Saints 4 Huddersfield 1 - Reaction

[Jonnyboy]

I'd feel happier with 4" - did I misread that???

 

and Chaplow duly obliged!

[derry]

I expect the likes of Jaidi and Fonte to have a few problems hitting the target from 10 yards out but when a midfielder is in that position at least three times in a match and fails to hit target then I'm afraid that's a bad performance. Take his free header in the first half * - it was though he thought the goals were still set up for the pre-match warm up - miles off !

 

* one example of many during the game

 

Talk about tunnel vision, Lallana missed two clear chances and hit the bar with an open goal why no criticism. Guly put in both Chamberlain and Chaplow for goals. He caused the Huddersfield defence all sorts of problems all afternoon, as I remember Huddersfield were putting their bodies in the way and they were closing down quickly, the chances he missed were nowhere near as easy as the two missed by Lallana who however all round was excellent apart from missing the goals.

 

Today we had, after missing three golden chances, going behind and nearly two whilst being pulled around in defence by some slick play, shown great character, equalised out of nothing from a Lambert 2009 type shot on the turn, Guly put in Alex for the second from there we put in a terrific team performance. Jaidi was finding Lee difficult but gradually we gained control. It was a real team performance, yes there were some individual weaknesses but the teamwork got us on top and kept us there.

 

Unlike against Brentford we played with a high tempo and the midfield were committed and showed good movement, Lambert was much improved and Guly really worked the Huddersfield defenders. If we can maintain the teamwork and commitment we may be able to get to the top of the league and stay there especially with a bit of strengthening. Even so the bench was much stronger today.

[Chez]

Sadly, some of our support only see mistakes. In fact they sit waiting for them just so that they can shout abuse.

 

yep, the fella a few seats to the right must have found out his wife has been ****ed by Kelvin

[Appy]

Excellent Performance from 20 mins to the end.

 

After they scored the crowd starting getting worried but i think after a couple of weeks without a game the rustiness showed.

 

The 1st half was an incredidble advert for League One, it was absolutely frantic stuff, attack after attack, Who missed their open goal? I don't think i've seen many worse misses than that live.

 

 

Special Mentions for Lambert, Lallana, Jaidi and Chambo.

[Smirking_Saint]

Its a shame, i know i can be opinionated, i get that, but some of the crap that is often spoken around me at St Marys is just ludicrous.

 

I hear that Kelvin is crap, Guly shouldn't be here, Lallana tries too hard. There are even those that slag off players that aren't even on the pitch my mistake.

 

At times I think that these people only turn up to have a go at someone and wait until they can slag someone off before speaking, its pretty depressing.

[Chez]

I've defended Lambert over the last few weeks having criticised him earlier in the season, but I notice he was voted MOTM. I didn't see that at all. Yes he scored, but if he hadn't I would suggest most would have been asking the same questions about his form as they have all season. I might be wrong as I didn't focus on him all that much today, but was he really improved today? Interested to find out peoples thoughts as I'm not sure.

[Smirking_Saint]

I've defended Lambert over the last few weeks having criticised him earlier in the season, but I notice he was voted MOTM. I didn't see that at all. Yes he scored, but if he hadn't I would suggest most would have been asking the same questions about his form as they have all season. I might be wrong as I didn't focus on him all that much today, but was he really improved today? Interested to find out peoples thoughts as I'm not sure.

 

He played better and put more of a shift in IMO. He also seemed to get up and win a few more headers. My problem is one swallow doesn't make a summer (is that the saying?) and so he needs to do this more often. I stuck by him for a while early on but the past month or so i have been slowly losing my patience, i hope he gets back to top form, for whatever reason he is lacking (i see it as more of a mental issue then injury)

 

I think a lot of it is that people have seen him score a goal, a good goal and then optimism takes over and in the hope that Lambert is back he is given a more positive outlook then he probably deserves. But all in all he did have a better game then the past few. For me, Jaidi looked strong, Guly had a pretty good game, as did Lallana and OX. Morgan also looked back to his best at times, but i admit i am slightely prejudiced in my outlook of him.

[Appy]

I've defended Lambert over the last few weeks having criticised him earlier in the season, but I notice he was voted MOTM. I didn't see that at all. Yes he scored, but if he hadn't I would suggest most would have been asking the same questions about his form as they have all season. I might be wrong as I didn't focus on him all that much today, but was he really improved today? Interested to find out peoples thoughts as I'm not sure.

