1. A lack of service to the front two.
In Aaron Jarvis and Tope Fadahunsi Gary Johnson has two forwards at his disposal who have the potential to get United out of trouble. However, the pair got very little change out of a stubborn Southend backline and received very little in terms of service from United's midfield. Therefore the duo, who have scored 14 goals between them (Jarvis 12 and Fadahunsi two) both had very quiet afternoons.
It wasn't until the 68th minute that the Gulls finally managed a shot on target through a shot from QPR loanee Dillon De Silva tested Southend keeper Blondy Nna Noukeu from distance.
If United want to stay up, they need to score goals, which means that Jarvis and Fadahunsi need adequate service in order to do so.
2. Options from the bench.
The inclusion of Newport County loanee Lewis Collins, following the end of concussion protocol, gave Torquay United boss Gary Johnson an option to change things from the bench - which he used to good effect.
Collins entered the fray at half-time in place of Jacob Mensah, in a move that also saw the Gulls switch from 3-5-2 to 3-4-3. It had seemingly paid dividends when Collins opened his account for the club in the 85th minute before Cav Miley struck with Southend's late winner to secure the three points for the Shrimpers.
Nevertheless, Collins has staked his claim for a potential starting berth.
3. Nico Lawrence comes through another test with flying colours.
Since his arrival on loan from Southampton young centre back Nico Lawrence has faced a number of stern examinations from National League forwards and has come through them with flying colours.
Against Southend he found himself facing the experienced Jake Hyde and the one time Barnet and York City striker ended up having a largely quiet afternoon - thanks in no small part to Lawrence.
If Lawrence needs any inspiration to follow in his career, there is no better example than Newcastle United defender Dan Burn, who on the same weekend featured for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United. Burn also had a loan spell at Yeovil Town under Gary Johnson and went on to have a great career, which Lawrence has shown he has the potential to do himself.
4. United need Asa Hall fit.
He might be a few weeks away from fitness, but Torquay United need skipper Asa Hall back and fit. The Gulls have missed his presence and authority in midfield, and in a team that is short of leaders merely having him on the pitch will be of great benefit to United.
5. Taking advantage of another club imploding.
When Torquay United have been involved in relegation battles in the past the Gulls have taken advantage of other clubs going on a slump which they have found themselves unable to escape from.
Think Lincoln City in 1986-87; think Halifax Town in 1992-93; think Barnet in 2000-01; think Oxford United in 2005-06. All of them ended up finding themselves in relegation scraps that they saw them relegated instead of the Gulls who, each time, proved that they have enough to pull themselves clear.
Now the Torquay United of 2022-23 need to show those same qualities.
6. Southend's big day in court.
This Wednesday will see Southend United face an opponent far tougher than the Gulls - HMRC in the High Court over an unpaid tax bill.
Should the judge decide to liquidate the Shrimpers then their National League record would be expunged and any points won by their opponents against them would be wiped out - including the three points that the Gulls won at Roots Hall last September.
Hopefully for all concerned it won't come to that.
