Saints 5-0 Huddersfield - Post Match Reaction

[SuperMikey]

Absolutely farking brilliant!

I was a play-off doubter before but if we can pull 2 performances off like this in the space of 4 days, I think we can do it.

 

COYR!

[saintsmike25]

Does anyone else think that Lambert & Barnard remind them of Beattie and Ormerod in their heyday?

 

Barnard is the runner and Lambert in the Beattie mould, but harder working! it's a winning combination and all that with a supersub in the shape of Papa waigo whose pace is a killer for already battered and bruised defences.

[CWD]

Does anyone else think that Lambert & Barnard remind them of Beattie and Ormerod in their heyday?

 

I think theyre a very similar partnership. However (for L1) Lambo and Barney are far more effective - mainly coz Barnard can score!

[suewhistle]

GOALS

 

 

Overseas fans everywhere thank you!!

[Thripp87]

brilliant performance from the boys today, puncheon is class - how the hell does he not get in the plymouth side?

 

really think we need to keep this starting 11 settled, also very pleasing to see there all our own players an no loanees starting tonite.

 

still think play-offs is just a bit to much tho.....beg that im wrong!!!

[Under Weststand]

GOALS

 

Cheers for that quality goals & what a great few days 10 goals in 2 games Awesome Well done Saints & AP.

[corsacar saint]

Oxlade -Chamberlain is the son of Mark Chamberlain.[A mate of mine knows MC].

[ooh it's a corner]

that was better than saturday.

 

Huddersfield were big ugly and physical, but enough of their women folk....

 

bizarrely for a team that just got thumped 5-0, I thought they looked a reasonable side, it's just that we were outstanding.

 

It's lovely to walk home in the cold, feeling really, really smug...

[Psycrow]

Got a new job today with a whopping 55% pay rise and Saints win 5-0.

 

I'm hopeful of a BJ later from the missus.

 

If Carlsberg made Tuesdays.....

 

...... you'd be getting a BJ off the babysitter

[Andy_Porter]

Can't single anyone out as motm they where all superb. The front six are all on form and working superbly as a unit leaving the defence with very little to do, the full backs get forward and support while Fonte and Jaidi clear up any lost balls.

 

First time we've had such a balanced team who all work so hard for eachother since WGS side.

 

Pardew will take us to the Premier League.

 

Special mention to Schneiderlin as well when he's playing with confidence as he is at the moment he's a joy to watch on the ball. Throwing himself infront of the ball at 5-0 shows quite how much he's come on over the year. I really hope he's still in our side at the start of next season.

[Saint_Rick]

Puncheon and Fonte have really taken this team to the next level, shrewd bit of business by Pardew

[CWD]

The more I think about it, the better I think the signings of Barnard and Puncheon are.

 

If rumour is to be believed we enquired about Simeon Jackson (1.5mil) and Neil Danns (1.5mil+), but instead we've spent roughly £350k on two top players.

 

It shows that we are looking to be sustainable

[Kingsland Red]

Just back.

I bet the clubs in the play off positions are terrified Saints get in there.

Ripped this side apart, hard to see how they are 6th and unbeaten in 12.

Saints had winners in all 11 positions.

Keep that team plus Connolly and we should be there or there abouts.

[Ruffo]

get in there. Orsm result lads!!

[sadoldgit]

So...........

 

 

Where's the Pardew doubters gone?

 

Don't worry, they will be back when we next draw a game!

[Wes Tender]

After the convincing win over table topping Norwich and the hammering of Walsall, because of the stutter against Wycombe, I had said that Huddersfield would be much more an indication of how far we had progressed with this more complete team since the January signings.

 

The fixture was previewed as a six-pointer, vital to us if we were still to have any pretensions to achieving the play-offs and also very important to Huddersfield to ensure that they could cement their place in the top six too.

 

Well, I think that we have finally reached that point in the season where we can start to have some firmer belief in ourselves. This result was not only vital for us in terms of our self-belief, but it was also perhaps just as importantly a result that will have sent shock-waves through the upper reaches of the division.

 

We still have home games to come against three of the top six, having dispatched a fourth with disdain tonight. And having also recently beaten Norwich so convincingly, Leeds, Charlton and Swindon must be looking nervously over their shoulders. Beat them and we move three points closer to each of them. And although I haven't bothered to check over which of them play each other, naturally the outcome of those matches mean that they will either take points off each other, or only gain one point if they draw.

