Saints V Skates - Afters.

[sussexsaint]

Not gutted at all, they are premiership and we are 2 whole leagues below - they took their chances we didn't, we bossed them for large chunks of the game and the atmosphere was phenomenal - I am still very very proud to be a Saint

[david in sweden]

a good cup game and a match for each other for the first hour. Pity about the result.

Had fumbling James let those chances drop a bit kinder we could have been 3-0 at HT.

Papa Waigo and Antonio looked forceful going forward, but we lacked the " muscle " that they had up front.

 

Even a team at the bottom of the Prem. is a whole division above us, but I thought we put on a good show, but the late goals were inevitable when everyone pushed up for an equaliser at 1-2.

 

OK, our " 2-2 goal " was offside --but was the player involved /interfering with play.?

[JustMike]

funny thing is, they will not be getting any goal bonus / win bonus.

 

Well done saints kept up with and bettered at times a prem side. Proud of you all!

[Alright Dave]

I think the boys did us proud, i refuse to be that gutted after that. They are a prem team and that scoreline totally flattered them. Now lets forget about them they should be dead and buried by prem teams for the rest of the season based on that showing, we can now concentrate on the league and winning the JPT.

Edited 13 February, 2010 by Alright Dave

[Window Cleaner]

Not gutted at all, they are premiership and we are 2 whole leagues below - they took their chances we didn't, we bossed them for large chunks of the game and the atmosphere was phenomenal - I am still very very proud to be a Saint

 

So are we all no doubt, but our lack of clinical finishing really lets us down time after time and not just this season, it's been going on for 4 or 5 years now.

[funkymojo44]

Watched the match on tv. I'm very proud the way the team played and the scoreline in no way reflected the overall balance of the game - but that's football for you, pompey took the chances they had and we didn't.

 

01 Davis - 7 - Thought he had an excellent game, could do very little about the goals in all fairness and made a world class save from a O'Hara dipping volley.

 

02 Harding - 7 - Had a solid game today, a few cracking tackles and great delivery for Lambert's goal. Every time i see him play i'm impressed.

 

03 Thomas - 8 - I thought he was one of our best players today, made endless interceptions, great tackles and looked reasonable on the ball, all in an unfamiliar position.

 

05 Perry - 7 - Looked very composed for most of the game, lacks pace but didn't look out of place.

 

06 Jaidi - 7 - ok, unlucky with the header leaning backwards and i can't really have a go at him for that. Dindane and Utaka were pretty quiet for almost all of the game so credit to the back 2.

 

14 Hammond - 7 - Harried and hassled in the midfield. Really up for it and didn't let pompey's midfield gain too much control in the centre of the park

 

19 Schneiderlin - 6 - Didn't really seem to be in the game that much, or at least i didn't really notice him.

 

37 Antonio - 7 - So much of our play came from him, and although he lacked some composure and should have passed he managed to have some good play down the right side. I think given time and experience he will make a good winger.

 

07 Lambert - 8 - Goal aside he worked very hard for the team, winning endless headers. Would have given him a 9 only for very poor set piece and crossing play today.

 

09 Papa Waigo - 6 - Seemed to be central to our attacking play but lacked finesse and composure to finish some great chances, the header was a fantastic save from James. Did cause pompey's back line some problems with his pace.

 

20 Lallana - 6 - Some nice touches and again like Papa he had a good chance with a left-footed volley but hit it too near James. Seemed to drift in and out of the game at times.

 

Substitutes

11 Holmes - Didn't really have the time to shine.

 

17 Barnard - Little time but was unlucky to be called offside for a golden chance late on. He could have left it to Lallana following up who wasn't offside but James probably would have got a hand to it.

 

 

Overall I was really impressed with our defence - for almost the entire game we didn't look like a league 1 team. I was most impressed by Thomas at RB.

[manji]

Fisticuffs up by Yates at the moment

[Genk]

Wow, flattering scoreline!

 

We didn't take our chances in the first half and especially Lallana at the start of the second half. If you don't take your chances you aren't going to win games of football. Proud of how we competed today, Pompey just had that bit more pace and caught us on the break. Other than on the break, they really didn't threaten us. Just a bit frustrated at the scoreline as it was never a 4-1 game.

