Saints v Charlton post match thread....

[Hamilton Saint]

Was it Hamilton Saint from Canada who was the world's biggest pedant on here?

 

Perhaps!

 

What is the quote ..... UK & US ... 2 great nations seperated by a common language.

 

That should be separated.

[Saints foreva]

Lambert was limping heavily inside the last 10 minutes tonight. Hopefully it was just a knock and not the sign of an injury.

[mitch01]

Davis 7 - Did everything he needed to very efficiently.

Richardson 8 - Looked good, motored up and down the wing on the overlap.

Jaidi 8 - Gets better every time I see him play. Powerhouse.

Fonte 7 - Good display as per usual.

Dickson 8.5 - MOM for me, real threat down the left and worked really well with Lallana.

Guly 7 - Well taken goal and good on the ball but needs to work on his crossing.

Stephens 7 - Composed, shame he had to come off.

Hammond 7.5 - I didn't used to rate Dean, but he bosses the midfield now at St Marys. He knows his limitations and is very effective at what he does.

Lallana 8.5 - Absolutely fantastic before he had to come off. Hope he's ready on Saturday.

Lambert 8 - Much better than I've seen recently from him, contributed to the build-up well.

Barnard 7.5 - Scored, worked hard.

 

Chaplow 5 - When was the last time he actually played well?

Gobern 6

Connolly 6.5

[hutch]

That should be separated.

No it shouldn't.

[The Cat]

I put this in the attendance thread too.

 

[Jonnyboy]

Simples win and puts a lot of pressure on Huddersfield.

 

Lallana looked OK going off, but Stephens looked more serious.

 

390 Charlton fans is terrible

 

Still didn't think Guly was that good

 

Dickson and Lambert were outstanding IMO

 

guly got a goal and an assist ffs!

[Graffito]

Ok lads, good effort tonight. Let's all shut ourselves down now and reactivate at Orient.

[Jonnyboy]

392 Charlton tonight. Truly, truly awful.

 

they have zilch to play for. not that surprising

[K,Billy's supersound]

played well in what was a pretty comfortable game for us in the end. always nervy when only 1-0 but as soon as we went 2-0 up never doubt.

 

keeper

can only remember davis having to make one save and thought his communication and sweeping up any long balls over the defence deserves a mention tonight, he played well.

 

defence.

was not only solid and comfortable but started atcks well from the back. both full backs played great.

frazer did well even tho he had very little help from guly in first half at times (adkins was not happy with guly postioning or lack of traking back).

dickson my MoM did well not only in supporting lallana but once he went off and was up agaisnt the big forward noble and wagstaff both whom got nothing out of him,brilliant defensively.

jaidi and fonte were rocks and won nearly everything in the air and covered each other well.

 

midfeild

lallana did geat amount of running first half and was always our outball from defence just the final ball was lacking at times.

hammond sat in midfeild and kept the game ticking over and broke up charltons play well.

stephans although got caught a couple of time looked good and was never rushed in his play always trying to get the ball out wide and if it wasnt on would the pass to fullbacks retaining possesion.

guly scored but for me was our worset performer tonight. left frazer exposed at time in first half (charlton had a great chance crossed low from the left early in first have because he didnt close down thier left back quick enough). he dosnt even go up for headers and was not in the game as mcas he could have been. second he improved alittle.

 

fowards

barnard ran and worked hard yet again and linke up the foward line with midfeild well. was getting kicked of the ball alot and reacted but thankfully kept his head.

lambert his link up play was fantastic lovely passes with the outside of his foot to barnard for first goal. would peel off to the flanks and was always a good out ball too. rarely gave the ball away.

 

Fans

great noise in the first half tailed of in the second though and was not as noisey after 80 mins on clock.

[SaintBobby]

I wasn't able to go at at the last minute.

 

The impression from the commentary was that Lambert was having a poor-ish game, so interesting to hear different feedback from those who were there.

 

Although I wouldn't compare Rickie to Le God, I'd say our present no.7 does seem to have the ability to make an impact at a few crucial moments even if he's not outstanding for the full 90. The Mk Dons game was testament to this.

