Adam Armstrong's impressive 37 goal contributions in the Championship last season, outperforming even the top scorers in La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1, have sparked hope that the Geordie striker is finally ready to make his mark in the Premier League. The only player across Europe's top five leagues to surpass Armstrong's goal involvement was Bayern Munich's Harry Kane.
However, while Armstrong's recent form is undoubtedly compelling, his past Premier League experience has been a mixed bag. During his initial two seasons at Southampton, he struggled to find his footing, scoring a mere four goals. This underwhelming performance was particularly disappointing considering the club's significant investment in the former Blackburn forward.
Armstrong's lack of a defined role within the squad, often being deployed as a winger, striker, or even wing-back, contributed to his struggles. It's a familiar story in football, where poor form can lead to reduced playing time, creating a vicious cycle that hinders progress.
A significant shift occurred last season when Armstrong played more minutes for Southampton in the Championship than he had in his first two years combined. This extended playing time, coupled with a new manager's trust, allowed him to flourish. Under Russell Martin, Armstrong has been a key player, his movements and actions now central to Southampton's attacking strategy.
"I learned a lot in those two years in the Premier League," Armstrong told the Daily Echo. "When the gaffer came in, he gave me the opportunity to play as a striker and off the wing. He gave me the armband. He gave me the extra push. The extra buzz."
The confidence instilled by Martin has been crucial. Armstrong, who previously demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess in the Championship, now feels a renewed sense of belief. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, but he is confident in his ability to succeed in the Premier League.
Interestingly, Armstrong's shot map from last season highlights a significant difference compared to his Premier League days. He is now taking more shots from the right side, a result of playing more consistently on the right wing. This positional change has allowed him to exploit his movement and shooting strengths, particularly his powerful, accurate strikes with his dominant foot.
This shift is exemplified by his goal against Ipswich Town, where he expertly finished a through ball with a first-time shot into the bottom corner. This type of goal, showcasing his ability to attack quickly and decisively, was a common sight in the Championship.
In contrast, during his previous Premier League spell, Armstrong's tendency to cut inside while playing on the left often resulted in congested areas, limiting his opportunities for a clean strike. This led to him taking longer to get his shots off, something he aims to rectify this season.
As Southampton prepare for their Premier League campaign, Russell Martin expresses optimism about Armstrong's potential. "Arma was a really talented player before we got here. Now he's playing in a team that suits him best. He's technically gifted, he runs really hard. Last season he had more of an opportunity to show what he can do."
The hope is that Armstrong's resurgence in the Championship translates seamlessly into the Premier League. With increased confidence, a defined role, and a manager who trusts his abilities, Adam Armstrong is poised to finally deliver on his Premier League promise.