 

Suddenly, although it seemed very improbable until a few games ago, it now looks as if we could just pull off an incredible feat, provided that we have the belief, the lack of injuries to disrupt us and the rub of the green with other results going in our favour.

 

Pluses from the game?

 

Another five goals, but scored by five different players!

 

Partnerships being forged thoughout the team. Jaidi and Fonte - Hammond and Schneiderlin - Barnard and Lambert. Balance out wide; Lallana and Puncheon, Harding and Otsemobor.

 

Defensively sound and potent in attack.

 

A good keeper.

 

Additional pluses?

 

Some strength in depth in case of injury, or good cover on the bench.

 

Connolly almost ready to return if either Lambert or Barnard need a rest or are injured.

 

The youngster, Oxlade-Chamberlain making his first senior debut at just 16 and not looking out of place and nearly scoring! Undoubtedly one for the future. Theo Walcott Mark 2?

 

Many reasons to be happy with the club at the moment; the most enjoyment I have in a season for some time and a trip to Wembley to boot.

[Gordon Mockles]

Brilliant result. Committed, professional performance. By no means an easy game & Huddersfield were not crap. We were just solid, organised, motivated, committed & hungry for goals. With the current balance of the squad, we've a better team now than we had in the Championship.

 

We've shown the League what we can do at home, away to the League leaders, how we can score multiple goals, from all over the pitch (putting us 3rd best goal difference in the League). We now need to convert as many games to wins as possible, home & away. Esp. in games against teams like Tranmere. Make up those games in hand & hope teams above slip up & feel the pressure. It's a huge ask but, if not edging to the play offs, it's great prep for a stomping start to the next campaign & good practice for the team to gel.

 

Great night out. OWTSGMI. Even the Chapel sung a bit tonight!

[Tractor_Saint]

Got the first half goalfest - First goal uploaded, others on their way...

 

 

What a fantastic game. Asked the other half whether I was really in a coma and any minute I'm going to wake up in hospital with her talking to me about a fictional game....

[carljack]

Read out live over the airwaves .... think he realised he'd been stitched up a millisecond after he finnished saying it

 

I thought it was his cousin Warwick Hunt!

[Psycrow]

Just like watching Brazil !!

 

That's exactly what the said on Soccer Saturday, or Tuesday, or whatever its called on weeknights

[sadoldgit]

Just back.

As someone who is hard to please I have gotta give praise where praise is due.

Every player played well tonight.

Best performance for many a year and against a side who are no mugs.

 

Saturday was out biggest win in 14 years and yet within 3 days we better it.

 

And when was the last time we had 5 different scorers? I know I should know but it must be way back when. Will check tomorrow.

 

Puncheon has made a big difference - so much more to his game than Antonio or Waigo.

Barnard is on fire - full of confidence. Tireless runner in the Ormerod style but feel he has more to his game. A good buy.

Ostemobor - improving every game. He got stick at first but he is blossoming.

Schneiderlin - not a fan but his last two performances are starting to make me think I could be wrong.

Lambert - buy that man a beer, tireless and a talismanic figure. Has intelligence too.

Harding - committed as ever and very mobile.

Hammond - growing on me, great header tonight.

Lallana - Saints always look good when he is on form. And he is at the moment. Sometimes makes the wrong choice but hopefully that will improve with experience. I would never leave him out.

Jaidi and Fonte - best centre half partnership in this Div by a mile. I wish Jaidi was 5 years younger. Fonte is pure class.

Davis - wish he came off his line more but in truth had little to do.

 

Subs

Waigo - he will always be a handful coming off the bench and took his goal very well.

Oxlade-Chamberlain - could have scored, coming on will do his confidence a world of good. His pedigree means he is one to watch.

Seaborne - young legs, perfect replacement for Jaidi.

 

Now now Duncan, don't tell me you have forgotten the 6-0 trouncing of Wolves? Could that be because of George?

[up and away]

Complete domination. Awesome workrate from all the lads bearing in mind they'd played on Saturday. Barnard and Ricky all over the place, tackling back and marking up. Fonte must be getting bored ****less, he had nothing to do all night. Best performance since we put Spurs to the sword in the FA Cup, 5 goals, 2 posts and a crossbar. And remember this is a Huddersfield side that stretched Leeds all the way at the weekend. Can't wait for Leeds now, want to avenge that 4-3...

