http://www.thematch.co.uk/thematch-report-hull-0-1-southampton-wanyama-wonder-strike-difference/ My match report
According to Oddschecker, we are fifth favourite to win the League at 80/1. We are usually 1000s to 1....strangely we are probably no more likely to win than when we were rubbish, but I like the idea that it even has to be considered.
I don't think we were defensive at all. We were blowing Stoke away first half and they resorted to kicking our midfield in the second half. Hull pressed like mad in the midfield today and pushed us back a bit. Last season we would have ended up defending on the edge of the 18 yard box though with that kind of pressure. This season we are managing to take it and be less deep.
We were 2500/1 to win the league at Ladbrokes on 1st September when I placed my bet The odds didn't come down until we thrashed Newcastle.
Defensive may not have been the right word but for Stoke, if not the first then definitely the second half but when someone progressed past the half way line they would usually pass it back. I said today during the Hull game that at times it was like playing Fifa and passing it round the back 4 to annoy people. I'm not slagging it off. I like that we do it and I'm glad we finally seem to be a team capable of holding on comfortably. Even for 87 minutes. We were playing counterattacking against Hull and Stoke which was fine. Against a fragile Leicester though I'm thinking we'll be more attacking.
I didn't see it like that. I think we tried to take the game to them but there were times where their midfield were in our faces very quickly (Huddlestone the exception) and that was maybe a tactical change from Bruce after such an early goal being conceded. We weren't playing a counter game though, just that we do counter when we have the opportunity because we do have pace. We did try to build through the centre a lot. It could also be because Morgan didn't have the best half and obviously got a rocket at half time because he came out with fire in his eyes the second half. By that time some players were already showing that they had played 3 games in a week. With the big games coming up I could see Koeman making a couple of changes next week. 2 more games and we go into a spell of playing 3 of the 'top sides' as well as having a cup quarter final to play. We could see Gardos, Targett and Long next week.
With the big games coming up I could see Koeman making a couple of changes next week. 2 more games and we go into a spell of playing 3 of the 'top sides' as well as having a cup quarter final to play. We could see Gardos, Targett and Long next week.[/QUOTE] There is an international break after next week I believe so no need for changes.
I've just watched the MOTD highlights of the game, and the analysis, for the umpteenth and last time. It is now no longer available until tomorrow morning as I have exhausted the 2 hour time window. I love iPlayer Live.
I actually have a copy of that (it was in the collectors edition bluray)... not got any proper football in it though. Its all American sports.
Apart from the fact that in International Breaks we now have everyone out still playing for their countries so not getting a break at all.
We've scored fewer than Chelsea, but have an identical GD because we let in fewer goals. We used to go for that old system of 'we will score more goals than you', but it is so last year...am happy to have such a strong defence.
I recorded it and watched it twice, because I was occupied at the time watching the hour long Match Choice. It's only in the last few years that this has been worth doing....so often MOTD was to be avoided, but not any more
They have a week without a game. Personally I can't see Koeman making changes (unless someone is injured or so knackered as to count as injured)...3 points against Leicester is the same as 3 points against Arsenal. I think he will go for every win there is and see where the dice falls. No good risking a draw against Leicester and you lose against a bigger side anyway. Start strong and sub players if we are winning easily.
Hull manager Steve Bruce was sporting in defeat: "Southampton were going to be everybody's whipping boys this season apparently, but they've bought well and the manager needs a pat on the back. "Arguably they're as good as they were last year. It looks as if what they've let go has been replaced with real quality. "Southampton are a very good side and it's no fluke that they're at the top end of the division."
