Saints V Skates - Afters.

[sotonjoe]

I'm so, so angry about how easily we were getting caught out at the back for those last goals.

 

Until it went to 2-1 we still looked like we were in with a shout.

[scotty]

Good effort by the lads, there's no point in over-analysing it in the end - we were beaten by superior fitness, pace and finishing - which is why they're premiership players, and we have league 1 players - that is the difference.

 

The heart, effort and attitude was right today - i couldn't fault it, but we lacked that composure at the crucial time - everything seemed to fall to Lallana and Papa!

 

O'hara might be a little **** - but he was the best player on the pitch in the 2nd half, without him and the pace of the attack they have nothing (and they're all on loan...)

 

At least we have prospects with a bright future - it hurts like **** at the moment, but this will just be a hollow victory for them - you wait till we meet them in a year or so...the outcome will be totally different.

 

+1, nothing to add to that except that the boys did us proud. No complaints here.

[Barry the Badger]

I'm so, so angry about how easily we were getting caught out at the back for those last goals.

 

Until it went to 2-1 we still looked like we were in with a shout.

 

It was a bit naive of us, but we were trying to get back into it, most of our players were completely knackered and their forwards were bloody quick. It was always a possibility.

[View From The Top]

I'm so, so angry about how easily we were getting caught out at the back for those last goals.

 

Until it went to 2-1 we still looked like we were in with a shout.

 

We'd gone sh*t or bust by then and the high tempo energy levels were dipping so it was always likely to happen.

[saint1977]

Excellent effort from all the players today, all of them. Perry needs replacing but gave everything, Lambert looked class today and if Lallana can learn to finish, we will have a super player on our hands. Hammond has helped us since coming back and Antonio continues to develop. Put Fonte, Seabourne, Connolly (if he is ever fit again) and Puncheon in the side and we'll win a lot of games.

 

It's never nice to lose to them but only in the last 10 minutes could you tell there was a difference in division. Unlike 2005, we have a strong, united club and we won't have to wait long this time for hegemony again given our neighbours' difficulties.

[Thedelldays]

anyone else see the pikey cow at the front of their end..had a proper perm, fake tan and a beer belly....with her fella who had a big gap in his teeth

 

strange....

[Window Cleaner]

anyone else see the pikey cow at the front of their end..had a proper perm, fake tan and a beer belly....with her fella who had a big gap in his teeth

 

strange....

 

 

Well yes but compared to our lady with the FA cup strapped onto her head.........

[Thedelldays]

Well yes but compared to our lady with the FA cup strapped onto her head.........

which one would you....?

[Window Cleaner]

which one would you....?

 

dunno, haven't got a guide dog

[sotonjoe]

We'd gone sh*t or bust by then and the high tempo energy levels were dipping so it was always likely to happen.

 

I can't help thinking that it was a bit early to be going shir or bust though. Our naivity showed I think. And to let them score more than one goal in identical fashion made me very frustrated.

[mcjwills]

will add (again) O'Hara is way too good for them..he was the best player on the pitch today by a mile....shame the rest of his team are turd

 

The rest of his team play at White Hart Lane, no way will he be with the skates in the CCC next year.

[The Cat]

Lallana was easilly our best player. He was the 2nd best player on the pitch behind O'Hara.

 

This

[BTW Saint]

Southampton looked like the premier side for the first 70 minutes.

 

What hurts in addition to losing to the pain of losing to Pompey;

 

1 Losing unbeaten home record at St Marys to Pompey

2 Going out of the FA cup in year when Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool are already out

3 Losing to a team who if treated in the same way as Bourmenouth, would have been without the best two players on the pitch

4 Losing to a team with a goal scorer who has not be purchased for for in accordance with his contract and registration is questionable

5 That Pompey have the revenue from another cup game to help them survive despite being insolvent

 

So if we may get a bye if Portsmouth go into liquidation, before the next round, who do we want them to be drawn against tomorrow?

