Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is still trying to get the best out of strikers Che Adams and Adam Armstrong, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

How have Adams and Armstrong performed so far this season?

Armstrong was brought in this summer to replace Danny Ings, who moved to Aston Villa last month. The Saints' new signing combined well with Adams on the opening day of the season, as Armstrong latched onto his strike partner's through ball to score against Everton.

However, neither man has been able to find the back of the net since that day in the top-flight, and Adams is no longer a guaranteed starter after he was left on the bench for Southampton's 0-0 draw with West Ham earlier this month.

GIVEMESPORT giveaway

ENTER GIVEAWAY

What did Barclay say about Adams and Armstrong?

Barclay has admitted that he liked what he saw from the duo in the early stages of the season, particularly during Southampton's trip to Goodison Park. He has conceded, though, that they have not hit the same heights since, and that Hasenhuttl is still figuring out how to make them a successful partnership.

Speaking about the issue with GIVEMESPORT, Barclay said: “I thought they were having quite a nice link-up in the early games, him and Adam Armstrong, and yet of late Che Adams has been a bit more in and out of the team. So, I think Ralph’s still tinkering with it. Adam Armstrong obviously took his one goal so far at Everton beautifully because he’s a lovely finisher, but hasn’t really done much since. But it’s early days.”

How Arteta DOMINATED Nuno - Full tactical analysis on The Football Terrace...

Can Adams and Armstrong score enough goals to keep Southampton in the Premier League?

Southampton had a dreadful defensive record last season as they shipped 68 league goals - only West Brom (76) conceded more. Yet there have been signs that they have started to rectify this problem, with the team managing to keep two clean sheets in their last three outings in England's top division.

Now, their main concern is being unable to get the ball in the net at the other end of the pitch. Hasenhuttl's men have scored just four goals in six Premier League matches this season, and none of those have come in September.

Barclay is right when he says that the campaign is still in its infancy, so there is no reason to panic just yet. Still, Southampton need Adams and Armstrong to click into gear soon. If the forward pair continue to misfire, the South Coast club could find themselves in real danger of dropping down into the Championship in May.