[suewhistle]

Yet another thought. I hope we get a good turnout against Walsall to show our appreciation and give the players the boost they might need after that result. Somehow the way they played unti the end I don't think they lack the will, but the support would be a nice gesture.

[St Landrew]

Its a bitter-sweet day for them today. Word has come through that the Premier League will not advance their broadcast revenue for next year. http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5947135,00.html

 

Yeah, read an article earlier today where the Premier League has advised Pompey to opt for administration, because they won't/can't advance them parachute money. Now, I understand that, since being served with a winding up order, this is not possible, but could be if they pay their outstanding taxes.

 

On the game, I thought we pressurised them, and definitely wanted the result more than them. If we had taken more of our numerous [almost half-a-dozen missed] chances, it would certainly be have been a different result. Once Pompey nudged themselves ahead for a second time, I wondered if we couldn't peg them back again, but the Lads almost did.

 

Premiership class inevitably showed itself, and Pompey's pace and skill eventually surfaced, but only after Saints heads drooped slightly. As a scoreline, 1-4 doesn't reflect the closeness of the game, but it does reflect the quality. Besides, AP gambled greatly by taking off a defender for Holmes. There were no halfway measures with AP, and I admire his bravery.

 

I thought every Saints player could pat himself on the back, and although I'm disappointed with the result, I'm proud of every one of them. If I were to pick out key players, I would have to say David James' performance was crucial, and O'Hara played in some key moments for Pompey. For Saints, it might seem churlish to pick out a player, but I'll pick out Lambert, who was at times unplayable. He was immense for us, and won practically everything he was involved in. The first time he didn't take a free-kick, but got on the end of one, he scored. Every other Saints player was a close second.

 

This was a game I didn't want us to have, and said so when people were asked for their opinions. I wonder how many people who said Pompey at home, would now like to change their option..? Next time, perhaps have some imagination, eh..? This game came too soon for us in our development, and I hope it doesn't have an affect on the club morale, unless it is to make it stronger. Don't be too down, fans. I appreciate there are always some effing and blinding individuals, but as a crowd you were brilliant. The future is red & white.

[jeff leopard]

ouch. it was there for the taking, we got dicked, we were the fall-guys and it smarts.

 

it was an exciting game though, we must have looked pretty good in the eyes of the public. we showed some skill, huffed and puffed but couldn't quite manage it.

 

I'm not gutted though as Saints will have the laugh last this season, after what could be an exciting and 'glorious' run in. and next season pompey will have a whole new team and we'll be a bit better (as long as we remain one of the most "financially stable" clubs in the country).

 

and if we'd played chelsea it could have ended very badly for us, if they had been a decent prem team, they could have kept on scoring the minute perry came off, finish with a rugby scoreline. so that's something to be thankful for.

 

but phuk em, its going to end badly for them, one way or another, we will laugh last

[Rusty]

OK, our " 2-2 goal " was offside --but was the player involved /interfering with play.?

Well he put the ball in the net, so yeah

[pallidcreatures]

Well played Saints. We're still going to Wembley, by which time Pompey may well be nothing but a memory in more ways than one. And we really do not want to be fighting on three fronts!

[PompeyInReading]

Well played Saints. We're still going to Wembley, by which time Pompey may well be nothing but a memory in more ways than one. And we really do not want to be fighting on three fronts!

 

You are quite right. Enjoy your massive game at Wembley. I remember a few those recently.

 

Shame to see you thugs of fans have let you club down......again.

[Genk]

It is galling as most have said - maybe if the High Court hearing on March 1st means they go out of existence we'll be reinstated to play in the QF?!?!!?!? ;-)

 

Have to say one thing though - I thought Lambert was absolutely outstanding today, I'm so glad we've got such a top, top player in his finishing, general play and awareness of others. But please Mr. Pardew................

 

GET HIM IN THE BOX - NOT TAKING POXY FREE KICKS AND CORNERS!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

 

Sorry but Lambert's corners look bloody dangerous whereas nobody else in our team can do it (other than James arguably). If he can supply a dangerous ball we have capable peole in the box to nod it in e.g CB's

[hackedoff]

Until we get an O,Hara type player into our midfield we are not going to progress as much as we want. Have agued this point on recent threads and got slagged off by certain people, ( you know who you are ). Too many chances fall to midfield players whose shot/goals ratio is dire.

