Well that's a relief. It's hard to write a post like this and not come off as patronising, but thought Southampton played really well today against a below-par City performance. City, to our discredit, looked complacent for much of the game, and played at a tempo and with an attitude that was somewhat disrespectful to Southampton, thinking it would be a game that would be easier than it ultimately proved to be. All in all, we (City) did what we had to, but it wasn't so much us making it hard for ourselves, but rather a case of Southampton dealing really well with anything we had to throw at you. Our first goal was borderline offside, and our second and third were quite fortunate in the sense that the ball fell for us in the box. City got lucky with the Lescott challenge (I'd have had no complaints if a penalty to Southampton was given for that), and while I feel City's penalty was the right decision, for that to come so soon after the Lescott challenge just rubbed salt in the wounds. It was a dreadfully taken penalty anyway! Despite the result, the performance should give you guys confidence for future PL games. Wigan next at home, where a win is crucial, especially with playing United and Arsenal after that game. And based on this weekends performances, I can only see a win for Southampton. All in all, a great opening day fixture to watch (but I can say that only in hindsight!!!), and while I'm obviously delighted that we (City) won, it was a result that was a little harsh on Southampton. If you had gotten something out of the game, then possession stats aside, I for one wouldn't have had too many complaints. But like I inferred at the start of my post, it's easier to say that when your team wins. Nonetheless, good luck for the rest of the season. I genuinely don't see any problems for your side in terms of staying up. In fact, I think you'll more than hold your own in the top flight.
Thanks for the kind words. It was a great game, and we definitely benefitted from it being on the opening day. Once you are back up to full match fitness I think it will be a different story. Some of your passing was a bit lacklustre today. It also has to be said that we played with a new system, with essentially 5 new players today as well though, so there is some gelling to be done for both sides. I think we were worth a point, although like you said, due to the possession stats I can't really begrudge a City win. I have a grin from ear to ear at our performance though. I knew our players were premier league quality even in league one. And now I can say "i told you so" to my Leeds supporting mate who laughed at me for saying it.
Your players are Premier League quality. No doubt there. And in Adkins, you have a manager who I believe is PL class. Credit has to go to him for his substitutions - both Lambert and Davis changing the game when they come on. To be honest, I think you were worth a point also.
The premier league is unforgiving. You might think "oh, we played well City away and almost got a point - we'll be okay" - and then go on and lose your next 5 games. You can't be complacent or comfortable, which all your fans are being right now.
We're just enjoying the fact we put up a fight and played with heart actually. If you think we are taking it for granted we aren't. We fully appreciate we need to bring in 1 or 2 widemen and 2 more defenders.
We made city play a bit under par because we put pressure on them, they then did the same to us. City deserved the win, but I think that Saints played well against the english champions and one of the best teams in the world. There was nothing wrong with Lescott's tackle as well.
Let's hope Nige decides against sending us all out to play on Saturday then I know Portsmouth are at the point of literally allowing anybody to play for them but we're not quite that bad yet.
An interesting stat...we scored our 2 goals with 7 players on the pitch from our League One squad! Davis, Fonte, Lallana, Spiderman, Guly, Puncheon, Lambert. Not a bad side in League One eh!?
