Southampton fans praise Nathan Tella despite 3-0 Leeds defeat

Southampton suffered another defeat in the Premier League on Tuesday – but some of the club’s fans on Twitter did at least find one positive in the display from exciting youngster Nathan Tella.

The Saints were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at Elland Road as they travelled to Leeds United for a league fixture.

Patrick Bamford opened the scoring shortly after half time, while Stuart Dallas and Raphinha both scored later in the second half to wrap up three points for the Yorkshire club.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side haven’t won in the top flight since they beat Liverpool back on 4 January and have just one point in eight league matches.

Southampton travel to Goodison Park to face Everton next Monday, which looks a desperately difficult tie given the way they’ve been performing of late.

It was an even first half where they impressed for large parts, but they fell away in the second period.

(Photo by MIKE EGERTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

A selection of Southampton fans on social media were impressed by their youngster’s contribution in a defeat.

Tella, 21, started during the Leeds match before being taken off after an hour.

The winger was extremely positive during his time on the pitch and caused some problems for the opposition’s backline with his pace, as well as his direct running.

Here are some Saints fans praising Tella:

Tella has had a cracking game so Ralph takes him off while Adams has done naff all #saintsfc

— Ade Swatridge (@Saint_ade) February 23, 2021

Poor Tella he's been our best player this game

— 🔴⚪ (@saints_fandom) February 23, 2021

Nathan Tella has started very well, the whole Saints team! 👍😊

— Jarkko Hårdh (@HardhJarkko) February 23, 2021

I love Ralph but he makes some mad decisions. Adams was abysmal tonight and Tella was playing his heart out. His substitutions are always either rubbish or far too late. What does Forster need to do to get a chance when McCarthy spends half of each match napping? #saintsfc

— Adam Giles (@SheriffHood91) February 23, 2021

With both styles of play, the game was destined to be open and creative leading to chances for both sides.

Nathan Tella has had a great first half and has really held his own against a good Premier League side.

WHAT A TACKLE by Romeu, absolutely quality. #SaintsFC #LUFC

— The Saints Timeline (@TheSaintsTL) February 23, 2021

Nathan Tella is a very exciting prospect #saintsfc

— Mark Hanson (@MESHSaints) February 23, 2021

Lovely quick feet on Tella!!! #saintsfc

— Rob (@LowerEastSaint) February 23, 2021