 

On injuries....have we really been particularly unlucky?

 

I'd say our record this season on players crocked is about average....

[simo]

Sore throat sore feet good game nuff said roll on Saturday see u there !

[pap]

As I live a life akin to a nomadic bedouin, I was of course, not there tonight.

 

However, I have been quasi-religious about listening to commentary on SaintsPlayer, normally whilst at work.

 

Really appreciate the texture that the people who were actually at the match provided on this thread. Onwards, and hopefully, upwards!

 

Hoping to make the Rochdale away fixture.

[RedAndWhite91]

Dickson was MOM for me, had an outstanding game. Would play him over Harding any day of the week. Was a little bit unsure on him before tonight but he has won me over, very good player.

 

Elsewhere, as always, I thought Lallana had a good game. His running and link up play was superb, often being the centre of our best moves in attack.

 

Fonte and Jaidi were solid. Jaidi used to worry me as I felt his touch and distribution let him down, but in the recent months he has been quality, and whilst I rate Martin (Seaborne is ok, Martin is better IMO) I feel you can't go wrong with the pairing of Jaidi and Fonte.

 

No complaints regarding the performance tonight. Concerned to see Stephens go off on a stretcher as he was beginning to impress. Was another vital win tonight and I'm really happy.

 

Would have thought attendance might be a bit higher, and Charlton's 392 is terrible compared to the 3000 we took to the Valley two weeks ago.

[S-Clarke]

I wasn't able to go at at the last minute.

 

The impression from the commentary was that Lambert was having a poor-ish game, so interesting to hear different feedback from those who were there.

 

Although I wouldn't compare Rickie to Le God, I'd say our present no.7 does seem to have the ability to make an impact at a few crucial moments even if he's not outstanding for the full 90. The Mk Dons game was testament to this.

 

On injuries....have we really been particularly unlucky?

 

I'd say our record this season on players crocked is about average....

 

Lambo was excellent tonight. The ball into Barnard in the build-up to the first goal was sublime.

 

Alot of his play is outside of the box though, playing balls in behind, putting it into the box etc. That's why he's not racking up the goals as he did, he's taking a slightly different role - in order to fit into the team Adkins wants, and he's bloody good at it tbf.

[RedAndWhite91]

Another 3 points form what was generally a pretty inept performance. Good job we had a solid back four. Nice one lads especially Jaidi & Dixon.

 

Injuries could yet ruin our run in we seem to be dogged by bad luck in midfield.

 

We're not there yet.

 

Cheer up you miserable ****, it wasn't that bad...

[DrZuess1979 the 2nd]

Jaidi my MOM (for his bicycle kick!!!!!!) closely followed by Dickson

[Roger]

It was nowhere near that long, totally one-sided imo! Dickson was excellent though, my MoM. Chaplow was dodgy again and Lambert I thought, apart from one or two little flashes, looked jaded and off his game The rest were quality though.

 

Davis 7

Richardson 8

Fonte 7

Jaidi 7

Dickson 9

Guly 7

Stephens 7 (Chaplow 6)

Hammond 8

Lallana 8 (Gobern 7)

Barnard 7

Lambert 6

 

Lambert 6? what game were you watching? He was awesome tonight.

[SaintBobby]

Lambo was excellent tonight. The ball into Barnard in the build-up to the first goal was sublime.

 

Alot of his play is outside of the box though, playing balls in behind, putting it into the box etc. That's why he's not racking up the goals as he did, he's taking a slightly different role - in order to fit into the team Adkins wants, and he's bloody good at it tbf.

 

That's a fair assessment. I've been more impressed with his "outfield" play this year than I was last year. It's too easy to just think of your best striker in "goals scored" terms, I guess.

 

I just wonder though - does he have measurably more assists than last year?

 

Also, has he had less opportunities from the penalty spot or from free kicks on the edge of the box compared to last term?

[Fan The Flames]

The energy levels tonight were superb, consider BWP next to LB ot RL, its no contest. LB was running all night. When we play it around like that we walked it, it's frustrates me more knowing how **** we were two weeks ago. Still NA has got hold of the team and sorted them out, roll oin Saturday.

