I've put this in it's own thread because it would get lost as the next match thread quickly comes along and it deserves to be seen, a lot. Also it's not really about W Ham v Saints but about a quality goal that didn't get the recognition it deserved on MOTD. PS For any Brazilians reading this my apologies for the spelling mistake
The goal that Arsenal scored against us (excellent goal though it was) was shown as a passing masterpiece on MOTD.
I've been a critic of MoEl's lack of productivity but that was a very fine finish at the end of a smart and patient move. I hope it kick starts a run of good form from him because it's been long overdue in his Saints career thus far.
He does score goals for Norway and did score goals for Celtic so he has it in him more than any of our other 10s, not that that’s saying a great deal.
What it mainly shows is something that was highlighted in (I believe) and Athletic video about our plan being to go back and start again if the right ball isn’t on I think there was discussion about how this was much more effective when the fans weren’t allowed as the fans in the stadium (especially ours but likely those of any team) get very agitated when the ball is going in the wrong direction
Yeah that is definitely our strategy. The first goal we conceded against Palace we had the ball just outside their area but went back and Salisu played a hospital ball into Romeu and they scored. Guess like everything in football it’s playing the percentages and some times chucking a cross into a good area is better than recycling and starting again
I agree it was better, how much better is obviously a matter of opinion, but you have to take into account that Arsenal's was scored against our defence and thereby rendering your point as invalid.
I think our fans get agitated when we are chasing a game and time is running out. Passing back in that situation really does test the fan's patience. The other situation that I find stressful is when we are being closed down and pass it back to the keeper (whoever that may be), I always think we are going to **** it up. Yet when the opposition do it, they look totally in control.
And both of those points are why the fans start buzzing with annoyance: - risk of a misplaced pass - idea that chucking it in the mixer is better On the latter I’m not sure how useful that really is for us . Depends on who we are playing
I think if Broja is playing, that is an underused tactic for us, he has proved himself to be good in the air from corners and might be a useful target man, particularly if Che or Adam are playing alongside him. We haven't really played that way since Pelle left.
Football365 said this about us: Southampton Crystal Palace have been hailed for their stylistic evolution and Brentford applauded for their endeavour and adaptability. Precious little has been said of Southampton, perhaps the most volatile team in the Premier League, but they sit level on points with the aforementioned pair. Armando Broja, by the way, is something special.
