Gabbi needs a run in the side. He’s understandably rusty. His near post runs were troubling Spurs all game though (until he got knackered).
Eriksson was a big miss for them. Very pleased he missed out. Shame our youngster didn't snatch that chance, but can't complain about performance levels. Cup game next, which means changes. D'oh.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that our better home performances have come against Spurs, Arsenal, Man Utd where there is no expectation to win and the crowd get behind the players. Hopefully those who planned to protest today, don’t find their voice against Brighton. All that negativity whenever the club suffer a set back against anyone in a game does not help the players confidence or inspire a comeback
Just after the second half started, I said to my son “Do you think MP2 has noticed that Son is playing more inside?” His reply was “Nah, he thinks we’re playing in blue.” That said, it was a good performance by everyone, including MP2. It’s a real positive having a keeper who can catch crosses as well as keep hold of shots driven at him, rather than punch crosses and push shots back into open play. Especially in conditions like today. For me, our biggest danger is still not having anyone outside of our own penalty area to deal with balls headed out or rebounds from defensive blocks. Every match we are bringing pressure on the goal by pulling 9 players into the box with nobody guarding the space outside, allowing a free pick up for any opponent to shoot or get the ball back into the danger zone. We don’t need 9 players in the box marking 4 or 5 attacking players!
I'm still quite surprised that Poch didn't replace him with Llorente and change the shape. Given what troubles our CBs, that seemed like the obvious move to me.
I realise that this has probably already been discussed/debated/resolved, but I have it on reasonably good authority (talking to someone who knows Saints team doctor) that Shane has flu. Obviously not man flu, which is incredibly serious, possibly life-threatening, just ordinary flu
Here's one for you... Today's debutant, Michael Obafemi, is the first person born AFTER the year 2000 to represent the first team.
Win the next three games (one at a time of course) and we could even begin to enjoy the rest of the season.
And before that, I had assumed that Lamela would be coming on for him, not Son. It's almost as if Poch decided he'd try and help out his old friends.
