On Aug. 19, 2012, Southampton marked their return to the Premier League after a seven-year absence with a thrilling 3-2 defeat by champions Manchester City on the opening weekend.
Then-Saints boss Nigel Adkins moved away from the trusted 4-4-2 formation that had, on the whole, served them well during their back-to-back promotions from League One, in favour of a 4-2-3-1. And club captain Adam Lallana -- often used in a wider position -- took on the role of a deep No. 10, effectively operating as a central midfielder at times.
Lallana provided the assist for a Steven Davis goal off a rapid breakaway and, although Southampton ultimately lost the game, the midfielder showed the vision and creativity to suggest that he might thrive in that position.