 

Noticed him being alot sharper today, comparing him with his performance against Clarke at the Galpharm he caused him alot more problems today, his link up play was great too.

 

Lets just hope that goal kick starts his season as i think everyone will agree he really needed that.

[Chez]

Its a shame, i know i can be opinionated, i get that, but some of the crap that is often spoken around me at St Marys is just ludicrous.

 

I hear that Kelvin is crap, Guly shouldn't be here, Lallana tries too hard. There are even those that slag off players that aren't even on the pitch my mistake.

 

At times I think that these people only turn up to have a go at someone and wait until they can slag someone off before speaking, its pretty depressing.

 

the abuse Fuller got made me realise that many Saints fans are sheep that know little about football. It takes all sorts, and you just need to ignore those that you feel lack understanding, and support the side as you see fit - just as they do.

[Chez]

Noticed him being alot sharper today, comparing him with his performance against Clarke at the Galpharm he caused him alot more problems today, his link up play was great too.

 

Lets just hope that goal kick starts his season as i think everyone will agree he really needed that.

 

I could have marked him out of the game at their place, so that's not saying much. A goal is exactly what he needed. I listened to the post match interview and he used the term frustration about ten times, so he obviously has been suffering. If he can get another on Saturday he can get his season moving and we'll be unstoppable.

[Smirking_Saint]

the abuse Fuller got made me realise that many Saints fans are sheep that know little about football. It takes all sorts, and you just need to ignore those that you feel lack understanding, and support the side as you see fit - just as they do.

 

Its a shame, but certainly not something that i imagine only Saints fans do. It is just frustrating at times, especially on forums such as this that players get such a bad name so easily when you can see they have something the others don't. I remember Lallana and Surman being slagged off and many believing they should be sold or released the season that we went down. I also saw something in McG (probably only me lol) but IMO he seems more of a midfielder then a striker.

 

It doesn't help the players that we seem to get on their backs so easily and so vocally however, hearing your own fans booing you when you are trying your best must be pretty much the most confidence destroying thing that can happen.

[Appy]

I could have marked him out of the game at their place, so that's not saying much. A goal is exactly what he needed. I listened to the post match interview and he used the term frustration about ten times, so he obviously has been suffering. If he can get another on Saturday he can get his season moving and we'll be unstoppable.

 

Yeah thats true, but we really didn't turn up then full stop.

 

But he was a real nuisance today, as said before One Swallow doesn't make a summer, so lets hope Lambert can put a run together, along with the side hopefully.

[Gingeletiss]

I would be happy if we signed Guly, but I reckon we could still find better.

 

This!

 

Try and sign him if he's the best we can get, if there is better out there willing to come here, then that is where we should be aiming IMHO.

[Gingeletiss]

Noticed him being alot sharper today, comparing him with his performance against Clarke at the Galpharm he caused him alot more problems today, his link up play was great too.

 

Lets just hope that goal kick starts his season as i think everyone will agree he really needed that.

 

He said before the game, that he was almost fully fit again. Reading into this made me think there was a lot of substance to the 'over trained by AP' rumours.

[OldNick]

after the first 15 minutes i was concerned that we were going to be well beaten. They had movement and were sharp. At that stage i was wondering whether NA was really a good choice. We seemed to be lacking, then RL's wonderful goal and it was a different team. All of a sudden we were stronger quicker and the whle team turned in a very good performance.

After the Brentford game i commented that i thought we missed Harding, and whilst he was not MotM he gave us a bit more than what we have had recently down that side.

Ox's pace and trickery caused them lots of problems and our forwards and midfielders were positive.

Also we kicked to the Northam second half, and yet again it was a positive result! That is a change in our decision making as they kicked off and so i assume we chose ends and so a conscious decision to change.

[Saint_clark]

Also we kicked to the Northam second half, and yet again it was a positive result! That is a change in our decision making as they kicked off and so i assume we chose ends and so a conscious decision to change.

 

3 times now we've changed ends and kicked towards Northam second half, and we've won all 3 of them.

