Third in the league, one point behind us. Best defensive record in the league currently. 2 questions: Can the Saints keep it up? Is Pochettino a genius?
I expected them to finish in the top 10 at the start of the season but they've certainly exceeded all expectations. Can they keep it up? Of course, just like Newcastle did the season before last, if you have quality in your side and good foundation to build on (Southampton's defence) then you will games, simple as. Whether they have enough to finish above teams like City, United, Chelsea, Arsenal is another matter. They have some very underrated players, Llalana and Rodriguez are both very good players and Wanyama has certainly added something to their spine.
It's Adkins' team. Pochettino has carried a good team forward though. Their rise should make our loss to them no embarrassment.
Pochettino has adapted the style +and given them creativity and a more modern approach. The owners have invested very well! They deserve soe credit. They were very brave swapping managers when they did.
Can they keep it up? - No idea bit I don't think so. However I have nothing apart from the history of other sides in their position to go on. At the moment they remind me of a latter-day Le Tissier Saint's - lot's of potential and when it'd flowing irresistable BUT whe it doesn'r work the wheels come flying-off
I like Southampton, considering where they were 2 years before promotion it's great to see such a team doing well. I don't mind a bit of cash injected into a team if it's done the way they've done it, not like Chelsea and City who have ****ed up the market.
I think it boils down to their first 11 staying fit. A couple of key injuries and they're ****ed. Fair play to them, I like the way they play and also like to see them doing well. I only live an hour away so looking forward to our away trip
Similar to Newcastle of a few years ago where they were the next best thing since sliced bread and pushing CL by Christmas. Although they lasted the year and were still in the mix, I think that's a rarity. Sotton are a very good outfit, but I don't think they'll stay that high up the table. Can see them dropping into the 5-8th zone (which is still very good for them imo given where they were a few years ago) but certainly competing with United, us and Everton around the Euro spots, just not the CL.
I can't see them staying there all season, mainly for the same reason I don't see us being able to fight for the title and that'd quality of squad depth. Their first 11 and the way they're playing at the moment are good enough to challenge for Europa I think, it's just a case of being lucky with injuries.
They have a really good team built on solidity, discipline and hard work. They work incredibly hard off the ball and press the opposition. They have some talented individuals, however Wanyama and Shneiderlin are a fantastic partnership in central midfield.
I think they will be like Aston Villa from 2008/09 - They had a great starting XI but they fell away atg around march because they didn't have enough depth in their squad. They will definitely finish in the top 10 though
Awesome goal by Lallana, although defenders did just pretty much let him walk through without putting in a tackle. Good to see youth getting a chance, although doubt either of them will go to Brazil.