For all you Puncheon doubters after that game in pre-season, watch this game. For me our man of the match was him or Schneiderlin. Great runs, pace, skillful play just outside the box, intelligent passing, worked nicely with Clyne. He's in the game finally
As I've said elsewhere, Morgan and JWP both slightly shaded it for me over Puncheon, but he was still excellent. So pleased for him. I've stuck by him throughout (sometimes feeling like I'm in a group of one), so it's extra pleasing.
I have slagged of Puncheon, but in the 3 games we have played he has been class. Still a whole season to go tho.
Puncheon was amazing today. He was decent against City too. Get the impression he's been waiting for fixtures like this to be honest. If he gave as much in every game he'd be a fans' favourite for sure.
Puncheon was good today..works well with Clyne. Thought I would never see Punch in a Saints shirt at one time, never mind praising him...so much for Nicola not willing to change his mind. Lallana, Spider and JWP were excellent. Prowse got cramp about 10 min from end...probably related to his youth. Read a piece describing JWP and Lallana as two of the brightest young talents in the PL...so not just our opinion. Lambert got tired which we didn't see last season, so perhaps not fully fit yet. The PL is more physically taxing than the Championship, as well as mentally draining.
I would go as far to say that the whole of our midfield did really well, except for the first fifteen minutes right up to when Scholes came on, I thought they had a slight upper hand. Snidders was exceptional, JWP looks better and better with each game, Davis workmanlike, Adam back on the left where he looks at his best and Punch had his best ever game for Saints. We all know midfield isn't our issue!
It'll be interesting how Cork fits in once he's back. The three CMs certainly didnt do anything wrong today. (Not having someone like Cork as an option from the bench was partly what let us down today. I don't really blame Adkins for the subs, because there was little else he could do. Maybe not bringing Lambert off? Being able to turn to someone like Cork would have been ideal).
