NewYorkSaint

Lots and lots of positives. We're away to one of the top 4 teams in the country. For much of the game we were their equal. Really exciting to see Lavia's confidence and skill. He's going to be a real force for us this season. Aribo had a few delightful moments. But not everything is clicking, and I agree we need to sub AdamA. I like him, but I think Che is better. Stuart Armstrong too. Next goal is so important. There's a path to 6-1 and to 2-3...!

Frustrating half. Djenepo the highlight for me. We know what he can do around the penalty area. But as a defender he's been even more impressive, holding off the right amount, but then making some really sharp tackles. If he ends up claiming this left wing-back role... really not something many of us would have guessed last year. Mara's had no chance to do anything yet. A spectacular goal from him second half is all we need to really look forward to next Saturday.

Oh... and Bazunu is looking really fantastic. Could make a giant difference this year.

Lots to like. Romeo and ariba both are going to be exciting. Great seeing more from Stu than last season. And djenepo... I think his time may yet come. Mesmerizing body swerve to win the jwp free kick.

To be fair, there was a huge stroke of unfairness to this game. That bad sportsmanship that led to Vardy's goal... really sick. And I thought there were plenty of moments when the team were rallying impressively. And then at the end, real disappointment. It's actually a pretty good metaphor for the season overall. Personally, I have a lot of confidence in the new owners. I think we'll see some really smart, well-researched additions. And hopefully equally smart subtractions. Can't say I'm thrilled for the new season yet. But at least it's in the premier league. And I'm pretty certain that the reshuffle to come will bring excitement with it. We've all cast our lot with a club where -given the £ injustices of the premier league - we're guaranteed to have a hard time a lot of the time. We don't really have a choice about it. We're Saints supporters. I'll be ready to cheer my heart out again in a few months' time. Take care, friends. Have a nice summer. And remember... it's only a game.

I'm not yet convinced Ralph should go... though the evidence is mounting. But what is clear is that we some radical improvements to our defense. Combo of a great new signing at center back plus, maybe, a specialist coach. Our marking systems are not working.

Romeo for Dalio... NOW pls

Decent half by Saints. It's a real fight out there. Tella looking really exciting. Shane Long... fantastic. Need another goal!

Ultimately, we can be proud of that performance. We went for it. Full on. Against the champions. And it could have worked. Some scintillating, truly scintillating play by us... both on and off the ball. We're always going to need a little luck in a game like this, and it wasn't to be...

Newcastle will be really tough. They're a different team now. Hope we can avoid a double hit....

best possible sub, I think.

Hard to see how to use the bench here. We pretty much have our best team on. If we can shock them with a goal, it will dramatically change the momentum of the game, and we have a shout. Need something special from Broja......

I'll defend Djenepo. We know he's capable of real quality. In this game he's regained possession for us on many occasions. Yes, a couple of terrible passes. But I think he'll come good. (However, with the stakes high for this game wouldn't argue with bringing on Armstrong for him.) I do think there's something up w Diallo's confidence and would love to see Romeu on second half. Overall, it's pretty amazing how good a squad we have. Perraud... pure gold. Shane Long is still blistering fast. And great in the air. And smart. C'mon Saints. We must win this!!!!!!

The combo of JWP, Romeu and Armstrong are so formidable. Is there a better trio in the league at regaining possession? Love seeing them combine. Exciting game. Hopefully we have the energy to press home our advantage.

How do we communicate to refs that if we're fouled just outside their penalty area, it is NO advantage to continue play?! Since we can't, maybe the team should simply stop playing if there's a foul there. JWP has, on current form, at least a 25% chance of scoring. Happy days, friends.

Any independent looking at that would say Saints at least as good a team as Man U.... Which means that performance/£ is 3x. I just love watching Saints play. Brilliant, fast, composed passing. If the gods are with us, an equalizer is in our future.

That's as good as it gets. Incredible game. And......JUSTICE!!!!!!

Unbelievably exciting attacking play from Saints. Yes, frustrating we're not ahead. But what a team this has become. Romeu and JWP utterly dominant. Seeing Moi dazzle is a huge bonus. Whatever happens from here, it's cool to be supporting a team capable of such class. The days of Puel are far in the rear view mirror.

I'm predicting we come storming back after the nervousness of Saturday. Would love to see Broja and Che Adams up front. And Stu Armstrong to start. Stu, JWP and Oriel will give us a central engine that might just work some magic.

That's as lucky a win as I can remember for Saints. In Ralph's defense, the many changes were accompanied by a stellar bench. there was always the likelihood we could bolster our way through. The Lyanco injury was really unlucky and made us v vulnerable. So in the end we needed a lot more luck than anyone would have wished. So disappointing to see a poor perf from Small. And Redmond was pretty terrible today. He's responsible for about 40% of the times Saints hand over possession. But Stu Armstrong and KWP pure quality. Wonderful to see tino back. And it's nice to know we have a great backup keeper. Whew.

Adding my thanks, Minsk. A great contribution. Wishing you the best.

How great was that?! leading against the world's best team. And Broja a hairsbreadth from doubling. Salisu and Forster already heroic in defense. Whatever happens from here, this was an awesome 45...

I'm frustrated but not unhappy. We battled superbly. Lost on the finest of margins. If you replayed that game 10 times, we'd win 4 and draw 2. Wolves a great side. And we're equally great.

...and if you need any further persuasion, watch this impressive talk by the key football brain in our new world... (apologies if already linked here).

From everything I've seen, this is a fantastic step forward for the club. The deal offers answers to the key question we've had to wrestle with for years: how can a club like Southampton survive against the silly money clubs of the premier league? Answer: leverage that silly money against them by having a smarter strategy for funneling in talent. That talent can keep us secure in mid-table or better, and we can, from time to time, benefit from the inflated £££ being paid for players that have proven their worth. There are two key aspects to that strategy. 1) Use state of the art data to make smart acquisitions and playing strategies. Brentford has shown the potential here. 2) Create a network of clubs that can act as a feeder system. There's a third part that I haven't heard talked about but I hope they will implement: create half a dozen academies around the world and become known as the club that can take a player from the streets of Africa or Asia or South America right to the premier league. That will further help create a global fanbase and boost the long-term financial viability of the club. Semmens is a terrific CEO. I'm delighted they're anchoring their strategy around him and his vision. I predict good times ahead, friends.