These are all good confidence building results, i'm certain that the goals will start flowing but we are more resilient at the back than we have ever been under Ralph. We got to CL positions under Hoddle with 1-0 wins, no extra points for scoring more goals.
That's a polite way of putting it. Far more than my response to some friends who bang on about %possession etc. The only thing that matters is having one more goal than the opposition when full time is blown.
Great that in all areas of the park we now have options? Lyanco at the back to change a flat 4 into 3, Broja up top to shake things about and Diallo in the middle to strengthen the midfield. We've also got a manager that uses these subs much more than last season mainly because he can trust them to come on and make an impact?
Well exactly. Last season most of the bench had to put on a fresh nappy before going on the pitch, and the other half was carrying an injury.
Chuffed for Adam. What a hit. Our strikers don't score tap ins do they?* *Unless it's in the League Cup
It was a definite tug on Mings’ shirt from Oriol. A bit lucky, but nowhere near as blatant as the two second yellows completely missed.
No, how Madley missed that dive was just awful refereeing. Yes the foul on Tino was, by the letter of the law, a second yellow card. But I could live with that one not being given. It was early in the game, it was his second foul, it was deep in our half. I would have been disappointed had a Saints player been sent off for that so early on. The dive however was blatant, I could see that from the stand. He had to go for that. It wasn't even hard to spot. Just really poor refereeing. And I wasn't impressed with his inconsistent decision making throughout either.
Just got back, cracking first half. Generally everyone played well but really dipped in the 2nd half. sally sue is becoming a beast, we looked much better with Stuart back in the team. Was a bit disappointed when we went to 3 at the back as expected Tino and KWP to push on and keep them pinned back, didn’t really happen though. My only criticism would be that we should have been out of sight by half time. We held out for the win but did let Villa back in.
How much I enjoy seeing this guy back in our team... makes such a difference. please log in to view this image
I'm so looking forward to my first trip to Anfield in a few weeks. I can go there totally relaxed not expecting a result and just soak up the experience.
To be fair today bar Stueys early miss it was mostly down to a great performance from Martinez rather than lack of creation or finishing. A Armstrongs goal.... chefs kiss. Lucky I got in just in time, Saints need to sort out the absolute state of the turnstyles... and the broken screens!
Paul Merson said before the game that Martinez needed two worldy saves tonight to get his confidence back. Keeping out JWP’s shot and Che’s header were unfortunately exactly that.
Why the **** are there no trains out of Southampton!? Spending a fortune on taxis to get hone, but worth it. Unreal performance. First half especially we were brilliant
For the sake of the fans’ hearts, sometimes should tell the players that it is not only permissible to score more than one goal, it is also highly desirable.