[Red Alert]

It seems like although we took a heavy scoreline against us, everyone is ok with the defeat and was almost expecting it. That pretty much sums up how I feel, we put in a good effort but Premiership pace and fitness showed through in the last half hour, like it would for any league 1 side against any prem team. No shame today. Anyway we have more important things this season so COYR.

[Window Cleaner]

Until we get an O,Hara type player into our midfield we are not going to progress as much as we want. Have agued this point on recent threads and got slagged off by certain people, ( you know who you are ). Too many chances fall to midfield players whose shot/goals ratio is dire.

 

must say that I didn't really notice O'Hara apart from his long range effort that Kelvin had to tip over the bar.Pompey's threat came from Belhadj getting forward and giving Thomas a hard time.Plus when you're using a static right back like Thomas you get nothing from him on the attacking side. But we played well and should have won, if we'd have had Connolly instead of Lallana we would have.

[CanadaSaint]

Sorry but Lambert's corners look bloody dangerous whereas nobody else in our team can do it (other than James arguably). If he can supply a dangerous ball we have capable peole in the box to nod it in e.g CB's

 

CBs who can then be caught at the wrong end of the pitch when a counter happens.

 

Seriously, after spending all that money we must have someone to take these kicks other than the person we'd like to have on the end of them.

[CitySaint]

Just home, gutted. Fans did their bit, I thought we completely out-sung them. Did it come across on the box?

[adj250770]

Sorry but Lambert's corners look bloody dangerous whereas nobody else in our team can do it (other than James arguably). If he can supply a dangerous ball we have capable peole in the box to nod it in e.g CB's

 

WTF? Who would you rather have in the box - Jaidi, Perry or Lambert?!!?!? I'd rather have people like Antonio, Waigo and probably most importantly Schneiderlin (who IMHO beings NOTHING to the team in any game I watch) practising on the training ground on how to take a corner or wide free kick to pick Lambert out so he can increase what is already a fantastic goal scoring record! Lambert can teach them how to do it if you want!!!

[Jillyanne]

Just home, gutted. Fans did their bit, I thought we completely out-sung them. Did it come across on the box?

 

Yes, without a doubt.

[Window Cleaner]

CBs who can then be caught at the wrong end of the pitch when a counter happens.

 

Seriously, after spending all that money we must have someone to take these kicks other than the person we'd like to have on the end of them.

 

 

that's what happened, Jaidi,Thomas and Hammond were all in their box and we gave the ball away, two gift goals really.

[Sylvia Saint]

If Lalana could finish chances, instead of powder puff shots at goal we would have been out of sight. It's obvious that he is talented and always seems to find himself in goalscoring positions - he just hasn't got the timing when shooting. Think he should start taking lessons from MLT on how to strike a ball.

 

There's the difference, it's all about putting the ball in the net.

[Window Cleaner]

WTF? Who would you rather have in the box - Jaidi, Perry or Lambert?!!?!? I'd rather have people like Antonio, Waigo and probably most importantly Schneiderlin (who IMHO beings NOTHING to the team in any game I watch) practising on the training ground on how to take a corner or wide free kick to pick Lambert out so he can increase what is already a fantastic goal scoring record! Lambert can teach them how to do it if you want!!!

 

Have you not noticed, midfied players aren't allowed to take set pieces at Saints. James took them when he was playing full back, then it was Mills, now it's Lambert. I just guess that AP doesn't want his midfielders out of the game if we get hit on the break. It's a strange decision, I'm sure that they all know perfectly well how to take corners and free-kicks. It's about the system rather than incompetence at the task.Lallana brings nothing to the aerial threat from set pieces,he still doesn't take them though,although he knows perfectly well how to.

[hackedoff]

WTF? Who would you rather have in the box - Jaidi, Perry or Lambert?!!?!? I'd rather have people like Antonio, Waigo and probably most importantly Schneiderlin (who IMHO beings NOTHING to the team in any game I watch) practising on the training ground on how to take a corner or wide free kick to pick Lambert out so he can increase what is already a fantastic goal scoring record! Lambert can teach them how to do it if you want!!!

 

Totally agree,as for Scheiderlin can someone tell me if he is an attacking or defending midfielder cos he does neither.

