Decent first half, we look good at the back although we've said that a few times going in at half time this season. Think it will be down to a stroke of luck that either side are going to take the lead. Game will open up then
Not a particularly exciting first half, but not a bad one. We moved it around fairly well, as did Swansea to their credit. Ramirez looks much better than Monday and it's great to have Cork back. Shaw putting in a good shift so far. Lambert's holding up play at the front is good too. Only created 4 chances, all off target, but had a few corners etc, hopefully we can take something second half.
Well, we've looked more solid in defence, though Swansea have passed extremely well and got into dangerous positions at times they've not really had a shot that I can remember. Hopefully we concentrate better at the start of the second half than against West Ham! Shaw's looked pretty accomplished, seems positionally good and has got a bit more pace than Fox, though his distribution is probably marginally even worse than Fox's so far. It's obviously been a big part of Swansea's gameplan to test us down our left (like everyone else has) but Lallana has got back well, perhaps feeling more responsibility for protecting Shaw.
Shows you football is all about opinions: BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan reports: "No goals here at St Mary's but plenty of chances, mainly for Southampton. They may be bottom of the league but Nigel Adkins' side are playing with plenty of heart and they will be disappointed not to be leading at the break. Swansea for what's it's worth are all huff and no puff." BBC John Motson "Nothing to show for the first half effort. Some decent football played by the visitors without the penetration. Southampton have had one or two dangerous moments but unable to really test Gerhard Tremmel in the Swansea goal."
Well if you ask me this is the correct formation for us to play, with the right personel and the right application and balance of attack and defence. Gazzinga looks solid. Shaw looks good at left back and works well with Lala. Maya looks accomplished back at CB and Fonte looks a good option bringing the ball out of defence like he used to. Morgan and Cork are providing much more protection and seem to have a better understanding then Spider and Davis. Ramirez looks much more dangerous and Lambert is begining to get back involved in the game like he used to. Definantly think this is the way forward for us to play, especially at home. Solid but dangerous going forward. If we can perform the same again second half (which yes we havent done all season! 2 good halves that is) then I would back us to get the goal we need to take this game. If it doesnt happen expect to see Mayuka for Punch and Davis for Cork as the game gets into the last 20. If we have to chase then possibly see Rodriguez late on. Come on Saints lets see the same again!