[dockland Dave]

Southampton looked like the premier side for the first 70 minutes.

 

What hurts in addition to losing to the pain of losing to Pompey;

 

1 Losing unbeaten home record at St Marys to Pompey

2 Going out of the FA cup in year when Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool are already out

3 Losing to a team who if treated in the same way as Bourmenouth, would have been without the best two players on the pitch

4 Losing to a team with a goal scorer who has not be purchased for for in accordance with his contract and registration is questionable

5 That Pompey have the revenue from another cup game to help them survive despite being insolvent

 

So if we may get a bye if Portsmouth go into liquidation, before the next round, who do we want them to be drawn against tomorrow?

we lost because we didn't have the neccessary quality to take the chances we created, and because once we had to chase the game our geriatric defence was picked off by their forwards. So I dont see the point in pontifercating about the above. Saints traded as an insolvent company last year hence admin, I suspect the same will happen to them. I don't want Pompey to go bust, would prefer to see a slow and painful slide down the league tables a bit like we had. I don't want the last game we played against them to be 4-1 defeat.

[Charlie Wayman]

Our lads must understand that a game of football lasts 90 minutes not 75 and they need to train harder to stay fit physically and more importantly mentally for the full 90. They gave their all for sure but ending up knackered at 75 minutes and not being able to run with their opponents is downright criminal. Mind you with a back four whom will soon be eligible for their state pensions we were always likely to end up with egg on our faces against Pompey's lightning strike force.

 

On the whole Pardew gets it about right in his post-match piece but we can't get too relaxed as Pompey are the worst team in the Prem by far and really only of mid-table CCC standard. If we had serious aspirations for the CCC next year - which I have always doubted - then this demonstartion of last-ditch rugged determination rather than skilful ball-play surely underlines that such aspirations are fanciful.

 

The back four today were unpardonably awful, they got away with it for 60 minutes only because Lallana, Hammond & Schneiderlin bossed the middle of the park so not letting Pompey get their act together. Once that trio were knackered the back four were overwhelmed and their limitations cruelly exposed. Thank goodness it's only our reserve back four these days.

 

Otherwise, trust An-bloody-tonio to forget to turn up for the ONE match that really matters most to us lot. We might have done better with 11 but there you go!

[alpine_saint]

Our lads must understand that a game of football lasts 90 minutes not 75 and they need to train harder to stay fit physically and more importantly mentally for the full 90. They gave their all for sure but ending up knackered at 75 minutes and not being able to run with their opponents is downright criminal. Mind you with a back four whom will soon be eligible for their state pensions we were always likely to end up with egg on our faces against Pompey's lightning strike force.

 

 

That sounds unfair.

 

They tried to get back into the game in the last 15mins after falling behind, and got picked off. OK, maybe a bit naiive as AP puts, it, but nothing to do with fitness.

 

The real question mark has to be about the sucker punch - their second goal.

[shurlock]

Rob Smyth's minute by minute coverage at guardian makes good reading post-match

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/13/southhampton-portsmouth-live

 

In his words

 

"This is the most scandalous 4-1 I've seen since Andrea Dossena lobbed Edwin van der Sar 11 months ago. It's almost up there with Napoli 1-4 Sampdoria in 1990-91, the ultimate smash-and-grab"

[dubai_phil]

Our lads must understand that a game of football lasts 90 minutes not 75 and they need to train harder to stay fit physically and more importantly mentally for the full 90. They gave their all for sure but ending up knackered at 75 minutes and not being able to run with their opponents is downright criminal. Mind you with a back four whom will soon be eligible for their state pensions we were always likely to end up with egg on our faces against Pompey's lightning strike force.

 

On the whole Pardew gets it about right in his post-match piece but we can't get too relaxed as Pompey are the worst team in the Prem by far and really only of mid-table CCC standard. If we had serious aspirations for the CCC next year - which I have always doubted - then this demonstartion of last-ditch rugged determination rather than skilful ball-play surely underlines that such aspirations are fanciful.

