Shame fans the fans will be unlikely to be around to witness a Saints team put in a European challenge this season. I am feeling really confident about our prospects this season. I think we will match Koeman's last season. everything is starting to click for Ralph.
You know it may just work How come as Vesty starts to become the CB who all hoped for how ever long ago he joined, Bednerak goes down the pan? How come? That's so Saints!
No outstanding performances, and no dire performances. Just a bucket load of 8/10s, which is what you need to get something against a side like Chelsea. As such, picking a MOTM is quite difficult. But the romantic in me is giving it to Theo, just ahead of Che and McCarthy. Chelsea were the better side first half. We were the better side second half. Draw was the fair result. Zouma is still a defensive disaster.
It's not just a Saints thing though. Look at the amount of goals that are going in. Every team seems to have forgotten how to defend!
Yep the combined miskicks and dodgy bounces for our second goal was a real thing of beauty. So glad we didn't concede that one. Vestie and Macca woulda been crucified.
Right now, if Ralph wants to bring Salisu in as one of two CBs, I don't think he's got much choice but to drop Bednarek. Simply because of Vestergaard, I can only think of one error in these three matches for him - that being today, when I think Che equalising went to his head, and he decided to out run Bertand in a charge up the pitch to attack. I don't really ever want us to see a back four containing Redmond and JWP again. Shock horror, Chelsea scored.
I'm actually confident we can push for Europe as well. No one can defend so it doesn't matter who you're playing at the back! It's who you've got up top that counts. And we have one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I don't see why we can't finish in the top 6 or 7. Our form was good enough at the back end of last season and we seem to be over our mini-blip at the start of this one.
How close to a perfect afternoon that was ... The delightful Goldies had the game on in the back room and we were the only buggers in there ... Yay That led to some pretty exuberant goal celebrations I thought we were going to have a difficult afternoon when we went 2 down, and then ... MOTM was a difficult one as we thought both the WPs had good games and the J one got better as the game went on Vesty was very good, Bertie was good, Nathan played ok (I always want more from him) Danny's goal was a gem, great set up from the steal and the Che pass Macca made some good saves and only 2 bizarre clearances Who else was there, mmm, lets see, ah yes Theeeeeeeeeoooooooooo!!!! What a ****ing great re-debut If only he'd got that shot right when he scythed through the middle of the Overpaid Londoners defence in added time
Fair play to Walcott, on what could have been a difficult debut. 1. First half he was drifting too far inside, giving Chilwell the freedom of the flank, but it has to be said that Chelsea did move the ball around very quickly and accurately, at times, giving Theo a headache of supporting the press, when it was across the other side of the pitch, and getting back out to Chilwell. With teams that move the ball more slowly than Chelsea, he won’t get caught out so much. 2. The way he receives the ball, with a man in his back pocket, yet turns past him, as if he isn’t there, is a thing of beauty and creates problems for the opposition as someone then has to step out to stop him running through, creating space for others. 3. The timing of his runs into the box. He is happy to arrive 2-3 seconds, and 10 yards behind the runs of Ings and Adams, putting himself around the penalty spot for crosses that are cut back. This is something that the top teams tend to be especially good at, and something that we frequently lack, having the front two attacking the 6 yard box with our next attacking player being outside the box. There was certainly one time, second half, when someone squared the cross into the defenders, when Theo was arriving unmarked on the penalty spot. It will take him time to adapt to the role Ralph wants him to play, but I think he will prove to be a good signing, and also gives us better cover up top, should we lose Ings or Adams to injury.
Steady! Let’s avoid relegation and hope for a bit of mid-table mediocrity. That’s the Southampton way, lad. Never mind this European nonsense. Sorry. Been following this team too long!
Over the last couple of years, Bednarek has easily found the most consistency. Don’t judge him on one game.