 

That really was noticeable, so much pressure from the front to all over the pitch, making a very good side look hardly better than Walsall, who on reflection may not have been that bad. Kelvin is going to need a part time job if this keeps up.

[St Landrew]

Hang on, did Trotman play???!!!!

 

Bit late with the answer, but Yes.

[Rut]

GOALS

 

 

Nice one - thanks.

[saintsmike25]

We can't afford ANY slip ups and I'm glad that Pardew has given the players that belief that they can beat the big teams. Predicting it and I've predicted it with alot of wins for the likes of Swindon/Charlton/Millwall/Colchester and the Terriers.

 

I'm not being negative far from it, I won't be disappointed if we don't do it we have the team that can build on and take this league by storm next season. But the reality is with performances like dominating the likes of Norwich and Huddersfield and I mean battering them from piller to post we really have the ability win every game.

 

I can see Swindon and Charlton both going on bad runs because they've got some really tough games ahead and we do have the same amount of quality as Leeds if not more as they've had a settled side thats gelled far more than us. But in terms of goals all over the pitch and a solid back 4 we are the best team in this division.

 

Davies - Superb keeper, organises the back 4 and makes unbelievable saves and a great dressing room presence

 

Semi - Still could be a weak link but has filled in that gap at right back which Lloyd James was doing his best to fill and is a NATURAL right back, still rate Murty more shame he's out for the rest of the season.

 

Fonte - CCC Class, without a doubt the best or second best centre back in the division along with Kisnorbo for Leeds.

 

Jaidi - He's a beast, wins everything and a danger from corners his expierence is invaluable we win far more with him in the side and he's too good for this league.

 

Harding - Absolutely solid does EVERYTHING very well, CCC standard easily.

 

Puncheon - The 'spark' thats filled in the final jigsaw piece, a natural winger who can play all over the park and gets to the byline and crosses it and scores goal, he's one of the main reasons we're beating the top 10 sides now, flair wins games sometimes.

 

Hammond - Breaks from the middle, dymanic in every respect easily, but his freedom is created from the main man I think..

 

Morgan - Doesn't score, his role is the 'deep lying playmaker' breaks things up, breaks up play, has the best passing ability in the division and the vision and the engine, covers SO much ground without a doubt can probably if he's not already premiership standard and i'm praying we keep hold of him, he's the difference in the way we dominate games when he plays. He does so much work which goes by seemingly unnoticed.

 

Lallana - Our own very mini Joe Cole, again not as quick or pacy as Puncheon but positionally he's impossible to mark as he swaps wings and has stupidly quick feet and is suprisingly strong on the ball and is a match winner easily lower prem CCC standard.

 

Barnard - The in the Brett Omerod mould, defends from the front and works his arse off until he's bleeding out of it. But with at this level obvious quality infront of goal, it's hard to say what standard he is but certainly a quality league one player so far.

 

Lambert - Has got better with us due to our style of play and being leaner, wins everything and links the play with deft headers and has great vision and a rocket shot, he is CCC standard, i'd say premiership standard but he does lack the pace to be as effective in that league. But he's the complete CCC package and my player of the season so far.

 

 

With that first 11, I can't really see player for player apart from Leeds who is better than us now after the transfer window that Pardew has spent VERY wisely even our bench with the likes of James, Seaborne, Waigo and Antonio not to mention Connoly and Murty being easily lower CCC and superb league one quality. We CAN do this but it is SUCH a big ask. Us fans have seen how good we can be and whatever will happen will happen, the biggest thing we know right now that at the end of the season we gave the playoffs and attempting to get to it a damn good shot.

 

The players have responded to whatever Pardew said to them at Wycombe and thats what you want from a team, a team playing for the manager and in unity. Everyone at the club playing wise is happy and gelling and thats what happens eventually, it's taken some time but some of us always knew it would take time for it to click into place.

[Tractor_Saint]

Got the first half goalfest - First goal uploaded, others on their way...

 

 

What a fantastic game. Asked the other half whether I was really in a coma and any minute I'm going to wake up in hospital with her talking to me about a fictional game....

