrives.

Eckert accepted that operating with fewer players increases the risk of injuries, but he believes it also creates stronger relationships within the group. Southampton can additionally rely on their academy when young players are required to step into the first-team environment.

Regarding Downes and Larin, Eckert revealed that Southampton had hoped both would be available against West Ham. However, late decisions ruled them out.

Downes had even received another injection as the club attempted to make him available. Eckert remains optimistic that both players could return for the upcoming match against QPR.

Southampton’s status among the big clubs

Eckert agreed when told that Southampton should themselves be considered one of the Championship’s bigger clubs.

He acknowledged West Ham’s enormous stature and highlighted the impressive attendance, support, quality of players and manager at the London club. However, he believes Southampton should also be capable of competing at that level.

The manager was particularly pleased that his side showed they could match West Ham away from home.

January transfer plans

Eckert confirmed that Southampton will have some flexibility when the January transfer window arrives. He suggested the club could potentially make adjustments involving two or, at most, three players.

However, the Saints boss does not currently see a major need for significant recruitment. He believes the squad is already strong, while several summer arrivals are still adapting to their new surroundings.

With January still some distance away, Eckert is not expecting Southampton to conduct extensive business.

He also explained why he prefers operating with a smaller squad. Although players naturally want regular minutes, a compact group can improve cohesion and create greater involvement during training.

Eckert stressed that Southampton need a strong medical and fitness department to manage the demands of a long season. He accepts that absences can alter the team’s dynamics, but believes it is his responsibility to find different solutions.

Ultimately, he would rather have a smaller squad where more players remain actively involved in training and feel connected to the team’s progress.