Gavin Bazunu has been a ‘big problem’ for Southampton, says Jamie Carragher

"A big problem for them has been the goalkeeper."

Jamie Carragher has stated on Monday Night Football that Gavin Bazunu has been a "big problem" for Southampton as the Ireland goalkeeper is dropped from starting team. Southampton have been struggling these season, and the Irishman has not enjoyed the best time between the sticks for the Premier League club. Bazunu had played 32 games for the club before he was finally dropped for Alex McCarthy against Bournemouth, and although it might initially seem like a harsh decision, there are stats to justify it. "A big problem for them has been the goalkeeper they bought in from Manchester City, a young goalkeeper, still finding his way in the game," Carragher said on Sky Sport's MNF.

"In terms of when you look at Southampton's defending numbers, the underlying numbers, they're not too bad," said Carragher. "Their actual goalkeeper has let in, probably a lot. The goals conceded (52) is a lot, certainly not the worst, we see Leeds underneath that.

"What really we would expect, on the back of xG, is 35 - not that bad a number when you consider where they are in the table.

"What we see when we look at xG is that he should have been expected to save another 16 goals, which would have been a huge difference."

Southampton manager Ruben Selles said after the defeat to Bournemouth that Bazunu "wasn't happy" with the decision to drop him.

"But he understood the decision. He is the young goalkeeper with the most minutes in Europe as we have said and he's had a good season in the Premier League.

"But I made the decision together with the rest of the technical staff using some of the facts that we just need to give it a try. Alex has been training and competing really well and he showed us a good level today. "The conversation has been clear and direct as usual with all three goalkeepers and with the direction that we took for the game." Related links:

• Jamie Carragher asks Martin O'Neill about longstanding Liverpool rumour
• Chelsea reportedly interested in signing Gavin Bazunu from Southampton
• Caoimhin Kelleher linked with Brentford as Liverpool exit looms