 

 

 

(scored because my g/f told him to )

[Psycrow]

Absolutely magnificent performance, Duncan[FF],has said it as it really was.

If we can get 3 points on the Tranmere gluepot, I would not be surprised to see another

30,000 crowd at home to Leeds.

 

I'll be one of those!

 

The Crow's coming to town for the Leeds match folks

[brmbrm]

Wow.

 

Another plus, as if it was needed: Pardew's mid-season signings look real value, playing well, and settling in well with the team. Normally I reckon 40% give or take of new signings fail to live up to expectations or are disasters, but AP as got this lot just right.

 

As a negative, I guess we are likely to be in this division next year, and I really don't want a year of bashing weak teams. Playoffs please, and then win them.

 

I can't believe it is my team doing this to me, after alll these years.

[RedArmy]

Saturday was out biggest win in 14 years and yet within 3 days we better it.

 

Wolves? :doubt:

[saint_stevo]

looking forward to going to Leeds game now!

[saint-crinny]

Absolutely stunning from saints tonight - haven't enjoyed a more complete saints display for a long while.

 

In my excitement thought I would post some ratings:

 

Davis - relatively untroubled but one great save at 1-0 after a Huddersfield corner - 7

Semi - Solid in defence and growing game by game coming forward - 8

Harding - Another good display, good positioning and played a couple of cracking balls up the line too - 7

Fonte - Reading of the game is way too good for any striker at this level. Class - 8

Jaidi - Distribution pretty wayward again, but you dont beat him in the air - 7

Punch - Classy on the ball, decent delivery from either flank and superb finish - 9

Lallana - In and out of the game, but showed usual array of little flicks and clever touches. Loads of running again - 7

Spider - Top draw in the middle of the park. For me our most talented player - reads the play so well, never gives it away, always turns out of trouble and is working so hard as well now - 8

Hammond - Solid in the middle of the park and great darting run and header for his goal - 7

Lambert - A beast, don't think he lost a header. Held it up great, linked up play really well and another thumping header - 8

Barnard - MOM. Superb engine, he ran his socks off and is flying at the moment. Great header for his goal but was everywhere, especially in first half - 9.

 

Papa - Brilliant goal to round things off, and I think he was only offside once too!! - 8

Seabourne - Untested in brief time on pitch - 6

Chamberlain - Excited cameo from him. Clearly buzzing to get on and touch was everywhere to start with, but almost bagged a debut goal. Good energy - 7

 

As you can tell - I bloody loved it tonight and I dont think i was on my own there!

 

Only slight moan directed at the ref - just because Lambert is pretty much unstoppable at the moment doesnt mean he cant be fouled. Has got nothing in the last two games, but he just ploughs on and gets his goals. Hero!

[Jimmy_D]

The crowd were awesome tonight

 

OWTS sung slow (and KEPT slow a couple of times as well, good effort people )

 

Heck, even us in Chapel managed to get people around us singing

 

Tonight was the first time I'd ever heard 'Itchen Itchen, give us a song...'

 

Opposition crowd never really in it, altho we didn't have to work hard to do that tbf.

[St_Tel49]

The massive difference to this team now is the spine.

 

Fonte > Hammond > Rickie - when all 3 are on form, we're unplayable.

 

Glad to see Deano back to his best, him and morgan have formed a great understanding. Same with barnard and lambo.

 

you could also say the same about Jaidi and fonte....and Lallana and Puncheon. (when they keep swapping over, causes confusion for the oppo)

 

basically, we've just clicked as a team. Unplayable at times tonight, Huddersfield disappointed me - thought they'd make more of a game of it (but I'm not complaining!)

 

MOTM for me is a toss up between Punch and Deano - but I'll give it to Dean, he leads that team fantastically.

 

let's hope we can get our away wins back on track, and then we're cooking!

To be fair I thought they really tried - we were just too good for them.

[St_Tel49]

My marks. Oh soddit give each and every one 10

[Winchester Red]

Nice touch from their manager, lee Clarke (?), to shake everyone of our players hands as they came off

 

He won't be claiming we were lucky in his post match interviews!

[S-Clarke]

Nice touch from their manager, lee Clarke (?), to shake everyone of our players hands as they came off

 

He won't be claiming we were lucky in his post match interviews!