[mack rill]

But at 1-1, was going all out attack a correct option? If we played like we did in the first half at 1-1, I believe we could avoid defeat at least. Any thoughts?

 

don't think you had much choice, The 1st half was yours by a street. We were absolute shyt. Yoda changed it for the second The last thing you needed was a replay at our gaff,So you went for it, leaving you open for the counter.

[.comsaint]

Just got in.

 

Scoreline wasn't a true reflection whatsoever. We had 2 glorious chances in the first half which could have made all the difference.

 

They had waaaay too much pace down the left second half - which was our undoing. When we went 2-1 down & pushed for an equaliser - their pace undid us & in the end - the scoreline was flattering.

 

Still - well played lads. We gave them a decent game on the whole (bar the last 10 minutes). And Rickie Lambert proved that he can indeed score against Premiership opposition!

 

Back to L1 and where it really matters. STID.

[corsacar saint]

Proud to be a Saint, we lacked a little bit of composure in the final third, and were caught out with pace on the break in the final twenty minutes. However up until they scored, it was only David James who had saved them from being out of the game by then.

[Window Cleaner]

If Lalana could finish chances, instead of powder puff shots at goal we would have been out of sight. It's obvious that he is talented and always seems to find himself in goalscoring positions - he just hasn't got the timing when shooting. Think he should start taking lessons from MLT on how to strike a ball.

 

There's the difference, it's all about putting the ball in the net.

 

Once again I'm sure he knows perfectly well how to strike a ball,he's probably not quick enough in his analysis of the situation though and it's that that lets him down.Like Papa, on his second chance there were two options, heading it or a scissors kick, so he tries to control it and just lobs it to James.Mercurial mental process is what makes great strikers.

[jeff leopard]

Well played Saints. We're still going to Wembley, by which time Pompey may well be nothing but a memory in more ways than one. And we really do not want to be fighting on three fronts!

 

Absolutely, that's the bottom line, right there. I've accepted that we lost to a premiership side and looked like we have potential, but need a lot of work still.

 

i'll mentally bury the fact it was 'them' deep deep down, and come to terms with that when i have my breakdown, which could be years away.

[CitySaint]

Pardew is trying to create Lambert into a 'Le Tissier-Esque' folk hero at Saints, that is why he takes corners, free-kicks, penalties etc. Just as Matty did.

[St Marco]

Well what a day, other then the result am very happy.

 

The atmosphere and passion was emense.

 

They are a poor premiership team and if it wasen't for a mistake and James making quality saves it would of gone the other way.

 

The players did us proud and everyone who i have spoken too who watched it on tv said we were the better team.

 

What makes me even more happy is that they are dead certs to get relegated and if they have their problems in ccc they will get hammered. 2 more seasons and we will be above them.

 

They may have won the battle, but we will win the war.

[vince]

Gutted as I am to lose today, there are some good scores for us so far in the league this afternoon and as it stands, we'd be 16 points off the PO, with 2 games in hand. You never know...

[Genk]

WTF? Who would you rather have in the box - Jaidi, Perry or Lambert?!!?!? I'd rather have people like Antonio, Waigo and probably most importantly Schneiderlin (who IMHO beings NOTHING to the team in any game I watch) practising on the training ground on how to take a corner or wide free kick to pick Lambert out so he can increase what is already a fantastic goal scoring record! Lambert can teach them how to do it if you want!!!

 

That would be ideal. Shame that hasn't happened already. Scary that a professional footballer can't take a good corner. Obviously I would rather have Lambert in the box at corners nodding them in, but until we can get someone to consistently put good corner in for him to score from, I am quite happy for him taking them for the like of Fonte, Hammond, Jaidi etc to attack.

[DrZuess1979 the 2nd]

Until we get an O,Hara type player into our midfield we are not going to progress as much as we want. Have agued this point on recent threads and got slagged off by certain people, ( you know who you are ). Too many chances fall to midfield players whose shot/goals ratio is dire.

 

Rubbish

 

Hammond was fair better and O`hara should not have been MoM, James should have been

[Um Bongo]

We outsung 'The best fans in the world'

We out played Pompey for 70 minutes.

We could have been 3-0 up at half time.

 

Nothing to be embarresed about. Excellent performance on the pitch, and from the fans. The goal in the northam was mental! They are awful, and won't have a club at the end of the season - Let them brace beating a L1 side.

