SaintSeb

Early days, needs to prove himself in this league of course, but this is the most excited I've been about a signing for us.

Thank f*ck for that. Aren't you the bloke who compared Mane to Ali Dia...?

I agree about the airbrushing of history part, there's no doubting Koeman did very, very well here. The fact is though that he had that poor a run and there was, from my memory, nowhere near as much negativity towards him as there has been to Puel. Obviously that comes down to, like you said, him delivering results previously. The fact is that there have only been three results so far this season and you can't judge a manager based on that amount. Believe me, if we go 10 games all comps without a win with the majority of a team that finished top 6 last season, I will be amongst those saying his job's in serious, serious doubt!

Yeah that's my bad I really should have checked that one I thought it was league games not all comps. Regardless, we still had a f*cking horrific run last season, looking far worse than we have so far during this one, in my view. Also, I have no agenda other than supporting Southampton, as all of us do (although for some posters I do question that fact). I just share a more optimistic standpoint than to write off a manager after 3 competitive matches. I'm not trying to say Puel is amazing, or that the players we've bought will perform as well as those we've lost (although I'm hopeful that they will!) All I'm saying is that none of us really know yet, but the signs aren't nearly as bad as some claim and to give it some time before the pitch forks come out.

Totally and utterly differing situation, let's at least be reasonable with our comparisons. Also, interesting quote, if highly ridiculous given that this is a forum about a football club and not 1930s Germany. Unnecessary high rhetoric makes you come across a bit David Brent.

Hi, I've been a long time lurker on the forum and have rarely posted, but given the ridiculousness of some posts I've read following the previous match I thought I might as well chuck my opinion into the ring... There has been a sudden and rapid snowballing of negativity on this forum. This has been aimed at a board that, albeit with a few personnel changes, has overseen steady and near constant progress and success over the past 7 years and at a manager who has so far only lost one match in charge; away from home against a Manchester United side who have just broken the world transfer record for arguably the best box to box midfielder out there and signed one of the most talented and decorated strikers of all time. Now, I'm all for people being able to express their opinion even if it goes against the grain or isn't all smiley and rosey, but some people really do need to get a grip. Firstly, the club has now replaced each player who has left this summer: Juanmi with Redmond, Mane with Boufal, Wanyama with Hojbjerg and Pelle's departure was already covered by Austin. (I haven't counted Ramirez as he contributed as little to nothing as you could possibly get to the last season and spent half of it not at the club.) Only time will tell if these players will be capable replacements, but surely some patience is warranted as not all players settle at the same rate. I seem to remember Mane, Pelle and even Wanyama at points, all being heavily criticised or written off as flops on here by some. Secondly, we have played three competitive games so far. Three. We have yet to win, but last season we won once in ten matches in the league at one point, with only one draw in there too; against a Villa side who were one of the worst ever in the Premier League. I know it's a new season, new team, past results are irrelevant to now etc., but what I think is relevant is the comparison between managerial treatment. Koeman was nowhere near as criticised as Puel has been and that run produced numerous poor performances far worse than any we've seen thus far in my view. I know he had earned the fans' faith by then after a strong season in charge, but surely Puel deserves a chance to get going at the very least? At the moment there seems to be a guilty until proven innocent attitude amongst some fans. I mean, come on, this barely even constitutes a bad run of form yet, let alone a crisis! Thirdly, we are Southampton. We are not a powerhouse in the football world. Players will come and players will go, often over only a two season term. It's a shame, obviously, but it's the reality of things. Things are gradually improving, however. Whilst I think Pelle could have done a job for us for another season or two, he had slowly been phased out of the starting lineup by Long and would have been seen as below Austin in the pecking order this coming season. For me, we've lost two guaranteed starters this summer (Mane, Wanyama) as opposed to three the summer before (Schneiderlin, Clyne, Alderweireld) and four the one before that (Lambert, Lovren, Lallana, Shaw. Five if you counted Chambers as starting RB). Finally, our performances to date this season have really not been as bad as some are making out. Heck if you look at the statistics alongside them you'd say we've actually been a bit unlucky. Yes I know lies, damned lies and all that, but it really hasn't been the 'Propaganda football' some have claimed; it's not like we've been having hundreds of pot shots from forty yards or Van Dijk and Fonte have been tapping it back and forth to each other for minutes at a time to boost our percentages. We've had solid moments of play in all three games and a few very exciting ones too where the midfield and attack have linked up brilliantly. Admittedly there have been some iffy periods but in general I genuinely believe we've been alright; not great, but alright. The potential is definitely there though in my view, it's just a matter of time before it's unlocked. Anyway, this post is starting to become long winded, so I'll cut to the chase: Maintain some patience and perspective. There is no crisis yet. There's more than 40 games left in the season as a whole, 35 of those in the league so I think we might have enough time to turn it around. Let's not become a knee-jerk fan base and let's get behind the team, because creating a negative atmosphere might make some feel validated, but it is never helpful in bringing about good results that we all desire.