 

The back four today were unpardonably awful, they got away with it for 60 minutes only because Lallana, Hammond & Schneiderlin bossed the middle of the park so not letting Pompey get their act together. Once that trio were knackered the back four were overwhelmed and their limitations cruelly exposed. Thank goodness it's only our reserve back four these days.

 

Otherwise, trust An-bloody-tonio to forget to turn up for the ONE match that really matters most to us lot. We might have done better with 11 but there you go!

 

Strange

 

the TV commentators here reckoned he was one of our most important players on the pitch - a "superb outlet" making himself available, a world class run and cross which Lallana should have scored and tackling back in our penalty area.

 

Not my views, just people paid to give them for the global coverage

[Um Bongo]

Strange

 

the TV commentators here reckoned he was one of our most important players on the pitch - a "superb outlet" making himself available, a world class run and cross which Lallana should have scored and tackling back in our penalty area.

 

Not my views, just people paid to give them for the global coverage

 

Have to say, I thought he was probably our worst player today as well. Left Thomas exposed alot in the first half, started to come out of his shell in the second half but still, not good enough to be starting.

[sotonjoe]

And when is Barnard going to come good as well?

[oxfordshire_saint]

I actually felt physically sick when the 3rd goal went in and it became apparent it was game over.

 

We just ended up paying for being wasteful infront of goal and having big holes at the back on the counter.

 

No use reeling off all the ifs and buts, nowt we can do about it now, they were there for the taking but it didn't go our way.

 

Let's try and take heart from the fact that we outplayed them for the most part.

[John B]

Have to say, I thought he was probably our worst player today as well. Left Thomas exposed alot in the first half, started to come out of his shell in the second half but still, not good enough to be starting.

 

I think Antonio is going to be a pretty good player the more he plays the better he is probably going to get.

[tommi]

I have been very critical over the last few weeks but today, we were fantastic and I'm very proud to be a saint again!

 

Once all the dust settles, Pompey players, staff and fans alike know they were second best for 70 minutes today. If we can play like this every week until the end of the season, the playoffs are reachable.

 

Hey, and we're still goi g to Wembley!!! COYR

[shurlock]

That sounds unfair.

 

They tried to get back into the game in the last 15mins after falling behind, and got picked off. OK, maybe a bit naiive as AP puts, it, but nothing to do with fitness.

 

The real question mark has to be about the sucker punch - their second goal.

 

Wouldn't say the second goal was the sucker punch - if Barnard hadn't greedily taken the ball from the toes of Lallana who was in an onside position, we would have been 2-2. After that chance and still sensing we could still get something we threw the dice even harder - and some on here say we're too negative- for which we then paid the price.

 

The irony is that its easier to get suckerpunched when you're playing well - had we been playing badly, the scoreline might well have been more flattering.

[John B]

I have been very critical over the last few weeks but today, we were fantastic and I'm very proud to be a saint again!

 

Once all the dust settles, Pompey players, staff and fans alike know they were second best for 70 minutes today. If we can play like this every week until the end of the season, the playoffs are reachable.

 

Hey, and we're still goi g to Wembley!!! COYR

 

I agree but we also played well against B'ham earlier in the season for 70 mins or so before Murty got injured

[shurlock]

Have to say, I thought he was probably our worst player today as well. Left Thomas exposed alot in the first half, started to come out of his shell in the second half but still, not good enough to be starting.

 

Had good opening few mins, and then was one of our poorest players for the rest of the half. But definitely brightened up in the 2nd.

[shurlock]

I agree but we also played well against B'ham earlier in the season for 70 mins or so before Murty got injured

 

Different game - we were leading in that game; today we were chasing. I have less of a problem with the way today panned out -apart from their incredibly soft second goal- than the Brum game.

[red&white56]

The result f**king hurts though. I can just imagine those smug inbred c**ts in the away end.