[hamster]

Saw Stephens post match and he was walking fine. They gave him a box full of ice packs to use overnight as a precaution.

 

Adam sAid that his ankle was sore but again he was walking on it comfortably.

 

Great tonsee David Connoly on the pit h and enjoyed the chants.

 

I also liked the Cortese song, he's a good guy.

[ericb]

Good result and easy win against a very poor Charlton team that just weren't interested. Lallana was fantastic for most of the time he was on the pitch, Dickson shone as left back (and i'm a big, big harding fan) and Lambert's set up play was superb.

 

I do think two players are worth a special mention though for their performances, Guly and Jaidi i thought were superb today. Jaidi was incredibly solid and his decision making and passing improves by the game (and i didn't rate him at all up to the Brighton home game). Guly too works absolutely tirelessly and at some point i'm sure some of his more intelligent balls will be picked up and he'll create us a glut.

 

Oh and "special" mention to the absolutely appalling Charlton away support. What a joke of a turnout from a club that aren't that far away and count themselves as a decent size.

 

Roll on Orient, i for one am starting to believe!

[SaintNeil90]

Have to say... I love this club. Im so proud to say I support Southampton.

 

We have:

* An exciting set of players (Professional Football Players)

* A manager who knows how to motivate them

* A chairmen who really cares

* A fantastic set of fans who make games so much more enjoyable

* A fantastic stadium (the building)

* New training ground

* Academy that attracts real talent

 

We really do have a bright future ahead of us!

[eurosaint]

Good result and easy win against a very poor Charlton team that just weren't interested. Lallana was fantastic for most of the time he was on the pitch, Dickson shone as left back (and i'm a big, big harding fan) and Lambert's set up play was superb.

 

I do think two players are worth a special mention though for their performances, Guly and Jaidi i thought were superb today. Jaidi was incredibly solid and his decision making and passing improves by the game (and i didn't rate him at all up to the Brighton home game). Guly too works absolutely tirelessly and at some point i'm sure some of his more intelligent balls will be picked up and he'll create us a glut.

 

Oh and "special" mention to the absolutely appalling Charlton away support. What a joke of a turnout from a club that aren't that far away and count themselves as a decent size.

 

Roll on Orient, i for one am starting to believe!

 

A good summary Eric, clearly you watched the same game as me !!

[niceandfriendly]

Thought the atmosphere was great tonight. Although you northamers won't have heard it, the chapel joined on with most songs and often the whole ground was going.

 

Dickson my Motm, Lambert great, Lallana god, guly good, bring on Leyton Orient.

[Saint_clark]

Some people seem to be mistaking professional, solid performances for inadequate ones. Just because we aren't bombing forward with every pass doesn't mean we aren't a good side.

[Greenridge]

Was impressed with Stephens, alot of the play went through him, nice and simple, kept it moving. I honestly wasn't impressed with Dickson but seeing as pretty much everyone has him as their MOTM I'll shut up lol! I also thought Richardson offered little going forwards but all in all a very tidy and competent performance and afterall you can only beat what's in front of you.

[thefunkygibbons]

3 points, clean sheet, Job done

 

:-)

[JustMike]

Dickson and Richardson both quality! Good win on the back of the MK Dons turn around. Tough away games to come...lets not go "do a saints!"

[doddisalegend]

Thought the atmosphere was great tonight. Although you northamers won't have heard it, the chapel joined on with most songs and often the whole ground was going.

Dickson my Motm, Lambert great, Lallana god, guly good, bring on Leyton Orient.

 

Was my imagination or was there a bit of disagreement in the Northam about singing OWTS last night at one stage we had the slow and breakneck fast (along with loud banging) versions seemingly being sung at the same time.......

[EastleighSoulBoy]

For you alpine this is more appropriate.

 

 

This.

 

I never realised that Morrissey supported Saints.

 

Heaven knows I'm miserable now.

