Sammy Saint always makes me laugh, but then I'm quite a simple soul. The flames were a bit OTT though, hopefully just there to start off the new season but I doubt it.
Joint 11th with Burnley only ahead by alphabetical order. Everton and Wolves are ahead of us because they scored goals.
I was impressed with Elyounoussi when he came on. He was direct and strong and he took two excellent corners.
Nice to see a broad consensus on here tonight. All that I can add is that IMO it was the presence of Ings as well as the change in formation that changed our game. Ings seemed to lift the team and led by example turning toward goal and looking for the killer pass rather than playing back to safety. Others picked it up and followed suit. Nice to see a number 9 who can actually receive and trap the ball. Two slight criticisms: Targett should have at least been in the bench providing cover for either of the wing / fullbacks. Stephens can’t really put a decent cross in. Also, can someone with a bit more knowledge of the game than me (ie all of you) explain why when we break we see defenders scurrying around out of position and then everyone just stops - literally- enabling 11 opposition players to get organised behind the ball and nullify our attack?
http://www.skysports.com/football/n...es-feels-southampton-edged-it-against-burnley Hughes thinks we edged it and were unlucky not to get a win.
This has been the most perplexing thing about us for the past two years (and a game). Part of it, I suspect, is that we're lacking technically-gifted attacking players; they aren't that comfortable passing on the run, and often slow things down after a slightly wayward touch. But ye gods does it make life more difficult when your mediocre-to-bad finishers are having to do it in a crowd of opposition players.
I liked the fact that Armstrong was willing to run beyond the strikers. I liked the fact that we kept a clean sheet. I liked the fact that Lemina took players on (even if that means we lose the ball sometimes) I liked the fact that we ended the game playing one/two touch football. Most of all, I liked the fact that I actually enjoyed watching the game - an improvement on last year!!
Part of it, I suspect, is that we're lacking technically-gifted attacking players; they aren't that comfortable passing on the run _________________________________________- I've got a feeling that you are going to like Ings.
Only saw first 20 minutes, but sounds promising. I expect to stick with the 3 CB formation though and I can't see Stephens as a wing back so Cedric will keep his place
I think Mark is right that maybe we started with a bit of a hangover from last season and I think the new players dragged us up! (a bit like the England team) Looking forward to the next game!
One thing to say actually. Cedric came off and we went 4 at the back and looked better. Others have mentioned it, but not made the point of the fact that an International, World Cup playing, European Championship winner, right back went off and a young Jack Stephens (centre back) took his place and did not look out of place. Well done Jack
The thing I like about him is his composure on the ball, he is a good footballer. He was actually a RB as well as CB in the U23s. He also played CDM for Swindon.