[St Landrew]

don't think you had much choice, The 1st half was yours by a street. We were absolute shyt. Yoda changed it for the second The last thing you needed was a replay at our gaff,So you went for it, leaving you open for the counter.

 

Yeah, that's fair. I think, until you actually scored, we were the most likely to actually do it. And if we had scored first, I believe the score might have been our usual 3-1 or at least a win. I think most League One sides would have buckled and been beaten out of sight by our performance today. Probably most Championship would have had a real tough time too.

 

The future is so Red & White I can almost taste it.

[CitySaint]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I was very disappointed with their support. Was in Kingsland North, and it was rocking. Any news of any unfortunate trouble so far after the game?

[.comsaint]

We outsung 'The best fans in the world'

We out played Pompey for 70 minutes.

We could have been 3-0 up at half time.

 

Nothing to be embarresed about. Excellent performance on the pitch, and from the fans. The goal in the northam was mental! They are awful, and won't have a club at the end of the season - Let them brace beating a L1 side.

 

AND Rickie proved he can score against "Premiership" quality!

[Mase]

Just home, gutted. Fans did their bit, I thought we completely out-sung them. Did it come across on the box?

 

Other than the odd ‘Play Up Poopey’ chant, Saints came across louder throughout the majority of the match hands down. Well done to those of you that went.

 

So, I am gutted. The score line is flattering, and Saints were on the whole the better team. But part of me is very pleased… The players gave it there all, the managers tactics were very good, the stadium was full, the pitch looked great, Liebherr looked like he was having a great time and most of all the Saints fans were great! On top of being loud I saw balloons, makeup, lots of colour, banners, comedy money. It was great!

 

Oh how I love this club so much

[Saints foreva]

Unlucky Saints, 4-1 doesn't reflect the game but that is the scoreline.

 

Lallana had a great game today, shame he didn't finish that chance before Barnard put it in the net...

[samoakley]

ohara is a ***** i hope someone nails him next time he plays showing off and tryin to get the skates to hold up the game at 3-1, and after hammond nailed that skate he ran over givin it the large, saying that he was class and his missus is fit.

 

AP you better get us promoted now so we can revenge this.

 

also its all kicked off in town i dont like violence but i hope are boys are givin there ones a kick in who were mouthy all game and all familys are safe on both sides.

[Justin C]

A good day but gutted with the score. I thought O'hare (sp) was class, that is the type of player we need. James had a good game too. He looked injured in the second half holding his groin and throwing a lot. Hopefully is out for a while for them but I do think he is the best England have. Looking forward to Wembley as i think the play offs are just a bit too far but hope to be proved wrong!

[CanadaSaint]

AND Rickie proved he can score against "Premiership" quality!

 

For the sake of accuracy, he proved he can score against a side in the Premiership.

 

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Skates were always going to be looking for breakaway goals. That's all they've got. Runners not footballers. We're going to Wemblet, they're not. And we can pay for the petrol. ****s.

[Window Cleaner]

For the sake of accuracy, he proved he can score against a side in the Premiership.

 

 

cos Wilson isn't a premier quality defender that's for sure.

[John B]

Unlucky Saints, 4-1 doesn't reflect the game but that is the scoreline.

 

Lallana had a great game today, shame he didn't finish that chance before Barnard put it in the net...

 

Sorry but Lallana did not have a great game if he had we would have won.

 

I am not in anyway blaming him for the loss but he did have a couple of chances to score

[Crab Lungs]

Spurs fan I reside with on seeing W******d: "I bet he f()cking stinks"

 

I thought we had a smellovision TV for a moment :-o

 

Anyway, definitely wasn't a 4-1 game - but for me there were 3 major differences between the two teams;

 

1. Pace upfront

2. The finishing

3. Ageing centre halves - not that Pompey's back four covered itself in glory, but Perry, whilst doing his best, REEEEEALLLY doesn't have it any more.

[CWD]

Just back. Very proud of our saints today, they were proper up for it and deserved better. Poor finishing and superior PL fitness showed in the end.

 

Harding, Hammond, Antonio, Lallana, Morgan and Lambert all proved that they can cut it against PL opposition. with Fonte in the team things would have been very different imo

 

COYR