I was looking at the pace of Saints players last night and was able to assess a few of them during that sprint out of defence after the Hull corner on 70+ odd minutes. Interestingly, they were all within a yard or two of each other, as the corner was intercepted by S.Davis, and there was [believe it or not], Lambert, Davis, Rodriguez, Clyne, Shaw and Schneiderlin, with the ball. They all sprinted about 40-50 yards or so and Lambert wasn't totally left behind. In fact, he slowed up deliberately to be in a better position to collect the ball. Clyne and Shaw went off like proverbial rockets [Nat has turbochargers in his boots], and Steve Davis and JayRod did not disgrace themselves either. Morgan was pretty handy considering he had the ball. Lallana and JWP were right back with the CBs when the corner was taken and never did more than trot out of defence, and the camera view left them. Shame really, because the move could have done with their creativity, as Morgan passed it to a Hull player. Davis nicked it off him, but Hull had got themselves sorted by then, and JayRod strayed offside. Rickie was right next to him. In the other incidence of speed, when Lallana was brought down by Harper for the penalty, he blew away Figueroa for pace, and they both started off together, with Adam behind him. So, whilst we may have no Walcotts in the side [Clyne maybe], we don't exactly lack for pace.
A player was asked about all the running that Saints players do during a game. He replied that they don't run as much as it appears...it is more that they run effectively. This must come down to the training...probably involves effective runs then recovery time rather than running like headless chickens. Obviously not making long runs if you pin the opposition in their own half.
A bit cruel perhaps, but until JWP came on the interview scene, Morgan spoke the most comprehensible English!