 

They were very poor and only really got going when they went 3-1 up. We bossed them vocally - I was in the Chapel (block 16) and dreading it but everyone was up for it - I've never seen so many 50 yr olds jumping out of their seats and givin' it to Poopey.

 

Our fans were awesome today - and even singing Pay Up Pompey worked as it completely shut them down. A bit disappointed that a few fans left at 3-1 and that Saints didn't really vome and thank the crowd at the end

[captainchris]

Although we caused them lots of problems at the back, I always thought we needed Wotton or James, or preferably Case, sat in front of the back 4 or marking O'Hara.

 

Still we played well and could easily have been 2 up before they scored. ITV were talking about the result being in the history books, but lets hope HRMC say otherwise.

 

We were wrong to be too far advanced in the second half. We needed to probably go 451 once it went to one all as they were over running us. I really don't think AP is quite there tactically and it will tell in the end!!........ Waits for the avalanche of emotional 'Happy Clappies' to condemn me for having an honest opinion of the outcome and the way it occured....

[red&white56]

I think Antonio is going to be a pretty good player the more he plays the better he is probably going to get.

 

His throw-ins did create trouble, he definitely is getting better.

[John B]

Different game - we were leading in that game; today we were chasing. I have less of a problem with the way today panned out -apart from their incredibly soft second goal- than the Brum game.

 

It was similar in that for the first hour or so we were as good as B'ham like we were today.

 

 

However I think the First Pompey Goal was really good an excellent strike which for me showed the difference in class between the Premier League and League 1

[forever a red and white]

Strange

 

the TV commentators here reckoned he was one of our most important players on the pitch - a "superb outlet" making himself available, a world class run and cross which Lallana should have scored and tackling back in our penalty area.

 

Not my views, just people paid to give them for the global coverage

 

Antonio, if he could find a final ball and learn to finish could be half decent,. Fitness appears to be an issue as well he just looked so tired after around 25 mins.

[sotonjoe]

Singing "Pay Up Pompey" DOESN'T WORK as it just sounds like we're joining in with them!

[SaintBobby]

Obviously upset we lost. Portsmouth put their chances away, we didn't.

 

I'd still say if that game was replayed 30 times, then on the balance of play today, it would yield about 10 Saints wins, 10 draws and 10 skates wins.

 

They were very good on the counter attack and very clinical. David James had an exceptional game.

 

From our point of view, I thought Lallana, Schneiderlin and Lambert were not just exceptional but positively heroic.

 

I'd be amazed if we don't overtake them decisiviely in league status within two years and think there's a 50-50 chance they will not be part of the 92 teams next year.

 

In terms of the "natural" position, we are a top 25 side (maybe in the Prem, maybe top end of Championship), they are somewhere around 30-50 (top CCC at best, probably League One).

 

Without wishing to sound too embittered, the truth is that today, in playing our local rivals, we faced a team that they have no moral, financial or even legal right to put to the pitch. Similarly, in 2008, they effectively cheated (financially) to win the FA Cup.

 

That doesn't mean either result should be expunged from the records. But it does mean that if Portsmouth are liquidated - as they certainly should be - in a few weeks time, they can't whinge about unfairness.

 

For me, this was a slightly gutting day. But I follow a growing, upwardly mobile team with an incredible, immense fanbase. For the 4,000 Pompey fans, this could be one of the last meaningful games of football they ever witness in their lives.

 

I'd rather be in my shoes than theirs.

[shurlock]

It was similar in that for the first hour or so we were as good as B'ham like we were today.

 

 

However I think the First Pompey Goal was really good an excellent strike which for me showed the difference in class between the Premier League and League 1

 

I agree to that extent. Their first was an excellent strike - zero backlift almost nudged in. But how they casually worked the ball from right to left and found him in so much space eludes me.

[dune]

What a briliant perofmance from the lads, the scoreline flattederd the skates.