19:01-20:00

Well, it was a very dull game and we do look a bit of a shadow of the team of last season playing some very cautious and at times ponderous football, but as much of a cliche as it is, it really should be remembered that it takes time for new players to adapt and for a team to gel. In terms of individual performances Forster looks assured and any worries about him adapting to the PL should be gone, as someone said when he was signed, they don't shoot or cross differently in Scotland! Defence in general were solid if fairly untroubled, but would have been good to see the full backs more involved in attack, it seemed like they were pushed up so high at times that they were no longer an outlet for Maya, Fonte, Morgan or Vic and so the ball was hoofed aimlessly up towards Pelle instead. As for the big man he was in a catch 22 situation really, with little service but for long balls and the fact he was being well marked by the WBA centre backs he struggled, but no-one was in and around him reacting to the balls he was winning and our crossing left a lot to be desired. Morgan was solid, but outclassed by a certain Victor Wanyama who now seems properly up to speed and looks a real force. Davis and JWP need to start playing with more attacking intent, there's no questioning their desire but they need to make better use of the ball rather than simply recycling possession. Tadic looked lively and the most likely to score but needs everyone else to get on his wave-length quicker. Long, as someone else pointed out doesn't look like a good enough option out wide he should be playing more centrally just off Pelle picking up his flicks and knock downs and Tadic's through balls. Cork only made a cameo appearance but did make our only attempt of the game to counter-attack swiftly, but was fouled. I think it's crucial now that we keep calm and get behind the team (the whole team!), things will improve; the increasingly negative outlook is pointless right now, the events of the summer have unfolded and it's out of our hands. We are supporters and as such we should support the club in what is a time of transition, regardless of opinions on what's occurred over the past few months.

I'll be at the match tomorrow and we've never lost when I've been in the ground for a competitive match! Fingers crossed my streak will continue

Interesting info re: Norman Dean; as a younger fan I had barely heard of him so had no idea he held such a prestigious record! I wonder who the second player to score a hat-trick for us at Nottarf? No that any will get the chance for a while but for a fateful cup draw one would think...

I think our 'squad' is stronger provided nobody else (looking at you Boruc/Cork!) leaves. However I think our starting lineup is currently weaker without the known Premier League performers we've lost.

At this moment in time I think how we'll do depends on, 1) Pelle and/or Long hitting the ground running and grabbing goals early; it's crucial having lost our three top scorers either to injury or Brendan's Bottler Brigade that our new strike-force are among the goals ASAP so as to boost confidence and build momentum, otherwise too much pressure will be placed on J-Rod to instantly return to the heights of last season. (If he ever plays for us again that is) 2) Forster, Fonte/Gardos and Wanyama/Morgan (If he plays, if not then Taider assuming Cork's off) forming a solid defensive spine and staying fit; if this happens there could be similar good times ahead this season as last, but we can't afford to have the injuries at the back and a subsequent December/January slump like last year as I highly doubt we'll be in such lethal early season form, consistency is key. 3) Schneiderlin either being talked round by Koeman, or sent on his not so merry way; having him causing trouble and potentially unsettling others until January will be extremely harmful to morale and cause unwanted negative media attention. I still have hope he'll step out in Saints colours again, but if there's no chance that'll happen then I'd honestly rather we cut our losses, provided of course that a bid comes in at the right price and it's not from Spurs. A lot of ifs and buts regarding this though, so unfortunately I can see it rumbling on until the window shuts and beyond. 4) Somebody stepping up creatively and getting that final ball right! Having gone to see the Bayer 04 game, and watching the Bompey game on YT, it is clear that whilst we still play some really great stuff in the midfield areas and pushing into the opposition half, we are still too tentative in finding that killer pass/cross to unlock the defense. I am hoping that Ramirez and Tadic can form an understanding and our full backs can develop they're crossing ability so we have multiple avenues of service for our strikers, or else we'll be struggling as I think with perfect service Pelle will bang in the goals but if not he doesn't seem to have the technical prowess to make things happen for himself like Rickie did. I'd love for him to prove me wrong of course, but that is what I've gathered. Haven't mentioned Long as I'm unsure as to whether he'll be playing off Pelle like a poacher or out wide. If everything comes together positively, I predict top 10, but if not then comfortably lower mid-table (14th sort of area). I don't see us struggling awfully to get to 40 points as I still maintain we are a better side than all we finished above last season except for Newcastle and possibly (eugh) Stoke. People forget how low the quality of the bottom 10 teams in this league was last year, albeit some have strengthened, but not to the level we were at last year I don't think.