On Sky, they said that Long was assured that he was in Hughes' plans when there was all that speculation about him leaving.
Highlights up on OS. Merrington makes the point that for the first goal, Ings wouldn’t have had the space if Long hadn’t been up alongside Ings occupying a CB (and getting injured in the process). https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018-09-02/highlights-crystal-palace-southampton-premier-league-1819
Loved Pierre's goal....and he almost scored earlier in the game from distance. Got quite a kick on him.
If Long was a natural finisher, he’d basically be Raheem Sterling; and we’d have no chance of signing him. I appreciate that he is marmite, and I think we are all aware of his limitations. One thing you can’t deny though, is his work rate - and we all know that “hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard” (Saint Nigel of the Miraculous Ascent)
And doesn't he look a good buy. Fate isn't listening, is she? Talking of Ings….how did he manage to get badly blistered feet? We didn't get those hot coals out again, did we?
https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018...bjerg-mario-lemina-crystal-palace-southampton Hughes praising Hojbjerg and Lemina….also talks about how he views Long.
Interesting to see, with hindsight, what bench would everyone now pick to go with that starting XI? Probably picking from: Gunn Stephens, Bednarek, Yoshida, Targett Romeu, Davis, JWP, Armstrong Austin, Gallagher, Gabbiadini My bench: Gunn, Stephens, Targett, Romeu, JWP, Gabbiadini, Austin
It’s interesting, Elyounoussi is now first choice for set pieces but I’m not convinced he has the whip and accuracy that JWP brings. I’d still like to see James starting, but no idea who to drop. Great for the manager to have so much choice, but very hard for players in a squad strong in depth.
