Match Day Thread Southampton vs Everton 26/11/17 1:30PM KO - Embarrassment on National TV Edition

well they didn't defend and they didn't attack, and we did, that's as serious an answer as I can give

 

it probably is, can't see us defending to victory

 

OK, but did they just defend deep or try to play?

 

Not read any comments yet, but here’s mine.

- Anybody that doesn’t have Hojbjerg as MOTM is being immediately put on ignore, as it would indicate they are watching the wrong sport.

- It’s lovely to enjoy watching football again

- Everton are really, really bad.

- It’s amazing what happens when you attack at pace. Low crosses work too.

- if I was Gabbiadini, I’d be crying all through my birthday. We suddenly started playing in a way that was tailor-made for him (mainly thanks to PEH and his forward-thinking momentum).

- Boufal had them on toast.

- what do we do when we have Oriol back and Mario fit? Personally I’d think about playing PEH ahead of Davis if he can maintain that consistent level.

- nice to see Vin post match.


End transmission.

 

Yes, I would certainly like to see that too. But only if both Romeu and Lemina are behind them.

 

Maybe, but after battling through 200 games of English footy with us, you'd expect him to be able to show some leadership by now. He's basically on strike until they let him go, I'm guessing back to France in January.

 

Whatever Unsworth said to them beforehand will remain a mystery forever. We essentially bossed them to death to the extent that no Everton game plan was even remotely evident.

 

Well I'm going to find 90+ minutes from somewhere and watch it later.

 

We're as close to France as you can get non?

 

OK, fair enough. I can see why you can't give me a Yes or No as they had so little in the match that showed a recognisable plan.

 

There is always MOTD 2. 10:30 BBC1

 

He certainly seems to have lost his way.

 

Better from us. Shocking from Everton.

Shame Austin doesn't start every week. Excellent in the box.

 

Everton came to defend but were too **** to do that and from the beginning of the game looked completely clueless as to what they should be doing. All their players were just coasting and none have any confidence so it turned into a very easy day for Saints

 

Brilliant

 

Because his pace gave us an out and kept Everton on the back foot, & because we needed to sustain the energy for the full 90 mins. If we had needed a goal, he wouldn't have been the right choice, but as we were defending a lead, he was

 

He doesn’t have to screw anyone. He just needs to be more direct with his passing when needed.

That is not intended to be a criticism of his play today. Just saying, it is a part of his game he could improve on a little. And when you are up in the second half, the one thing you do not need is someone dorking around too much with the ball. Also, Everton was awful and we had no problems getting the fullbacks into rising positions without needing wingers.

It’s natural to make a defensive sub there, and with all the midfield options we have, plus midweek games, it makes sense to get some players time on the pitch and improve your situational tactics at the same time.

 

Now that's funny. I was very calm, unlike some who feel the need to berate eh?

 

All and all, this was an excellent performance and ironically, more akin to some of the performances we put in under Koeman. It is unfair to select any one player for Man of the Match although I feel that the midfield was exceptional. This is the best that I have seen both Hojbjerg and Boufal play - the latter starting to deliver his potential. Austin took his goals very well even though I felt we should have been home and hosed by half time. His headers were exceptional but you could find plenty to purr of with everyone of those five goals. Boufal's weighted pass for Tadic's goal was pure finesse.

I would also have to say that I was shocked at how poor Everton were. None of the players seems to pose any threat until Lookman came on. However, in no way should this detract from a very good Southampton performance with goals a-plenty as well far more attacking and positive play that I have seen for a long while. Hopefully we can continue this form against Bournemouth (I cannot see us getting anything at Man City) and get the side nicely prepared to humiliate Arsene Wenger - always a result that gives ultimate satisfaction!

Hopefully today's performance will do something to address the recent, misplaced negativity and for all Saints fans to be more optimistic about the season.

 

First game I have actually enjoyed watching in a while - regardless of the result.

Positives:
That was Tadic's best game for bloody ages and needs to be at that level week in week out.

Hojbjerg took his chance really well and would definitely be my preferred back up to either Lemina or romeu.

Boufal should have got this run of games much sooner but I am glad he is showing he isn't going to be another Gaston.

We played well and won

Negatives:

Fans sarcastically cheering Forster for making a save/catch!!!



As good as we were they were ****. Imagine Rooney in the championship!!