He was the difference that stopped me from being remotely nervous. His presence was like a man against a few little boys running around. Once he got close enough to the ball it was his, every time. It meant that Saints could surrender the ball to Arsenal knowing full well they couldn't really do anything with it.
Merson's pathetic 1-2 prediction looks a bit sad. As does Lawro's 1-1. I predicted 3-1 simply because I wanted to be generous at Christmas and give Arsenal a goal. Plus, the whisky was talking slightly. 2-0 appeals to my sober side. Must look up a few reviews now [inc Cottee's], as they should be coming in.
Gardos got a tackle on Sanchez mistimed outside the box, when he was through. Thing was, Sanchez pushed the ball way off into the distance and then fell over Gardos' outstretched leg. Personally, I think Sanchez lost control and therefore the chance had gone. Yellow seemed perfectly OK to me.
You see how far Sanchez pushes the ball out in front of him. It's gone. Chance over. If Forster had bothered to move he could have collected it. Another thing, I believe it was actually angled slightly away from the goal. Might change my mind when I see the 90 minutes again though.
I think we have had a few decisions go our way (apart from the pen not given against Everton). They were looking at poor decisions on Sky earlier and they showed a nailed on penalty when Fonte felled someone in the area earlier on this season. I really think this is our season We've paid our dues and our boat has come in.
You lot know I'm always fair to other teams when bad decisions go our way. I thought the yellow was correct, on the one viewing I got, for the reason TSS gave. Anyway if Arsene is moaning about that it's Jose levels of bullshit, we would have easily won even if Gardos walked.
Bearing in mind the ref gave The diving Arsenal a free kick every time they threw themselves to the ground or fell over, I think the decision was balanced out. Their diving is very poor
Who was disagreeing..? We were without Clyne and Schneiderlin though, so it wasn't done thing. I think with those two in the side it wouldn't have even been up for debate.
When asked if Arsenal could do with Schneiderlin, Tony Cottee said, 'Why would he leave Southampton for Arsenal?'
Saints in the Champions League positions, and Aberdeen top of the league in the New Year. I can`t remember that last time I could say that. Happy days !