Fonte may have got carried away because he felt the loss on Tuesday personally. No one was going to pass...shame about the yellow card. He got a special mention on Sky as having an outstanding game.
What was especially nice to see is that Saints out-hustled Everton today. Our greater workrate was probably the difference in the match.
They are a big side undergoing a lean spell. The last time we were in the PL, we'd have been thrilled to beat them 3-0.
In reference to the above... We may look back on that as a big win for us at the end of the season. I fully expect Everton to pick up and they'll be sniffing around 5th-8th.
In other news, Koeman's son and a load of his mates came along to St. Mary's again. please log in to view this image
Managed to raise my head from my man-flu bed to check the score. Bloody marvellous to get back to winning ways - really didn't expect to get much from this game, so am pleased as punch & a huge well done to all the lads. Now I can go back to dying with a smile on my face.
Away to Palace, they'd be straight back in my team, with a little whisper letting them know that The Terrier is waiting in the wings.
I've been browsing a bit trough the grandoldteam forum and I can tell you, Everton fans are fuming! They're particulary angry at Martinez and his team selection, and then aat some of the players, most notably Jagielka and Distin. And what baffles them the most is how have they managed to lose to Southampton B/reserves team!
Excellent team performance, really feared the worst for us when i read that Davis and Pelle were doubtful, so was a great relief to see them in the line up, but would still have probably settled for a draw before kick off. Reed has always looked a good prospect when he has made his cameo appearances, but what a full debut that was. Thought Long had one of his best games for us also, never gave their defence a moments rest, and kept the amount of times he was caught offside down to single figures, although he isnt always to blame for that as the midfield sometimes dont release the ball quick enough for him. Really pleased for Yoshida too, had a good solid game along with Fonte and Toby, and i would certainly favour him over Gardos as our first choice back up central defender.
Manflu? Jeez fella, get of your computer and back to bed. Rest up and we'll be thinking of you. Tough stuff this Manflu. Sympathies.
I was thinking about this during the game (plus Tadic of course). What was great today was the fluidity was back; it was a 'joined up' performance whereas in recent weeks it has been attack and defence as two separate entities. I think Morgan should get back in without question but for whom? Would it be a straight swap for Reed or should we revert to more standard set up which would probably mean Yoshida would losing out. Both harsh. Wanyama, I'm not so sure. Despite his undoubted contribution defensively I still think we are more stilted coming forward when he plays. Against Palace though, he could be a good shout as they have a lot of naturally attacking players. But anyway, this result (and more importantly, the level of performance) should show Koeman that actually there are options. Vic and Morgan will give you one type of game, today's set up another. Hopefully, the confidence is back and whoever plays will begin working again. Edit. Just realised Fonte will be missing next game so, Morgan in and Toby into Fonte's position?
Hands down our best win of the season, in my opinion. So many candidates for MOTM, but I am personally going for Toby. God I love that guy already. I'm just enjoying him while I can, because surely a bigger club than us with purchase him next season. I'd be keeping this formation against Palace, and I wouldn't be recalling Vic straight back into the team. Not sure what has happened to Yoshida recently, but fair play to him. He's finally starting to look like a PL defender in my opinion.
