I often feel that 20 points by Christmas is a good guide as to who will stay up. It will be a fascinating few weeks as some of the teams in the relegation zone will play each other. I would like to think that the performances will only get better with some signings in the January window but I must admit that the three teams in the relegation zone at the moment are the weakest in the league. I cannot see Norwich or Watford escaping but it is fascinating watching Bournemouth's injury problem drawing them in to the mix. Surely they have got to get relegated somewhen ? The target has got to be to finish above Bournemouth as the bare minimum this season.
That was a welcome present for this time of year. @beefy said it earlier, we looked like a team again, everyone playing for the cause which was probably the most reassuring thing, its been there since the big defeat to some degree or another but its been getting stronger. Stoked to see. It's a real treat to start the week with a win again. Thanks Saints.
So tomorrow sees the Sun on its journey northwards again. Aussies will be glad to see the back of it.
All 4 teams above look easily catchable. Happy Christmas to all of you, you can't wrap it but that result will top all the pants and socks I will inevitably receive on Wednesday.
My main (only) negative thought today was around Che Adams. We simply cannot hope on Ings and Long for the season. Long and Obafemi doesn't bear thinking about so today seemed to me the perfect opportunity to get Che on. at 60min I was thinking itd be a perfect half hour for him yet he doesn't get on till 86 or whatever. Somethings up there.
At my age I’d rather have socks and pants than flowers on Christmas Day. That would be a grave situation.
It would be a disaster to lose Danny. We cannot score without him. Che joins a long line of players who’s career comes to a grinding halt on the south coast. I thought we had bought a duffer when we got him, now Danny is the new Rickie. He scores, we have a chance.
Cracking result today, really pleased with the 3 points. If we can keep beating the teams around us (I'll ignore the west ham game) we might, just might stay up. Merry Christmas everyone
Who's doing the Chelsea thread, and when. I have something controversial to say about Ings. With two games in three days, I think we should leave him out of the Chelsea squad.