[hamster]

Was my imagination or was there a bit of disagreement in the Northam about singing OWTS last night at one stage we had the slow and breakneck fast (along with loud banging) versions seemingly being sung at the same time.......

 

There was. Slow (proper) version unfortunately gets drowned out.

 

Bit bemused by the songs aimed at their goalie and his pink top. Can't wait for the hilarious singing at Brighton, YAWN.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

Excellent. Draw wouldnt be terrible Saturday now, especially with rivals playing each other.

 

Meh, win all the way please Saints.

 

Win on Sat, Udders draw and we are second, on a magnificent G.D. with two games in hand.

 

Time, I feel, to take full control.

[Gingeletiss]

Lambo was excellent tonight. The ball into Barnard in the build-up to the first goal was sublime.

 

Alot of his play is outside of the box though, playing balls in behind, putting it into the box etc. That's why he's not racking up the goals as he did, he's taking a slightly different role - in order to fit into the team Adkins wants, and he's bloody good at it tbf.

 

This is the role he played at Bristol Rovers, and we bought him as a result.

[sandwichsaint]

Really solid professional performance and really good to see. You can only beat what's in front of you and Saints played without fear or pressure to take three well-earned points. Having watched quite a few hesitant or lack lustre performances this season it was great to see Saints come powering out for the first 15 minutes and really get a grip on the game. I thought our energy levels and all round team work were a joy to see and we played some great stuff in the first half. I'm not understanding the comments that dismissed it as a routine (or even inept!) performance - we would have given anyone a game last night and that performance was comfortably up to Championship level, particularly the first 60 mins when AL was on fire, and discarding the last 10 when understandably both full backs tired. A great atmosphere around the ground last night and a real sense of togetherness with team and fans that we haven't had for a long time - top stuff!

 

KD 7 naff all to do, one good save, one dodgy kick

FR 7 dodgy first 10 but fine after that

RJ 8 great effort (again!)

JF 7 massive player for us next season

RD 8 did enough to stay in for next game

Guly 8 top player, top goal

DH 7 did all he needed to

AL 7 can't wait to see him in the Championship

DS 6 neat and tidy, just what we need, also got a bit of 'leadership' about him

LB 8 well deserved goal, another dynamic performance

RL 9 outstanding tonight, best I've seen him play this season. Starting to look fitter again and on this form he could be a massive player next season (can he keep it up and get a decent pre-season in next year?)

 

RC 6 worked hard but what's happened to his passing!

OG 6 much improved over the last 12 months

DC 5 great to see him back and a useful option on the bench

 

NA 10!

Team 10!

Crowd 10!

 

That's more like it Saints, why oh why oh why can't we START a season like this!

[Griffo]

Was my imagination or was there a bit of disagreement in the Northam about singing OWTS last night at one stage we had the slow and breakneck fast (along with loud banging) versions seemingly being sung at the same time.......

 

OWTS should be sung with two slow verses first before the fast. A lot of idiots seem to think it's only one slow round of it before the fast, however.

[LVSaint]

Nigel Adkins revealed that Harding did not play because "Dan was feeling his groin a bit". Not very professional IMO - sex before games and all that. Maybe he wasn't pulling in the right direction eh Nigel...

[alpine_saint]

Nigel Adkins revealed that Harding did not play because "Dan was feeling his groin a bit". Not very professional IMO - sex before games and all that. Maybe he wasn't pulling in the right direction eh Nigel...

 

[Bailey]

A good, solid performance and a relatively comfortable win.

 

Lambert had arguably one of his best games of the season last night.

 

His touch was first class, his link up play even better, and some of his passes were brilliant.

 

The cross-field ball which he cut across with the outside of his foot to find Lallana was particularly impressive!

 

I thought the whole back four were good too, especially Dickson, good to see him putting in a solid display.

 

Barnard continues to impress. Another well taken goal, albeit a tap in, but his work rate and commitment to the cause was once again spot on.

 

Only downer of course were the injuries to Stephens and Lallana. The former sounds a little more serious, whilst Adam's was more of a precaution.

