Absoloutely fantastic, just fantastic. Never expected us to beat West Ham, never expected us to keep a clean sheet against West Ham, never expected us to finish the night 5 points clear. I'm on cloud nine right now! Get at least 4 points from these next two games vs Reading and Boro, and I will finally allow myself to believe that a top 6 finish is a very realistic target, and one which we should be going all out to achieve.
WOW.....have watched Saints games for more years than I care to remember......most of them have faded from the old memory bank....there's a few that haven't and tonight is one which will always be memorable!! Fantastic performance and commitment from our team....packed to the rafters and brilliant support from our fans....West Ham fans??? did they turn up or am I going deaf??
Just a word about the atmosphere tonight. I thought that during the first half, at times it matched the recent Pompey games. It was one of those nights when the singing went all the way around the stadium. Blimey, somebody even started an, "oh when the saints" in the Chapel, and it ended up in the Northam! Weird night, in a really good way.
Brilliant game. It so nice to watch a team that can play a bit of football and we have not been able to say that for a while. It was almost like the Strachan days, although I thought we were a bit crazy at times trying to pass the ball around in defence and then having to boot it up pitch under pressure. We started well and although their enforced substitution gave them some momentum it was a very tight first half. I was surprised how high up the pitch West Ham played. I guess they thought that if they pressed us they might have some joy. But although they came out second half and tested us I thought we did well. Hooiveld was outstanding (without the goal a man of the match performance). I thought Carew looked a class act and really troubled Fonte but Hooiveld did well against him. Amazed Allardyce left Noble on the bench.
OROWizards..your right Carew was a handful and Fonte probably had the hardest game he's ever had since he's joined us. But to be fair to Jose he stood firm and showed great commitment, impressed with Hooiveld, seemed very calm when we were under pressure. We dropped deep at times in the 2nd half and probably showed them too much respect, as I think we're actually better footballing team than them. But I do think we need that option of pace up front when teams do try and press us back, don't like to say it but in those situations we could do with a AOC who was a great outlet.
Hi Archers, I am just glad they didn't have their playmaker Noble on from the start. I think Carew was clever with the way he angled in with his weight and won some impressive headers, but Hooivled did excellently. Would be great to add Maynard in Jan, perhaps Bristol may need some cash for players ...
Look at the gallery on OS. You can see NA's passion as he personally tried to carry the team over the finishing line. Well done, NA, team and fans.
What a night! Will live long in the memory, that's for sure! Record crowd at St Marys, cracking atmosphere, beating a very good side, 5 points clear at the top - it doesn't get any better than this!
