JUST over a week ago, Gavin Bazunu told the Daily Echo that a first Premier League clean sheet was not at the forefront of his mind. The Republic of Ireland international has been focussing on improving the quality and consistency of his performances; already taking advantage of a level head at 20 years old. Now, 11 games into his Saints career since a summer move from Manchester City, he has been rewarded for their steady performances in the 1-0 win at AFC Bournemouth.
Gavin Bazunu said: “It’s a good feeling. It’s not just myself, it’s a collective achievement. We fought so hard. Not just the back four or back five, every man fought for the win and the clean sheet as well so everyone deserves the plaudits for that. It’s all about fighting as a team, it’s not just one person. Everybody’s got to play their part and I feel like we did that today.”
For all the more dynamic performances Saints have produced this season with little or no reward, Saints showed a different side in soaking up pressure without concession for over 30 minutes. Ralph Hasenhuttl faced questions from his own supporters in the stands mid-game when switching to a five-at-the-back so early against the Cherries – but they were themselves unbeaten in six. When you find yourself in the relegation zone, even if it is only 10 games into a season, you must find any way to climb immediately out.
Gavin Bazunu added: “It’s been a long time coming, it wasn’t pretty, but we fought hard as a team and really dug in until the end. I think we needed a win by any means necessary and we got that. Sometimes it’s pretty, sometimes it’s ugly. Sometimes when it’s not going your way you have to dig in and fight and that’s exactly what we did today.”
Bazunu was on hand to stop all three of Bournemouth’s shots on target but did need help from Mohammed Salisu to clear off the line in added time after the youngster had misjudged the flight of a corner.
Gavin Bazunu continued: “It’s a brilliant feeling when we come back into the dressing room after everyone has given 100 per cent. From the lads who started to the lads who came on, it feels so much better when you get the rewards. It’s a small celebration. It’s an important win but straight away the focus goes to the next game now. We’ve got to take this feeling that we’ve got now and use it as momentum to take into our next games.”
The first shutout of the season came with Romeo Lavia and Armel Bella-Kotchap watching on from the stands in Dorset. Lavia, who is expected to return to training this week, has been out since August – but following Bella-Kotchap’s dislocated shoulder last Sunday, Hasenhuttl had to reshuffle the pack. Duje Caleta-Car came in for only his second start since a deadline day transfer from Marseille and rode out early struggles on Wednesday to become imperious alongside Salisu.
Gavin Bazunu reflected: “It can be difficult to change defences but we’ve trained with these players week in week out, we know what they’re like. The players wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have the quality to play so we have trust in every player who comes in and puts on the shirt.”