 

All in all, a good night for Saints. Bournemouth slip up, we gain ground on Huddersfield, and it's on to Saturday, together as one!

[West End Saint]

Good win good performance we have won a game in hand get in.

 

Hope Lallana is ok we are not the same side without him fingers crossed he is back for our next game & good luck to Dale Stephens

Jaidi was immense again I thought he was finished start of the season but he is getting better & better a giant at the back Lambert was quality his touch & wieght of pass sublime Lallana is the best player in this league by miles.

 

This win should put the pressure on Udders we still have 2 games in hand & need 2 points to catch them COYS

[so22saint]

Nigel Adkins revealed that Harding did not play because "Dan was feeling his groin a bit". Not very professional IMO - sex before games and all that. Maybe he wasn't pulling in the right direction eh Nigel...

 

On the CL commentary last night, Ray Wilkins said that Ronaldo should be tugged off. What is the world coming to

[iansums]

Let's hope we have eight more 'inept' performances this season.

 

Stuart Pearce and Steve Wigley were there last night, they wouldn't say who they were looking at if anyone. Jim Davidson was there also, one of the few Charlton fans.

[pressingon]

Lambo was excellent tonight. The ball into Barnard in the build-up to the first goal was sublime.

 

Alot of his play is outside of the box though, playing balls in behind, putting it into the box etc. That's why he's not racking up the goals as he did, he's taking a slightly different role - in order to fit into the team Adkins wants, and he's bloody good at it tbf.

 

+1 Couldn't agree more interesting watching Lambo closely tonight given http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?29306-Lambert-and-Tactics

[pressingon]

Apologies if mentioned on match thread but did anyone hear tha announcer say we needed to get 3 points to keep the pressure on Hartlepool.

It was so good he said it twice in the build up!

[Saint Fan CaM]

Great win - funny but I don't feel nervous anymore throughout the games. I just feel like we'll win - it's great to feel that confident in your team. I do hope our injuries and suspensions sort themselves out soon because that could be the one big defining issue as we start the run-in. And in connection with that, I was again disappointed with Goberns efforts. For me he makes too many errors and looks like Bambi on ice sometimes - no wonder Stephens gets into the side ahead of him which says it all really.

[toofarnorth]

Good win good performance we have won a game in hand get in.

 

Hope Lallana is ok we are not the same side without him fingers crossed he is back for our next game & good luck to Dale Stephens

Jaidi was immense again I thought he was finished start of the season but he is getting better & better a giant at the back Lambert was quality his touch & wieght of pass sublime Lallana is the best player in this league by miles.

 

This win should put the pressure on Udders we still have 2 games in hand & need 2 points to catch them COYS

 

I really think he's proved that he has a valuable part to play next year and would definitely give him another year. Also considering his age he seems to avoid injuries reasonably well.

[NickG]

think that was one of Jaidi's best games since signing - end of season, two games in few days!

[up and away]

played well in what was a pretty comfortable game for us in the end. always nervy when only 1-0 but as soon as we went 2-0 up never doubt.

 

keeper

can only remember davis having to make one save and thought his communication and sweeping up any long balls over the defence deserves a mention tonight, he played well.

 

defence.

was not only solid and comfortable but started atcks well from the back. both full backs played great.

frazer did well even tho he had very little help from guly in first half at times (adkins was not happy with guly postioning or lack of traking back).

dickson my MoM did well not only in supporting lallana but once he went off and was up agaisnt the big forward noble and wagstaff both whom got nothing out of him,brilliant defensively.

jaidi and fonte were rocks and won nearly everything in the air and covered each other well.

 

midfeild

lallana did geat amount of running first half and was always our outball from defence just the final ball was lacking at times.

hammond sat in midfeild and kept the game ticking over and broke up charltons play well.

stephans although got caught a couple of time looked good and was never rushed in his play always trying to get the ball out wide and if it wasnt on would the pass to fullbacks retaining possesion.

guly scored but for me was our worset performer tonight. left frazer exposed at time in first half (charlton had a great chance crossed low from the left early in first have because he didnt close down thier left back quick enough). he dosnt even go up for headers and was not in the game as mcas he could have been. second he improved alittle.