[John B]

Todays performance was so much better than two years ago when we were dreadful against Bristol Rovers in the 5th Round

[WestSaint]

Todays performance was so much better than two years ago when we were dreadful against Bristol Rovers in the 5th Round

 

 

That match John was an all time low for the club - Shows how far we have come that the players showed hoiw much they wanted the win today. That certainly was not the reality for the teams playing at the Brizzy game

[Pat from Poole]

Obviously upset we lost. Portsmouth put their chances away, we didn't.

 

I'd still say if that game was replayed 30 times, then on the balance of play today, it would yield about 10 Saints wins, 10 draws and 10 skates wins.

 

They were very good on the counter attack and very clinical. David James had an exceptional game.

 

From our point of view, I thought Lallana, Schneiderlin and Lambert were not just exceptional but positively heroic.

 

I'd be amazed if we don't overtake them decisiviely in league status within two years and think there's a 50-50 chance they will not be part of the 92 teams next year.

 

In terms of the "natural" position, we are a top 25 side (maybe in the Prem, maybe top end of Championship), they are somewhere around 30-50 (top CCC at best, probably League One).

 

Without wishing to sound too embittered, the truth is that today, in playing our local rivals, we faced a team that they have no moral, financial or even legal right to put to the pitch. Similarly, in 2008, they effectively cheated (financially) to win the FA Cup.

 

That doesn't mean either result should be expunged from the records. But it does mean that if Portsmouth are liquidated - as they certainly should be - in a few weeks time, they can't whinge about unfairness.

 

For me, this was a slightly gutting day. But I follow a growing, upwardly mobile team with an incredible, immense fanbase. For the 4,000 Pompey fans, this could be one of the last meaningful games of football they ever witness in their lives.

 

I'd rather be in my shoes than theirs.

 

 

Totally agree with everything you say.

[Mase]

Obviously upset we lost. Portsmouth put their chances away, we didn't.

 

I'd still say if that game was replayed 30 times, then on the balance of play today, it would yield about 10 Saints wins, 10 draws and 10 skates wins.

 

They were very good on the counter attack and very clinical. David James had an exceptional game.

 

From our point of view, I thought Lallana, Schneiderlin and Lambert were not just exceptional but positively heroic.

 

I'd be amazed if we don't overtake them decisiviely in league status within two years and think there's a 50-50 chance they will not be part of the 92 teams next year.

 

In terms of the "natural" position, we are a top 25 side (maybe in the Prem, maybe top end of Championship), they are somewhere around 30-50 (top CCC at best, probably League One).

 

Without wishing to sound too embittered, the truth is that today, in playing our local rivals, we faced a team that they have no moral, financial or even legal right to put to the pitch. Similarly, in 2008, they effectively cheated (financially) to win the FA Cup.

 

That doesn't mean either result should be expunged from the records. But it does mean that if Portsmouth are liquidated - as they certainly should be - in a few weeks time, they can't whinge about unfairness.

 

For me, this was a slightly gutting day. But I follow a growing, upwardly mobile team with an incredible, immense fanbase. For the 4,000 Pompey fans, this could be one of the last meaningful games of football they ever witness in their lives.

 

I'd rather be in my shoes than theirs.

 

What a well thought out post. Couldn’t put it any better myself! Spot on.

[shurlock]

Todays performance was so much better than two years ago when we were dreadful against Bristol Rovers in the 5th Round

 

Totally agree - said the same thing to someone else. Was at the Memorial in 2008 and the difference between then and today is massive. And that's not just because we were the favourites then- the performance itself exposed the rottenness at the core of the club.

 

Will wait and see, though. Pards drones on about a winning mentality - for me the most persuasive piece of evidence that we're turning the corner will be if we kick on from today rather than hang our heads like the freefall after the BR result.

[John B]

Totally agree - said the same thing to someone else. Was at the Memorial in 2008 and the difference between then and today is massive. And that's not just because we were the favourites - the performance itself exposed the rottenness at the core of the club.

 

Will wait and see, though. Pards drones on about a winning mentality - for me the most persuasive piece of evidence that we're turning the corner will be if we kick on from today rather than hang our heads like the freefall after the BR result.

