WE ARE only eight games into the season, but at current rate Stuart Armstrong could be on course for his least involved campaign as a Saints player. That meant a return to the wide 10 position. Armstrong did not start once when Hasenhuttl operated the 4-2-3-1 formation – Moi Elyounoussi started six matches in a row – begging the question if there is a reluctance to use Armstrong centrally. Asked about Armstrong’s anticipated role for the remainder of this season by the Daily Echo,
Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted: “Important in the team, like every season in the end. I think Stuey always had some moments where he was not on the highest level but then he showed his quality immediately. Good performances are always helpful and, in the end, it very often depends on the tactic and the way we want to play, that is part of the duels for the selection for the team. We have to see what we are facing and what we need.
The Austrian explained, at the time, this role alteration was to allow Armstrong to continue trying the killer ball but with the safety harness of a full midfield complement behind him. As mentioned, if Armstrong’s current rate of involvement continued he will finish the season with just over 1,400 Premier League minutes. Last term, he was plagued by a calf injury that ruled him out for three months across two spells in the first half of the season. Otherwise, Hasenhuttl’s usage of the Scot was closer to 2020-21 levels, where 2,775 minutes and 33 appearances helped lend to the bizarre record of Saints not winning a league game without him between December 2019 and September 2022.
Ralph Hassenhuttl said: “For Stuey, every game he plays is important. It was good for him to play two-and-a-half games (for Scotland), so I’m looking forward to seeing him more often with us on the pitch.”
Versus Everton, none of Hasenhuttl’s starters completed more of their attempted passes than Armstrong (87 per cent). That was not enough to leave many supporters satisfied with his performance, as some labelled him too ‘casual’ and questioned if the work-rate was there to justify his inclusion. You have to look back to June to see some hard evidence of output, when playing for Scotland. Steve Clarke still gives him the majority of minutes for his country.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “He had a successful time in a very strong team, I must say Scotland did a good job. I saw the game against Ireland (a 2-1 win), which was really a good turnaround. Finally to be promoted into League A is a massive signal and you can see this is a strong side. When you are in a strong side, this always helps you.”
For a man nearing his 150th appearance for the club (142), does it feel the era of ‘we’re so much better with Stu’ is subsiding? If there is a management change this season, does it affect his significance to the team? Let us know in the comments below.
