It was an encouraging performance. There were several positives, such as our performance going forward in the second half and Ward-Prowse looking solid. The negatives were things we already knew about, mainly our defence. Still tough, a similar standard of performance against Wigan should stand us in good stead for a result.
The game went pretty much as I expected, we would probably lose by the odd goal but not be embarrassed. You can count on your fingers how many times Saints have not performed well since NA took the job. On the evidence of today, I think that we are destined for a comfortable mid-table position, but if we can add a couple of players of real quality then a top half position beckons.
Watching the game in Colombia we have Fox Sports but with Argie commentary. Obviously to begin with it was all about Tevis, and first half he played really well- they even said his goal was a touch offside, which is like the pope saying that Mary was a bit of a slag. The second half esp in the last 20 minutes they were full of praise of how well Saints were playing, Tevis had dropped off the face of the earth by then, when we defended we did so in number and when we attacked it was like a red wave moving forward. They called JWP El Nino which is what they used to call Torres. Finally they said they could not remember a team give Man City such a run for thier money last year, and what a great game of football it was.
Well i watched it on tv IN CHINA! haha huge benefit of the premier league. 2nd Half was great! Super proud of the players.
Like what Niall Quinn said: Southampton have brought somthing to the Premier League and they reflect their manager in the way they play. This was a tough game with lots of defending needed and we have to admit poor finishing from City, but the team can put a tough game behind them knowing that on another day they could have won. Adkins plan nearly worked: he said he knew they would have lots of possession and didn't want Ricky tired, so brought him on later in the game to make an impact. What an impact. At the end, the team could have drawn again. We showed what a good playing side we are and will beat teams in this league.
All the talk of centre backs and I thought both played really well. Admittedly, we need cover in these positions. Left back still worries me as it did last year. Part of the problem is that as last year, Fox is paired with the least defensive minded player in front of him. But given that, the positions he took up were still puzzling at times. I can only think that the full backs were told to leave space out on the wings in the hope that they could crowd the middle and deal with things. It nearly worked too. The last 2 Man City goals were a bit lucky really. So help required at left back either in a new one or more assistance from mid-field. Other than that, what a great performance especially compared to our last 2 televised away matches at Blackpool and Middlesborough. I was gutted yesterday, having come so close to getting something, but pretty happy now. Of course, it will all count for nothing if we don't beat Wigan. After this performance, I hope we don't think Wigan will be easy.
Mustn't start putting everything on the Wigan game. I have heard someone say it is a 'must win game'...no it isn't. It is the second game of the season and is only gaining importance because of the Arsenal and Man U games. One game at a time and the points will be counted at the end of the season.
What a game! City could have scored more though, I seem to remember Dzeko, Aguero and Balotelli missing good chances. We played really well though, especially Kelvin Davis! I think his saves could be vital for us this season, a bit like Vorm was for Swansea last year. I Don't remember much else, had a few beers...
Hi guys - just wanted to say well played, you certainly deserved something from it. Adkins got his tactics spot on and your fans at the game gave a good account of themselves. If you play another 37 games like that you'd be thinking about Europe and not just staying up!! All the best lads.
Thanks Kippax. We're taking it one game at a time but we put in a good account of ourselves yesterday, hopefully we can play like that and get a result on Saturday vs Wigan. All the best for your season too, I think you will retain the title.
Jaidi: Great atmosphere in the 1st team changing room today before training. You can feel the confidence flying around #keepyourheadsup #SaintsFC
Glad to hear that. There were so many positives from this game. Adkins likes to list 4 positives and one negative...important to keep the team confident in his methods and to believe that they can win games like that.
I was out yesterday and the mobile signal was rubbish so I was fairly pleased to log in later and see we 'only' lost 3-2 which was better than the 4, 5 or 6-0 I feared. It was a decent performance by all accounts.
no one watch highlights off of man city tv! missed the game and dying to see extended highlights/ the whole game. anyways, described clynes tackle as 'mistimed' 'got ankle first then the ball' even though slow mo showed other wise. Said southampton were another team who didnt try and attack and played 10 men behind the ball, i gave up at this point! how can any journalist honestly talk such bs. I'd like to think if we got hammered we would admit they were better not make excuses!
