http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ld-Koeman-gets-Saints-mark-goalless-draw.html The Mail's view of the game.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/southampton-0-0-west-brom-honours-4095472 Mirror's view.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/foot...ns-a-point-in-a-dull-encounter-with-West-Brom Sunday Express's take. I'm trying to be the poor man's -DTLW
I always feel a little bad for Lineker. Trying to keep the show interesting while Hansen was being a miserable git or Savage speaks rubbish.
I actually hope Pelle watched Giroud's performance yesterday. They are not dissimilar players, if pelle adds more aggression to his game. Giroud has adapted and learned that, he gets a lot of stick but I thought he was brilliant when he came on yesterday.
What? Football fans expecting instant success? Never! Seriously though, some fans really need to get a grip in reality and understand all that is involved. There are countless players who take a while season to come good. Fans be patient! Getting on the backs of new players in the first few games just isn't going to help. Every season I always say 6-10 games to see how a team is looking. I take stock myself after 10 games.
I knew that this would happen, the team is going to be judged by last season's standards but that type of thinking is short sighted and not looking at the bigger picture. I've said before that this is the most transitional season since the first one after Markus bought the club, it will take time for a team to develop a chemistry and these early games are a bit "trial and error". Saints fans are going to have to be patient and their expectations lowered, mid table and a cup run must be the targets for this season.
I won't get on the back of any player, but I have reservations on Pelle from what i've seen in the two matches thus far and pre-season. I don't expect instant success but when a new signing arrives even if they're having a tough time you'll see moments of encouragement. A good touch, a neat turn, whatever that might be. I'm really struggling at the moment to see those little positives in Pelle. I think the one glimmer is that he has good movement in the box, he worked himself into space but failed to hit the target with a couple of glancing headers yesterday and perhaps if we can work more crosses into the box then this will work to his strength.
I think we should forget the Pochettino era...did us more harm than good...apart from bringing in lots of dosh. I think we will still be better than the old Saints though...we have a team with strength throughout as opposed to (generally) a few stars with some honest journeymen. I will be content with midtable with some good football to build on for next season and someone taking the cups seriously (as I think Ron will).
Well there you go, you've identified a positive. His movement for his shot was also excellent. So, what does that tell us? It tells me that if we lump balls to him or bang them over the top, he'll struggle. If we get the ball wide and cross in behind the CBs he'll have a chance. On your reservations, did you have reservations about Lallana after the first few games in our first season? What about Jay "one goal" Rodriguez? I defended Jayrod to the hilt in those first few months. Now I have reservations about Pelle and Long from the two games so far, but I'll hold that back until they've had a run of games. Pelle at Anfield was like a little boy lost in the first half, but markedly improved in the second half. It takes time.
Lallana is different because we all knew he was a good player, it was about whether he could become a great player in the premier league and win matches on a regular basis like he could in the lower divisions. I was positive about Jay Rod, I remember in the Man City game he brought the ball down turned his defender and scuffed a shot at the keeper. A disappointing finish, but the control and turn was world class and thats a sign of raw talent. He then played his first game up top for us against Sheffield Wednesday in the league cup and showed a few more classy moments and I was confident with game time, adjusting to a new team/league and position that he would do ok for us. I'm positive about Tadic, there have been plenty of good moments already to suggest he will do well in this division. Bertrand & Forster have put in positive displays. Saw 20 minutes from Taider in a friendly and I think he will have a positive impact when called upon. Pelle i've not seen anything about his contribution with the ball to suggest he can be a top striker in this league. He is a physical presence, but it's all a bit Dowie
Some of his link up play in the pre season friendly was very good! His ability to bring people into play with his chest is great too... But yeah let's hope his touch improves with game time.
On twitter, Yoshida's 50th game for Saints yesterday and his 26th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Maya.
I've not seen a lot, but I've seen more than nothing. Second half against Liverpool he was much better; his touch improved and link up play was ok when the ball came into him below head height. His lay offs with his chest were very good. The one real thing for me was the goal scorers positional instinct that made him peel off the defender when Bertrand pulled it back. Unfortunately his very well struck, left foot shot was blocked. A glimpse of promise.
