Match Day Thread Southampton v Manchester City - The Final Chapter - Sunday 13th May 15:00

If Abraham read the cross better than that is poor from Hoedt, there is a reason that it is rare to see in PL football a striker be able to take the ball on his chest, turn and get a shot off (albeit not a great one as Wes recovered to apply pressure). The centre backs usually read the play, are positioned to make a play on the cross and either head the ball away whilst the striker is waiting for it to hit his chest, or force the striker into an aerial challenge rather than trying to take it down.

At the end of the day it didn't matter as Abraham didn't score, but Hoedt must have been positioned poorly when the cross came in for Abraham to be able to do that and I would think it would be something the coaches would point out to him when reviewing the game.

 

I'm feeling a little nervy.. Despite all the odds heavily stacked up against Swansea.. Old habits die hard..
I think we will be alight.. Hitting the records, And De Gea already picking up the golden glove.. The players won't be as commited to this game as the head coach.. Leading to the World Cup.
I think we will take a point from this game, And then party time at FT. UP THE SAINTS

 

As I have said to many people. Would you be confident of a 10 goal swing if it was us in Swansea's position?

 

It's rare to see a striker receive and control the ball with his back to goal, whilst being closely marked by a defender because it's difficult to do. Even harder to then get the shot off. But it's very hard to defend against a striker who does that well, especially if the ball to him is good.

Pelle used to do it all the time (win the ball with his back to goal while being marked). So did Rickie. It's what we've missed.

 

This what can happen when a striker receives the ball with his back to goal CB doesn't get tight (unlike Wesley)...

 

You misinterpreted my bit about strikers having a chance.... I meant a chance to settle on the ball, not a chance to score. Could be receiving the ball anywhere on the pitch and our strikers seem to have less time than the time allowed by our defenders (often not 100% of the time)

I think Wes was poor in that situation. You don’t. That’s fine.

 

Is that why Shane Long hasn’t scored 30 goals this season?

 

Hold that thought until next week when I’m accused of being a happy clapper that won’t allow criticism

 

You don't need me to answer that

I though for a second he was going to put the game to bed on about 85 minutes on Tuesday. Exact same angle as his Anfield goal.

Still love Shane. What a guy

 

Of course!! Love Shane too, always have always will, but in my heart I know that for us to succeed, we need to be playing someone else as our main striker.

 

Yes. Similar type of player but Hoedt is better. Not afraid of a challenge, good in the air, the positioning issues can be fixed to some degree. But he’s just got a kind of slow lumber-y feel to his movement. I don’t trust him dribbling or passing that much. Or covering small, quick guys.

An old-school tackler/headset/physical presence who can boot the ball long. But does that skill set still play in the modern PL? Not sure. Maybe he can take dance lessons from Pelle. If he can build up his quickness both physically and mentally, he understands be okay.

Then again, Claus Lundekvam gave me that same slow, ponderous vibe and he did well.

 

Absolutely it does, if combined with the ability to read the game.

His passing is pretty good imo.

 

Fonte made Lovren better
Virgil made Fonte better
Killer made Claus better

We need another Killer then all our other CBs would be better

 

There was also one time Ayew was just inside the right side of the area and Wes dangled a very lazy foot at him. We were VERY lucky he didn’t go down (was actually honest/stupid of Ayew but it happened very quickly). None of the commentators noticed it at the time, but my bottom and I definitely did.

 

As torturing fans is Saints' raison d'etre, we would score 9 goals if we needed 10.....just so the pain continued till the end of the season.

Back to reality: I can see us shipping a few goals....but not 10. And I can't see Swansea scoring the remaining goals against Stoke. My best guess is that we lose by the odd goal and Swansea get a draw.

Will I watch it? Have no idea.

 

Already heard him talk about the City game, and how they are taking it very seriously. He said if there's one club who can inflict big defeat its them, so we have to be ready.
Happy to hear that, there's still a job to be done.

 

Just because when you cross the road, you could get knocked down by a bus doesn't mean it will happen or is worth much of a mention. A 10 goal swing could happen but come on guys, realistically are we just making conversation? 150/1 for a reason.

 

I consider it just being professional. You have not crossed the line till you are over it.

 

1000/1 on Betfair.