 

http://www.htafc.com/page/PostMatchComments/0,,10312~1982391,00.html

 

pretty much admits they were battered!

[Saints foreva]

I wasn't expecting that, fantastic performance!

 

I could say Fonte, Puncheon etc had great games but I thought our stand-out player was Morgan. By far the best game he has had in a Saints shirt imo, him and Deano seem to be making a great partnership in the center of midfield which is fantastic to see.

 

Jaidi and Fonte also coming along nicely!

 

Credit to Pardew and the lads.

[brmbrm]

We are still nearer the relegation zone than the playoffs.

 

5th from bottom - thats the target.

 

sarcasm

[AlfredKo]

Dennis Lawrence? T+T?

 

He was a league 2 player in the previous World Cup.

[Xchurch_Saint]

just home after a few beers- I think this is the best team we ve had since the 2003 cup final- can see us putting 5 past Leeds too, we'l walk this league hehehehe happy days!! night all

[beavis17]

I wasn't expecting that, fantastic performance!

 

I could say Fonte, Puncheon etc had great games but I thought our stand-out player was Morgan. By far the best game he has had in a Saints shirt imo, him and Deano seem to be making a great partnership in the center of midfield which is fantastic to see.

 

Jaidi and Fonte also coming along nicely!

 

Credit to Pardew and the lads.

 

Agree Schneiderlin was fantastic, summed up by diving in front of a shot when we were 5-0 up.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Incredible performance by the entire team - you can just tell they are playing for each other and AP. Really difficult to name a MOTM, so I think it has to go the Captain Hammond for a colossal performance - he totally bossed the midfield with Spider, scored a goal and inspired his team. Lallana has found 50% more stamina and pace - just needs to clear his head a bit and finish better. Punch is awesome. Barnie worked his socks off all evening - ran himself into the ground for the team and scored a very good goal. Lambo was Lambo - dominated the full-backs. Fonte and Jaidi together are a level above in this league. Semi and Harding are the best wing-backs we have had here for years. The bench is stronger than its been for years.

 

In short I've not been so happy about my team and club for years, regardless of the league we're in. I have hope and the football I saw tonight would not be out of place in the CCC. I would go as far to say that a lower placed Prem team would have struggled against us tonight. As for L1 teams - the playoff contenders must be hoping we don't make it and all those below us must be hoping we do, because if we're still in this league we will rip it apart next season.

[Smirking_Saint]

Does anyone else think that Lambert & Barnard remind them of Beattie and Ormerod in their heyday?

 

Definately, i have said this from day dot.

 

Not just that but with some great crossing now from Punch and support play from lallana we look a fantastic side.

[skintsaint]

Excellent performance again by the sounds of it. Tricky away game next on a ****e pitch..that will be the next test for us.

[Block 5]

I wasn't expecting that, fantastic performance!

 

I could say Fonte, Puncheon etc had great games but I thought our stand-out player was Morgan. By far the best game he has had in a Saints shirt imo, him and Deano seem to be making a great partnership in the center of midfield which is fantastic to see.

 

Jaidi and Fonte also coming along nicely!

 

Credit to Pardew and the lads.

 

Morgan was majestic tonight. He completely ran midfield.

MOTM for me and he didn't even get on the score sheet.

[Ziggy]

Just got back and the long drive was undertaken with a great smile on my face. The crowd was literally buzzing tonight and to see us score 10 goals in the space of 4 days is just superb. Well done to the lads - a brilliant performance.

[Smirking_Saint]

 

 

(scored because my g/f told him to )

 

Jesus, how did your missus not defen you after that goal ?? Lol

[saint.tom.clancy]

Sorry if already mentioned or i'm missing something, cant be bothered to search through all the posts... What was Lamberts goal celebration all about when he ran over to the away fans??

[saints_is_the_south]

Great night. Fantastic performance & a cracking atmosphere, even the Chapel started a song!! On Saturday I wondered if it was that we were actually that good or they were that poor but tonight confirmed that it was us being that good! Huddersfield, a team unbeaten in 11 games prior to tonight simply could not live with us. If it hadn't been for their keeper it would have been 5 even before half time.

 

Once again everybody had a great game, diificult to single out a MOTM tonight tbh.

 

Roll on Tranmere & then Leeds at a packed SMS!

[The Godfather]

Absolutley awesome display.