Southampton’s flawless start under caretaker boss Tonda Eckert came to an end on Saturday after a dramatic 3–2 loss to Millwall, sealed by Tristan Crama’s 97th-minute winner.
The defeat snapped the Saints’ four-match winning streak.
Eckert has already shown he’s willing to make bold changes.
Adam Armstrong has been restored as the central striker, Gavin Bazunu is back between the posts, and young midfielder Cameron Bragg has earned two starts.
However, one player still waiting for a chance under the interim manager is £15m forward Cameron Archer.
Archer, who suffered an ankle injury late in Will Still’s tenure, returned to the bench against Leicester City. But he was then left out completely for the Millwall match. Speaking to the Daily Echo, Eckert revealed the decision was purely “selection based.” Armstrong kept his place up front, and teenage forward Nicholas Oyekunle was chosen ahead of Archer for the bench.
Archer faces a battle for minutes
Archer hasn’t had many opportunities to prove himself since Eckert took charge. Under Still, he made five starts in 12 league appearances, scoring once in the 2–2 draw with Watford.
He has produced at Championship level before with standout spells at Preston North End and Middlesbrough, but he’s yet to find that rhythm with Southampton.
If Eckert remains at the helm, Archer may need to work hard to break into his plans.
Armstrong looks revived in the central role, while Oyekunle is the latest academy talent pushing for senior minutes following Eckert’s move up from the youth setup.
Southampton’s striker puzzle continues
With four senior strikers on the books, Oyekunle’s appearance on the bench highlights the uncertainty in the forward department.
Armstrong is currently undroppable, Ross Stewart is still battling back from another long-term injury, and summer signing Damion Downes—who had made five straight substitute appearances—was unexpectedly absent against Millwall.
There has been speculation about his omission, but neither the club nor the player has offered any explanation, and no solid reports have surfaced.
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