Two class finishes from that lad tonight. Movement was top quality and linked up well with others. Sharp shooter indeed. Lallana produced two moments of joyful quality that the posh couldn't deal with and a great away performance. Saints contingent on top form as usual fantastic sing song from our lads. 3 more points!! COYR
I'm going to have to hold my hands up for slagging the guy off. I couldnt be more pleased to have been more wrong. Well done Billy.
Would be nice if he could squeeze into that BBC top three scorers list. Only one behind McCormack. Rickie level with Van Persie.
Most of his Saints goals have been really important too - deciders, and often in games where Lambert doesn't score.
Always liked him. Never slated because he's a goalscorer and tonight (amongst other games) he's proven that! Dont know how anyone can doubt that at all
Just want to say: I told you so! Every time people were slagging him off I (and others) defended him. What a guy, great player. Let's finish the job on Saturday please boys!
He could be key in these last few games. We got ourself a gem and I must say I'm very pleased we have him on board.
Forget the goals, they were great, but his performance tonight was great. He didn't stop running and continually brought people into play. Excellent
Yep, his all-round play is improving rapidly and that's what he needs to keep doing. Goals (though welcome!) aren't enough.
When he first arrived he was carrying a bit of overweight, he has visibly got a lot fitter, his predatory instincts were never in doubt, he was just in need of some TLC to become a very good player, hopefully Lambo can get those extra three goals to finish the season off with a flourish.
Also: Cortese and Adkins deserve massive credit for sticking to their guns. They didn't panic during the summer when we needed a CB and other options fell through; we got Hooiveld, who has been immense. They didn't panic during January when we seemed unable to close the deal on a striker; we got Sharp, who has been immense. What a fantastic job in assembling this squad, in working them into the mix carefully and effectively, and in keeping them all focused during the blips.
Wouldn't say Sharp's been immense. He's hit a useful patch of form, but to start off with he missed some really good chances (that one against West Ham could have had us promoted by now) and took a while to get his first goal (not counting the one against Burnley which should never have been attributed to him), without really contributing much to the team. He is starting to look the part now though so long may that continue!
I thought we needed someone with more pace than him and while I thought he would be a useful addition I was not sure he was good enough for the Prem, however he has done better than I expected, so I am delighted .
He now has six goals in our last six games, and they've come at big times...two against Donny when we didn't seem terribly inventive, two against Pompey that should have earned three points, and two today to put us well clear and secure a vital win. He hasn't been perfect, definitely, but I don't think we could have asked for much more.
I never understood why people were worrying about him, because he is a goal poacher and we needed one of those. Adkins has said once again on OS that Billy wasn't Southampton-fit, but he's getting there. Adkins says the Southampton way allows players to be the best they can be. Billy also had to compete with Taddy Lee who will also be good for us next year.