[Thedelldays]

after the first 15 minutes i was concerned that we were going to be well beaten. They had movement and were sharp. At that stage i was wondering whether NA was really a good choice. We seemed to be lacking, then RL's wonderful goal and it was a different team. All of a sudden we were stronger quicker and the whle team turned in a very good performance.

After the Brentford game i commented that i thought we missed Harding, and whilst he was not MotM he gave us a bit more than what we have had recently down that side.

Ox's pace and trickery caused them lots of problems and our forwards and midfielders were positive.

Also we kicked to the Northam second half, and yet again it was a positive result! That is a change in our decision making as they kicked off and so i assume we chose ends and so a conscious decision to change.

they had loads of movement up front..but to say it had you questioning adkins is a bit extreme..?

they are 3rd in the league...did you expect them to come here and lets us attack them from the off and not have a go..?

 

their wingers looked dangerous..one in particular was very good...and one of their strikers (no fat boy lee) was moving our defence around quite a bit

[OldNick]

they had loads of movement up front..but to say it had you questioning adkins is a bit extreme..?

they are 3rd in the league...did you expect them to come here and lets us attack them from the off and not have a go..?

 

their wingers looked dangerous..one in particular was very good...and one of their strikers (no fat boy lee) was moving our defence around quite a bit

It was not about this game but I was not enamored about him all along. i always back the club and so support NA and hope he turns the club around. It looked like the Brentford game all over again. I didn't expect them to roll over and let us win easily, but it was alarming how easily they cut us to pieces and how many chances they created early on. We were a shambles.

That changed and we deserved our win

[Colinjb]

Christ I'm hungover.

 

That game was great entertainment yesterday. How Huddersfield missed an open goal I'll never know. Rickie showing his true form made it for me. Do Prado showed he can be the impact player we need.

 

I'm never lasting all day on just a match day burger ever again.

[Thedelldays]

It was not about this game but I was not enamored about him all along. i always back the club and so support NA and hope he turns the club around. It looked like the Brentford game all over again. I didn't expect them to roll over and let us win easily, but it was alarming how easily they cut us to pieces and how many chances they created early on. We were a shambles.

That changed and we deserved our win

 

they knew we had not played for a few weeks...they knew that fonte had not played for even longer...they also knew davis made horrific blunders in his last game and that we had changed the defence (two players) from the last game...

 

no wonder they started red hot and went for it.....that is what loads of people around me thought anyway

[OldNick]

they knew we had not played for a few weeks...they knew that fonte had not played for even longer...they also knew davis made horrific blunders in his last game and that we had changed the defence (two players) from the last game...

 

no wonder they started red hot and went for it.....that is what loads of people around me thought anyway

All credible thoughts. They also look a decent side and had the players who could cause us problems. NA must have changed something for us to improve. IMO it was RL's superb goal, but no doubt the tacticians on here will tell us what NA did to change the flow.

[Viking Warrior]

I had an inkling there might have been saints fanls were amongst the huddersfield fans

the guy in front of me in the itchen kept ringing someone and then waving to someone in the huddersfield end. I thought they were relatives of his, one was certainly a female . I did ask myself whu they were there as there were seats free just along fron this fan

still if they huddersfield fans then they were right to be where they were,

 

Another questioned answered for me was the Kenny Dalglish being there. Fans in front of me kept looking towards the directors box now I know why. Im looking forward to the exeter game. hoping for at least a 5-1 win

[Thedelldays]

All credible thoughts. They also look a decent side and had the players who could cause us problems. NA must have changed something for us to improve. IMO it was RL's superb goal, but no doubt the tacticians on here will tell us what NA did to change the flow.

 

yeah..I thought it was wide but to be fair we had to score in the first half...

even before we scored we pilled on the pressure..just that after we scored, they seemed less of a threat/fonte and jaidi got into their groove

 

harding looked solid as normal..deffo a better defender than dickson which was a good move by nige considering the threat of pilkington who was bloody good IMO

[SW11_Saint]

Great win, and won £165 on a 4-1 result too. Could have been better mind, had £2 'fun bet' on Novak to score first, then Saints to win 5-1 - at 500/1!! Not sure I will forgive Rickie that late blast over the bar...!

[Saint Fan CaM]

All round terrific performance, blighted only by the defensive howler early doors. I took my 2 sons and future son-in-law on our annual Saints match/pub visit and came away very happy in more ways than one!

