Also interesting that, so far Leicester City and Everton were the only teams to get a better points haul out of the two encounters. Otherwise the points have been shared or Saints have had the better of them. As I said in a previous post [#1807], but for that run of terrible form in November and December, this team would be banging down the CL door, not knocking on the EL.
Yep. Just a shame really. Another 6 points from those games and we'd be 4th. Oh well, at least we're consistent.
I know I've banged on about this, but the thing that has damaged this season is the run of form in November and December, when we took 4 points from 24. If we had taken say... 12 from 24 [that's only average form], we'd be firmly in the CL places. Just shows how close we've been to having a fantastic season. It has still been an excellent one, and something could still come of it.
Yes. That run included some losses - at home to Spurs and away at Man City and West Ham - that are somewhat understandable but the losses to both Sunderland and Norwich and the draw with Villa could well have been turned into another 8 points so to some extent we're making the same point.
Agree, we are. It just shows how close this team got to doing something really great again. Interesting to compare it to last season. We've never been near the top like then. There was a big purple patch around Jan-Feb last season where we beat Arsenal at home, then ManU and Newcastle away. Against Toon we had all of our midfield out, with Reed and JWP pulling the strings. Because of the lack of depth in the squad we eventually fell away to 60 points. This time we started fairly strong, went totally lousy, and are finishing really strong. And no Schneiderlin.
I don't want to tempt fate, but this is the first time I can remember us having a full bill of health. No long term injuries to key players and it is really showing in the results. Touch wood everyone comes back from the Euros fit and healthy and has a full pre season to prepare for next season and we have the full first team squad from this season plus maybe a couple of additions. I think that this squad is a youngish one and has the potential, with continuity (check Leicester), to do great things.
If you get a chance, listen to The Monday Night Club on Radio 5 [last night as I type]. Excellent first section where they talk about Sunderland's ability to turn themselves into a top 10 club. Some home truths being spoken. For example: Gate receipts are now irrelevant; new TV money gives every club the ability to complete if they are well managed; Southampton are included in an elite group of top clubs. Steve Claridge getting rather animated as I listen, and talking sense, as per usual. It's a very good one so far. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b079mvkp
Our loss of form always coincided with one of those International Breaks, this didn't happen in the last one, problem solved or just coincidence?
Still listening. MNC coming to an end, but still listening. Now talking about Saints, the Black Box and fantastic recruitment. Also talking about the bad run over winter. Spilling into the next R5 Live Sport programme: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b079mxc6#play This is what is brilliant about The Monday Night Club. The thinking pundits do notice what is going on and this programme gives them a real chance to air their views.
All Saints goals are things of beauty. Winner has to be Martina, because as well as a great goal, it may well be his only goal. And however many times you watch it, that ball is never going in the net. Pelle's goal against Liverpool is a close second...v. important and beautifully taken. And he cried with its sheer beauty. P.s. special mention for JWP and Jay....just nice to see them score.
Missing goals: Mane v Liverpool... we were 2-0 down, so that one was a thing of sheer delight Davis v Spuds .... At last we beat the muppets. It could have come off his arse and I would still have voted for that one
Which one in the case of Mane? His first got me believing, but his second ... I keep replaying the highlights on player just to get the commentary. I'm surprised that Adam Blackmore survived the experience and I know exactly how he felt. Hugged the bloke next to me* and he smelled awful but who cares? * A relative. Smelly one, but there is a genetic link! In Davis's case, that 18 yard piledriver that nearly took out the net was another heart stopping moment (waiting days for it to cross the line!). But yes, what a moment.
