In the conference extra for the written press, Koeman again mentioned his surprise that Long had played for Ireland, though repeated that he understood how important it was. Obviously the risk was worth it to his country, but not to his employers. Our doctor told the Irish that Long wasn't 100% fit, but the fact we didn't withdraw him suggests this wasn't a major issue. It was a pity that Ron misunderstood the question about withdrawing Long from the squad....he thought the journo meant from the Saints' squad....because that would have been interesting. However, withdrawing him could have meant the Irish could demand that we didn't play him for the next game (I think that's still the rule) and not being Man United we couldn't get away with it. Long is obviously fit and the only difference of opinion is that we are very nurturing of injured players.
In his defense, if he did it at the start, they lost to mickey mouse rovers and drew with a Maltese pub team in the Europa qualifiers and looked like a bag of poo.
Tough game this one, Stoke are a very handy side on the counter so we will have to watch out for that and not try and force the issue to early on. With Diouf, Arnautovic(sp?) and Shaqiri (who's starting to find his feet) they will cause us plenty of problems on the break. Don't wanna go to gung ho at start and then concede early as think it will be very difficult if that happens. Hopefully Butland isn't on top form either, our attackers will have to have shooting boots on. Assuming no new injuries and everyone returned okay... Stek Cedric VVD Fonte Bertand Vic Clasie Davis Mane Tadic Pelle
Whenever I think of Stoke City I go back to last season's League Cup match. It was a wee cracker. We outplayed them for 50 minutes at the Britannia, then inevitably they got back into it and got the score to 2-2. But then Crouch had another brainfade involving Southampton [we should all remember the original one] and got himself sent off. While Stoke were dithering we did a smash and grab for 3-2. Pelle's first goal was an absolute jewel.
What would happen if 400 people lose their lives in, say, Romania at some point? Or someone with a less well-known anthem? Genuine question. Or is this because we have a special relationship with France? Has it been suggested why we do this, and didn't do, say, the US anthem after 9/11 etc.? EDIT: seen that this is generally echoing (aka repeating) some other posters' thoughts too. I hadn't read down enough when posting this. Telling that the decision was made post-Wembley - maybe the PL wanted to capture and bathe in some more of the public goodwill and generate countless more columns of waffle in the global papers?
That provoked me to go and look it up on Youtube. What a wonderful first goal. The second goal was a bit tasty too. One thing I had forgotten about was Dave Merrington being so mad about Peter Crouch's tackle on poor old Steven Davis [fair enough it was appalling] that he completely talked over the smash and grab Pelle goal. Yes Dave, Crouch deserved to go.!
Nice shot of the modern-day crab still in Saints colours on the still of that clip. (For those who've read Lawro's Man Utd. prediction this week.)
Yeah that was a strange comment, but he also calls us "one of the best teams in the league" so we'll allow him that
Lawro's league table is based on his accumulative predictions for teams so far. Some clubs he consistently eschews their league form and the actual table, ie; by predicting WH and The Foxes to lose, while he doggedly predicts Chelsea to win.
Like many others I think the playing of the French National Anthem this weekend is unnecessary after the international. Even if there hadn't been an international, a minutes silence and armbands would have been enough. Why aren't they playing the anthems of Russia, Yemen, Beirut and perhaps Mali to name but a few who have also suffered at the hands of terrorists? Just because they are not in Europe does not make it any less terrible. As for the match. I am expecting a frustrating 1-0 to us.
I regard this event an exceptional "one off" occasion, even if you don't agree with what is being organised at least show some respect to those that do support it, and pray that there is no repetition in the future. Whatever else, a packed football stadium is a great place to express solidarity, so let us make the most of it while we can.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/11/20/southamptons-mane-vs-stoke-citys-shaqiri-whos-been-better-thi/ Comparison of Mane v Shaqiri. Wonder who comes out best
Ron didn't quite say it in the presser when referring to Stokes defensive record on the road(3 clean sheets in a row), but there is only one reason and it's Jack Butland. Seemingly every week on MOTD he is making at least 3 or 4 world class saves. When I look back at players we've tried to sign over the years, this is definitely a player where it was a shame we missed out. Especially when we ended up with Gazzaniga instead. Hopefully we find a way through tomorrow.