 

We had a nailed on pen claim in the 1st half too which would have seen us 3-1 up, but the ref and lino (who both had excellent views) both bottled it completely. How Lallana didn't score but hit the bar I'll never know! Anyway, Guly and Lambo were just too much for them with Guly running his nuts off for the team right to the end.

 

Special mention for Chambo who was fantastic, but also for Jaidi who had one of his best games for many months and was outstanding IMO - MOTM. Chaplow is a player that we REALLY need to sign permanent and I hope that is sorted. 5th in the table and hopefully wins against Exeter and D&R will see us close to the top 2. The backlog of away games is going to be a telling point in our progress.

[Thedelldays]

funny old game

 

just had a gander at a huddersfield message board..and there is a strong feeling that they want lee clark sacked after recent performances etc..

[West Stand]

We had a nailed on pen claim in the 1st half too which would have seen us 3-1 up, but the ref and lino (who both had excellent views) both bottled it completely. [quote

 

 

I thought the ref (and the linesman on the Itchen touchline) started badly, finished badly and was no better in the middle!!!

[astrasri]

Thoroughly enjoyed todays game, I loved the chant 1-0 up and you f**ked it up very funny.

 

what was the handbags at 6 paces between the huddersfield fans? -

 

I found out this morning that some locals thought it would be a great laugh to buy away tickets on the gate and get amongst the Huddersfield supporters and mix -it up a bit. They were the ones evicted, not Huddersfield fans

[Chez]

3 times now we've changed ends and kicked towards Northam second half, and we've won all 3 of them.

 

the Everton centenery game still sticks in my mind - the first time I ever saw a team change ends at the Dell and they turned us over that day. Since then I've always worried when we've switched ends, but that `voodoo' has gone and I honestly can say I'd like us to switch ends permanently.

[derry]

the Everton centenery game still sticks in my mind - the first time I ever saw a team change ends at the Dell and they turned us over that day. Since then I've always worried when we've switched ends, but that `voodoo' has gone and I honestly can say I'd like us to switch ends permanently.

 

I think the noise from the Brentford game when we were turned over, plus the fact we nearly tried it before but reverted to habit, has made them realise that playing into the noisy home support is worth something in the second half when the results of most games is settled. The home goal is a long way from the away supporters and they can't unsettle our defence with their noise.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Very happy. Onwards and Upwards.

[OldNick]

I think the noise from the Brentford game when we were turned over, plus the fact we nearly tried it before but reverted to habit, has made them realise that playing into the noisy home support is worth something in the second half when the results of most games is settled. The home goal is a long way from the away supporters and they can't unsettle our defence with their noise.

Kicking to the northam 2nd half has been something i have banged on about for a few years. I understand that winning is not just down to what end we kick to, but if you ever want to relive the games we have collapsed in your mind, each and every time is when the oposition has been kicking to their fans second half.

From memory the classic Leeds 3-0 up lost 4-3

Relegation season Everton, Boro, Villa Im sure there are many others fans will recall.

I know Im getting on and recall the late 60's /70's 80's but in those days it was always that Man u would kick to the Stretford, Liverpool the Kop and even us to the Milton second half.

If it gained us 1 extra point over a season then we shoudl do it.Im sure the stats would show our win percentage kicking to the Northam 2nd half would be far better.

[ottery st mary]

Kicking to the northam 2nd half has been something i have banged on about for a few years. I understand that winning is not just down to what end we kick to, but if you ever want to relive the games we have collapsed in your mind, each and every time is when the oposition has been kicking to their fans second half.

From memory the classic Leeds 3-0 up lost 4-3

Relegation season Everton, Boro, Villa Im sure there are many others fans will recall.

I know Im getting on and recall the late 60's /70's 80's but in those days it was always that Man u would kick to the Stretford, Liverpool the Kop and even us to the Milton second half.

If it gained us 1 extra point over a season then we shoudl do it.Im sure the stats would show our win percentage kicking to the Northam 2nd half would be far better.

 

 

My grandad said you were a good supporter in the Milton end in the 40s and 50s as well..

 

Happy new year Uncle Nick..

