Great stuff Saints, I've been on the Russ-Bus since he walked in and never waivered, the bus was quite roomy back then. I'm glad it's full every trip now, long may it continue!
Our last five away games: W 1 D 4 L 0 We haven't won away by more than one goal all season. A big away win is the next barrier we need to break through.
I’d say just winning more consistently away from home is the next barrier to break through. The next 5 out of 6 games (inc cup) are away from home. Massive test of our promotion credentials coming up. Couldn’t care less if we don’t win by more than one goal away from home all season so long as we start turning more of these away draws into wins!
Well, what a pleasant experience coming to St Mary’s is this season I thought everyone played well today and it’s been such a pleasure watching Russball develop in the team The long ball is now used to bypass the press when there’s not enough space to go through it and when that forces the opposition to drop back we get spaces to pass through. Just need to see if we have consistent ways to beat the low block, but I think the signs are that in that case we can work them hard enough to tire them and get the goals late on Everyone is moving into space when we have the ball and hunting in packs when we don’t. Because we are moving well we are saving energy and consequently a lot of the team still look fine after 90 minutes Downes was great first half, always available when we had the ball and always there when we needed a tackle Fraser and Adarma never seem to tire Bedders was really good Mara continues to improve and got his goal Che now playing well in the system Manning had a good game KWP Etc ETC I need to stop now
It's worth pointing out that we had some tough away games in there. Norwich, Watford and Coventry are all strong at home.
Yes absolutely. The previously posted 1-4-0 tells its own story. Even converting one of those draws into a wiin looks massively different.
I'd say both views are correct. Winning more away matches is the target. I too couldn't care whether they are big wins or small wins. But the problem with not scoring more away goals - and thereby increasing the chances of those big wins - is that the small wins slip away and instead turn into draws (or losses). Which has indeed happened slightly too often for us.
I'm not saying this to piss on our parade, as I am enjoying this run as much as anyone. But look at the goals and ask if they'd have been possible against a mid-table Premier League club. Of course, you can't knock the way they're playing, and they can only beat what they have in front of them, as the old adage goes. But promotion still scares the **** out of me!
Just watched the highlights. And then watched them again. And then again. We are an absolute joy to watch and I feel lucky to live through this run. Promotion or not, I love football.
That bridge is not yet in view, this present run is about improving consistently and doing what we have to do. The PL jitters are for much later.
You and me both. There are so many examples of the team absolutely loving the system that Russell has them playing in, and most importantly, playing for each other. That pass from Che to Stuey to set up Adarma’s goal shows his football intelligence perfectly, and then the sheer beauty of Fraser’s round the corner pass to Adarma, with the unselfishness Adam showed to pass to Mara. Were playing joyous, adventurous football again for the first time since Koeman’s days, and it’s ****ing brilliant to watch.
We are making the great leap forward. The work in progress has progressed and will continue to do so. There are bridges to cross and hurdles to jump in the future, I'm happy to live in the present and enjoy the moment.
I get the feeling that Martin, whilst speaking really well with the fans and coming across as a fantastic man manager actually has another side. I reckon behind closed doors he's got a nasty streak to him if crossed. He's got a bit of bond villain vibe. You love to see it.
This was so much fun. 3 assists and a goal for Adarma who must now lead the combined assists and scorer table by a mile!
Davis’ assist stats for the last 2 seasons are insane though. So pleased to see Armstrong doing so well. He’s so selfless.
