So we're now 2 short of Newcastle and 8 clear of Villa, and Newcastle's next two are Chelsea and Spurs. Excellent position to be in.
How astute. Who said that? Its not that Cork was particularly brilliant but we were able to push up further and everyone else just seem to play better when he is around, Schneiderlin in particular who was excellent in the second half.
Cork had barely played at that time himself, I wouldn't have said he was horrific, but he didn't reach his standards then. Agreed both will be needed, it was just the wrong decision today 100%.
Well done Saints, excellent 2nd half, and thanks Artur. Wanyama simply isn't fit but will feature of course when he sharpens up. Cork was excellent as usual and it's a squad game etc etc. Not a great call to start with Vic, but Poch made the change. Great goals for all, pleased for Rickie. COYR.
I'll have to check the internets, but I've heard that some people are capable of admitting when they're wrong.
I still think that yeah, though for many on here it seems a key argument. Was particularly starkly highlighted today by them each playing a half. I still back Wanyama to come back strongly (and look forward to seeing him play with Cork) but I'm not sure why he was picked ahead of Cork today.
Both Cork and Wanyama are good players. Both are good at different things. Both will have good games and poor. But I am glad both play for us.
One thing I will say, is fair play to Mauricio for quickly altering things after a slow and disappointing first half.
Depends how much we want to assume correlation implies causation. We were a lot better in the second half (or, the last half hour) but I think putting that on Cork, who was distinctly average, is far too simplistic. Fulham's defence falling apart and Lambert turning it on (EDIT: oh, and Clyne coming on) seemed to be the key factors rather than Cork being there and doing nothing particularly impressive.
Not really. Cork came in to start the second half, and the first 10-15 minutes of the second half we weren't very good. If you want to look at subs, the game turned around right after Clyne came in for Chambers, but no one is saying anything about that. Not saying that Clyne was the difference, either. Cork played well enough, but he wasn't the difference. I don't know why every match has to turn into Wanyama vs. Cork.
If he really is fit enough, then Stoke next week is one of those games that I'd like Wanyama to start in. N'Zonzi can be a niggly little so-and-so, and Wanyama is always worth having to help deal with players like that. And also someone like Wanyama should be able restrict what little pockets are available around the egde of the area for Adam (or Ireland) to get into and shoot or assist.