[trousers]

Extended highlights now online: http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/articles/20101229/all-angles-covered-saints-4-1-huddersfield_2264122_2253573

[Minty]

Extended highlights now online: http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/articles/20101229/all-angles-covered-saints-4-1-huddersfield_2264122_2253573

 

Ta for that. It confirmed a couple of things for me:

 

1 - Chambo should've had a penalty.

2 - Lallana really should've done better with his two chances. Even the one the keeper saved, with his ability, he really should have placed it better IMO.

3 - Lambert's shot was better than I gave him credit for. I think the keeper will still be disappointed having got a decent hand to it, but it was superbly struck.

4 - Both Chamberlain and Chaplow's goals were very composed finishes... 3 of our 4 goals were all from nearly the edge of the area, about 18 yards out, and that doesn't happen very often.

5 - It really should've been 7-2.

[Thedelldays]

their goal came from a free kick that should never have been allowed to be taken like that

[Appy]

Ta for that. It confirmed a couple of things for me:

 

1 - Chambo should've had a penalty.

2 - Lallana really should've done better with his two chances. Even the one the keeper saved, with his ability, he really should have placed it better IMO.

3 - Lambert's shot was better than I gave him credit for. I think the keeper will still be disappointed having got a decent hand to it, but it was superbly struck.

4 - Both Chamberlain and Chaplow's goals were very composed finishes... 3 of our 4 goals were all from nearly the edge of the area, about 18 yards out, and that doesn't happen very often.

5 - It really should've been 7-2.

 

I thought their keeper saved Lallana's volley at the start of the match, was a decent bit of defending by Clarke.

 

Was a stone wall penalty when Chambo was taken down.

 

Great Celebrations for Jaidi's goal.

 

How Arfield missed i'll never know.

 

Also, the extended highlights are far better when they include the solent commentary.

[jamesfp1]

Just watched the highlights...

 

Great goal for Lambert

Brilliant from Chamberlain, nuts!

The whole move for chaplows goals was fabtatsic.

 

and Gulys assists and little dummies were brilliant

[benjii]

I've defended Lambert over the last few weeks having criticised him earlier in the season, but I notice he was voted MOTM. I didn't see that at all. Yes he scored, but if he hadn't I would suggest most would have been asking the same questions about his form as they have all season. I might be wrong as I didn't focus on him all that much today, but was he really improved today? Interested to find out peoples thoughts as I'm not sure.

 

His first touch was much better IMO. I also think Guly did a good job of occupying their defence which gave him a bit more space than usual.

 

On a separate note.... just watching the highlights:

 

No idea how their chap missed the open goal. We were very lucky not to concede from that situation. Having said that, their goal should not have stood as the ref let them take the free-kick about 15 yards away from where the foul occurred and that's the only reason they were able to get the ball out to the winger so quickly.

 

Hadn't realised how unlucky Lallana was from that volley from Chambo's cross. Great block on the line from the defender. Also, credit to Schneiderlin for playing an incisive forward pass in the build-up to that move - should happen more often!

 

Edit: Hadn't realised how good Chaplow's goal was either. Great ball in from the throw-in, nice touch by Guly and excellent first touch and finish by Chappers.

Edited 29 December, 2010 by benjii

[warsash saint]

Ta for that. It confirmed a couple of things for me:

 

2 - Lallana really should've done better with his two chances. Even the one the keeper saved, with his ability, he really should have placed it better IMO.

 

oooohhhh - dont tell the blinkered Guly haters !

[Thedelldays]

oooohhhh - dont tell the blinkered Guly haters !

 

tell you what...lallana should have done better...Guly did not even work the keeper at all

I admit I was harsh yesterday but he is no way a long term answer to anything for saints...

 

not a striker...no way a centre midfielder...where does that leave him..?

[Window Cleaner]

t

not a striker...no way a centre midfielder...where does that leave him..?

 

 

Depends exactly where we are with Lallana,Ox and Puncheon doesn't it ?

 

I have absolutely no idea whether they'll all be here, all gone or somewhere in between come 1st february. I guess the club have some sort of idea though.Thought NA was a bit evasive on the question of outs in his latest interview...probably means nothing though.Jordan Sibley says Comolli wasn't there yesterday,he may well be right but I've heard he was.

[Liquidshokk]

Just watched the extended highlights on player. What a game! (I missed) great to see everyone with their shooting feet on. Could have scored a dozen it seems