 

Yes but there is now competition for places in the team which must be a good thing.

[Johnny Shearer]

The skates had that little more bit of calmness about them.

 

In the first half we had about 5/6 chances, which if we had scored 2/3 of them it would have been game over as they were not upto it at all.

 

However second half, thier pace and power told as they punished us 3 times in the same manner. Straight down our right past Thomas and into the box to score.

 

First hour we easily matched them. Is galling the way we let the goals in but hopefully they are screwed for the rest of the season and we are on the up.

[shurlock]

Yes but there is now competition for places in the team which must be a good thing.

 

Yes, especially in defence where the cupties made a huge difference. That said there isn't much of a winning mentality amongst some of the newer recruits - they've joined at a time when our league form has dipped and asking some pretty serious questions about the direction of the team and the manager. There was no pressure on the players today - a totally different kettle of fish from the league in which we're expected to win every game.

[John B]

Yes, especially in defence where the cupties made a huge difference. That said there isn't much of a winning mentality amongst some of the newer recruits - they've joined at a time when our league form has dipped and asking some pretty serious questions about the direction of the team and the manager. There was no pressure on the players today - a totally different kettle of fish from the league in which we're expected to win every game.

 

I am not so sure it is much to do with a winning mentality but something to do with missing too many chances in the first half of matches.

 

We should have scored more in the first half v MK Dons away JPT Brentford away and today.

 

 

On Tuesday we went 2 up and cruised to an easy win

[John Boy Saint]

I have to say that I have never left a Saints game following a defeat without such a glow of positivity. I have not seen so much passion and heart from a Saints team for quite a few years, even a chap we have on loan from Fiorentina was whipping up the Chapel first half, when you think back to last season and the dark days of the closed season today was an immense ray of sunshine regardless of the score.

 

My man of the match was Adam Lallana.

 

Some of the highlights for me were; the atmosphere and passion of the crowd the unity of us all, Marcus joining in the mosaic holding his card up.

 

Howard Webb also went up in my estimation, he read the meaning of the game and chose to calm players down by talking to them rather than flashing the card willy nilly.

 

Comment of the day: While driving past the Kingsland Market space en route to the game everyone in the car exclaimed as one "Ooooooooo!! Horses!" followed by the giggles for the next few minutes.

 

Well done lads, looking at the majority of the posts on the previous 6 pages, we are all proud of you and the passion you showed in our Red & White Stripes.

[krissyboy31]

Todays performance was so much better than two years ago when we were dreadful against Bristol Rovers in the 5th Round

 

Lambert's performance was pretty much on a par TBH.

[John B]

Lambert's performance was pretty much on a par TBH.

 

No I think he was better today

[simondo]

Living in Pompey as I do, I watched the game with some pompey ST holder friends. Tbf they were very complimentory, however the scorline still really ****ing sucks

we were not bad at all, they were.... Fortunate, but equally took their chances well... Doesn't help but most of my Pompey mates think they were lucky, but 4-1 really really isn't fair and really hurts!!!! Bo ho:-(

[corky morris]

Finally got the kids in bed & read everyones comments. Agree with most. I though Lallana was awesome today. I thought Morgan was great as well. We were always gonna be suspect to the pace they have, but we should have been 2 or 3 up by then. Some people have gone on about Lallana's chances, but the miss of the day was Waigo's header at the back post.

Grant's & O'Hara's comments post game will come back to haunt them. Both of them are sanctimonious ****s.

Make no mistake even though it was 4-1 they were very very lucky today & Calamity had his best game of the season according to some of the blue few.

Not as convinced about O'Hara as some of you. If Huddlestone gets a game in front of him he cant be that good. I thought he was OK, but only came into the game when we were chasing it.

Only nagatives were Ricky taking the corners & once again our set piece delivery was poor again.

I cant deny that it does not hurt, but I reckon most of the fish ****ers were still surprised to see more than 30000 at a game of football in Hampshire!