Sheringham says he expects us to remain at the top of the table for most of the season. Thanks Teddy.
Yes, pundits and commentators seemed to miss that. I mean he was nowhere near the ball but he was trying to strike not strike the player.
I would much sooner watch us get the points than retain two-thirds "of the football" (as Adkins used to say). I did find it uncomfortable viewing seeing us not keep the ball in the first half but you'd take clinical every weekend.
Excellent result, would have taken a draw going into the game and would have snatched it with both hands after the 1st 30 minutes. As mentioned previously Swansea controlled the game well, i like their midfield and although I knew they were all good in possession I was impressed with them off the ball and they looked a lot sharper than Saints. JWP didn't know whether to stick or twist and Swansea seemed to pass round him with ease and the young lad looked a little lost. A tough lesson for him and I hope he learns from the experience and improves his decision making off the ball. Saints defended well, other than Routledge getting in and hitting the crossbar and the clearance off the line from the corner Swansea created little from their possession. Fonte was immense and both Bertrand & Clyne defended well and covered the centre backs. Special mention for Yoshida who embraced the physical challenge of Bony and showed tremendous character. Monk is a pretty inexperienced manager and I think that showed in his tactics following the red card. As someone above stated he just made it far too easy for Saints. Of course a red card changes the course of a match, but Swansea left no goal threat and when you consider the pace they have available to them I think this was a mistake. Very pleased with the result and with Alderwiereld, Rodriguez and Mane out we have options still to come in and hopefully make us stronger
It's the fact that Monk didn't use his third change that got me. You rarely see subs left unused these days full stop. But when you've been playing with 10 men for over half the match, using all three subs is near dam essential. Even more so when you then fall behind in the match, and you still haven't used them up. Your team needs a goal. Your team has no recognised striker on the pitch. You have a spare sub available. You bring on Gomis surely?
Yes, but we won! In truth, no-one can say what would have happened without the sending off. Our second-half's have been good all season so I still think we'd have snuck it. It was always a game that Wanyama should have started which would have made a difference too. I really don't care too much about winning ugly. I just like the "winning' part of that sentence.
What I like about Koeman, among other things, is his willingness to play different players as and when required. He always seems to have something up his sleeve. Of course it helps that we have more strength in depth in every position.
True. Either way, it shows his intent is purely to clatter Yoshida, and it probably should have been a straight red. People suggesting that Fonte deserved a second yellow are talking nonsense... No contact = no card. I think Fonte and Yoshida played well yesterday. Bony was there to our muscle them, but they out phsyched him.
I agree. On Bony, replays clearly showed that he switched from trying to play the ball to playing the man. He caught Yoshida really badly in the first incident, so that when he fell he really clattered into the ground. I felt a bit sorry for Maya yesterday. He got clattered a few times and only made one bad tackle and paid for it with a yellow. Made me smile when the referee walked up to him and he politely bowed, as his well mannered Japanese upbringing kicked in. Not taking the piss, I thought it was quite charming.
Visualise that it was Vic standing as Bony charged, the Richter scale would gone off the register.......................
Just got back from the match and a weekend away. My only comment would be that although the Swans have a reputation for nice passing football they also have a nasty streak. They tap heals and tackle heavily and follow through on the man but whinge like babies when they get the same treatment in return. Our lads did very well in an intimidating atmosphere and against a skilful side. but they patiently chipped away at it and got the result they deserved. They are still getting to know each other so we must expect that at times they will make errors and give the ball away but just look at the league table for goodness sake.
To be fair, I wouldn't be happy if we played better against Swansea at St. Mary's, only to lose because Pelle lost his nerve and got red-carded.
Garry Monk is OK. Glad we beat Swansea though (see below) Typical Swan. They do. When we got promoted they were on here talking to us like they were 'experienced' in the Prem after a couple of seasons. One of my least favourite sides.
