Tonda Eckert keeps feet on the ground as Southampton FC extend unbeaten run with win over Oxford United
Tonda Eckert has stressed the importance of staying grounded after Southampton stretched their unbeaten run to 14 matches with a 2-0 victory at home to Oxford.
Goals from Cyle Larin early in the game and a stunning long-range effort from Shea Charles secured all three points, strengthening Southampton’s grip on a Championship play-off spot.
Despite the strong form, Eckert insisted there is no sense of complacency within the squad. He noted that while the mood in the dressing room was positive, it remained controlled rather than overly celebratory, which he believes is the right mindset.
He described the match as a test of maturity, pointing out that games where one team dominates possession can still be difficult to break down. Eckert was particularly pleased with his side’s fast start, highlighting the opening 15 minutes as a key factor in setting the tone.
Defensively, Southampton continue to impress. The clean sheet means they have conceded just four goals in their last seven league outings. Eckert even suggested the record is stronger, noting that since facing Sheffield United in January, only two goals conceded have come from open play.
He also emphasised the need for adaptability, explaining that different matches require different approaches—whether controlling possession, capitalising on transitions, or making the most of set pieces.
For Oxford, the result brought an end to a positive run that had included three wins and a draw, which had boosted their survival hopes. Manager Matt Bloomfield remained focused on his own team’s performance rather than outside results, insisting his priority is improving his side.
Bloomfield acknowledged disappointment with how the goals were conceded. The first came early when Taylor Harwood-Bellis split the defence with a pass to Tom Fellows, who set up Larin to score. The second, however, was harder to stop, as Charles produced an excellent strike from distance.
Oxford had chances late on, with Will Lankshear missing a good opportunity, while Fellows nearly added another for Southampton after hitting the underside of the crossbar.
In the end, Southampton’s quality at both ends of the pitch proved decisive, while Oxford will now look to quickly regroup and start a new run of results in their fight to avoid relegation.
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