Southampton picked up their first win in the Premier League this season with a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park.
If there was one particular criticism of Southampton’s transfer window, it was perhaps that the Saints did not get another centre-back in before the deadline.
Wesley Hoedt endured a very difficult first year at St Mary’s and has come in for a lot of criticism during his time with the Saints. His form has never convinced the Southampton supporters that he can be relied upon to be a stalwart of the side.
And heading into the club’s clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday, it is likely that there would have been plenty of groans when it was confirmed that Mark Hughes had included the centre-back in the starting lineup against the Eagles.
However, it was an extremely positive day for the visitors. Goals from Danny Ings and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg saw the Saints pick up their first league win of the season, and Hoedt’s display actually left a lot of supporters feeling slightly more optimistic.
It was not a flawless performance from the Dutchman, but it certainly hinted that he may have turned a corner. And that could be fantastic for the Saints if he is starting to form an understanding with summer signing Jannik Vestergaard.
His performance certainly received a lot of praise from the Saints fans on social media, and will provide the defender with a timely boost heading into the international break.
Here is what some of the fans made of Hoedt’s display…
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