http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/11/08/southampton-can-sign-star-loanee-for-just-85m-in-january/ Reported that we could sign Toby for 8.5 million euros in January. I think there was some talk when we signed him that it wasn't as straight forward as the Bertrand situation. I think it really comes down to Toby himself...Atletico can call him back in the summer I understand, but that probably wouldn't work if the player was actively seeking a move. So comes back to Toby....does he love it here enough or would he respond to overtures from other PL clubs.
Sounds like Davis may be a doubt for his country...Ron talking of a scan today. Not in our interest for him to play....us big clubs often withdraw players, don't we? Seriously, hope he's OK.
An observation from today's game : One team came to defend and eventually ran out of energy to be able to do it for the full 90. This is something that is very common when teams play a side they know are far superior and a useful potential indicator of how good we have become Villa will be interesting : will long be rewarded with a start. could it be a little more straight forward as they will not realistically be able to sit back like Leicester at home (and have a worse defence) Might we either play tadic central (or not at all) to accommodate long? He was off the pace today and having both mane and long will really stretch and hassle their defence. Depends on who is available for central midfield. Could we start without Morgan so as not to risk a yellow (doesn't seem to be in koemans m.o. )
Teams treated us with respect last year, but there will be a lot of teams running scared this year. I'm sure even the big sides will be laying careful plans as we speak. Will Koeman withdraw Morgan? Don't think so...you get 3 points for beating Villa just as you do for beating City. We have a better chance of beating Villa, so I'm sure he will play his best side and hope to keep the momentum going. We wouldn't want to play City on the back of a poor loss. We may plan 4 games ahead, but Ron plays one game at a time.
Leicester certainly did not come only to defend. They played a high line when able to do so, put early pressure on our back line which nearly had Forster in trouble right at the start, and had a fair amount of sustained possession in our half, especially before half time. They also defended very well, as did we; they were an extremely well drilled, disciplined unit, the sort of side we would almost certainly have failed to overcome last season. Leicester came to play, not flamboyantly but competitively. I thought that was a great game to watch and a really encouraging victory against tough opponents.
But for all that had no attempts on target which shows how good our defence is. It is also like I said, they ran out of the energy to fulfill their game plan. The sort of thing you nearly always see in games like Burnley vs. Arsenal for example . And how wonderful it isafter the 90s to be considered more comparable with the latter than the former ...
Our defence was superb. Fonte especially is finally showing everyone what a class act he is. That said, Leicester probably do lack firepower. City will be a real test, a clean sheet against them will really send a message. Isn't it great looking out for Chelsea, City, and Arsenal's results because they're the teams around us? (Not forgetting West Ham of course.)
Looking ahead at our home fixtures, the next side that might come to St Marys and try to hold out for draw is Crystal Palace, which isn't until March (maybe Swansea will try to hold out for a draw,so that's at the end of January). The next few home fixtures are against sides with lofty ambitions (Manchester x 2, Everton, Chelsea, then Arsenal), so they are not likely to 'park the bus'. Unless, of course, they collectively realise that defending deep is their only chance against us
A post dated cheque is already on Simeone's desk. I think we would be wise to make a move in January(especially if we're still sitting pretty) as if we fail get champions league(love that being an actual possibility ) then you'd expect another team to make a move
Good win again. Chuffed for long. Be a shame if Davis has to miss the ni qualifiers they have a good chance as it stands.
Great performance yesterday, a really enjoyable match. It took a while but I don't think there was any doubt that we would score eventually.
“In the last few weeks maybe the wins are more difficult but we are Southampton, we are not City, we are not Chelsea who win sometimes very easily. “We have to fight and we know our qualities and another clean sheet makes a difference and it’s very positive what we are doing until now. Touch of realism from Koeman here (from Echo). He knows we are not the same as City and Chelsea...we may have to grind out results based on our defence.
Not much on Sunday Supplement though the intro included the phrase 'Wouldn't be Sunday Supplement without Southampton.' Said what else is there to say about Southampton. Journo said, 'The league doesn't lie...they are there because they deserve to be. What is there not to like'. Mentioned the opening of the latest phase of our Academy and how we bring in managers to suit our clear philosophy rather than be dazzled by a big name.
Got good coverage on MOTD2 Extra. Keown wandered off to talk about City, but was called back to talk about Southampton (before Southampton fans self-combust, as was said ). Was suggested that only Southampton have made this season interesting as it looks like Chelsea might run away with it. Sun sports editor said it's an interesting season because so many big clubs are struggling....Keown said that's amusing, not interesting . Talked about our defence and how players must be walking on air at SMS. Valid point that you don't get quite the pressure here...you can enjoy success more. Mentioned how our ex-players are struggling at Liverpool...need to be strong mentally to go to a big club. Said it will be interesting to see us against the big sides, but much more in the sense that they were genuinely interested rather than doubting we'd do well.
You were lucky not to be stood where I was! The guy next to me thought the ref was a ****, he thought Schmiechel was a ****, the away fans were ****s...and his wife agreed.