 

fowards

barnard ran and worked hard yet again and linke up the foward line with midfeild well. was getting kicked of the ball alot and reacted but thankfully kept his head.

lambert his link up play was fantastic lovely passes with the outside of his foot to barnard for first goal. would peel off to the flanks and was always a good out ball too. rarely gave the ball away.

 

Fans

great noise in the first half tailed of in the second though and was not as noisey after 80 mins on clock.

 

If you were nervy at this game, you must be a joy to be sat next to at some of the other games we have had. I have always thought you can play either of our full backs and get similar like results. Each has their own strengths and bring something different to the game. I really doubt Richardson could make another 90 minutes at the weekend, time to use all to maximum benefit, don't know why this has not been done more often. I understand the point about Guly, but that really discounts the amount of tireless and good work he put in. Everyone played well last night although there was a few minor issues. I thought we had the right players on the pitch last night and if you wanted to improve things what would you do?

 

Remove Guly and what are you left with? If you wanted to strengthen that right side the only sensible thing would have been to put Guly in the middle and take Lambert off, I doubt we would have wanted that. Nope, that team was just what was required.

[angelman]

AL 7 can't wait to see him in the Championship

RL 9 outstanding tonight, best I've seen him play this season. Starting to look fitter again and on this form he could be a massive player next season (can he keep it up and get a decent pre-season in next year?)

 

I do love the way everyone has a different opinion about players. As it is subjective I tend not to respond.

 

But....

 

AL7 and RL9. Personally I would give them their shirt numbers. AL was so far ahead of everyone else that it is risible to give him less than RJ, Guly, LB and RL. As for RL he did put in some top passes, but for me he is a striker and should be putting himself in positions to score rather than ambling around the pitch. His shot late in the second rather summed up his striking last night. Tame.

 

Also thought that the defence was very lucky at times, and against a better team should have been punished badly.

[Armitage Shanks]

Thought the atmosphere was great tonight. Although you northamers won't have heard it, the chapel joined on with most songs and often the whole ground was going.

 

Dickson my Motm, Lambert great, Lallana god, guly good, bring on Leyton Orient.

 

Tonight I sat in the Chapel for the first time ever because I was with the old man and he doesn't like standing in the Northam. My son couldn't come tonight - we always have been in the Northam. Got to say that it was like a funeral parlour in the Chapel. I won't be going there again. My old man will have to stand next time or he isn't coming with me again because I can't put up with that for another 90 minutes!

[Gemmel]

Fairly straight forward and comfortable win. With some plus's and minus's.

 

Thoughts from me were;

 

Lambert was execellent (From someone that has given him stick on here this season) I watched it from the gods last night and from a higher view, you got to see just how much work he got through, his passing and hold up play were outstanding and perhaps the only thing missing was a goal, but the two shots he had at the end were tired legs.

 

Jaidi was a straigjht 10 out of 10 performance, he didn't miss a thing and this great big man mountain threw in a couple of runs, tricks and crowd pleasers to boot. At the start of the season he was close to useless after 70 minutes - I thought he'd lost his place to Seabourne and never expected the performances we have had over the last half of the season.

 

Harding is one of my favorite players and probably the most consistent in the team, Dickson matched his ability last night and pehaps showed a little more going forward. Whilst Dickson will need to show that level week in week out, to, match Harding, he has proved he has the ability. Can't see how Adkins can drop Dickson on Saturday.

 

Lallana, as always a different class and without question technically the best player on the pitch. He was great last night but for the first time, I wondered if he would be so successful in the higher leagues.

 

Guly. He breaks the shape of the team, one week he tracks back, the next week he goes missing. Good goal and did better in a more central role, but Hammond had a go at him for not covering and then Adkins went crazy at him (Twice in as many minutes). Crucial part of the pitch to leave open gaps, will need addressing if he is to keep his place.

 

Barnard. He earnt his goal, he made a few mistakes last night, but they were more wrong decisions than anything else, but led the line and his workrate unmatched.

 

Hammond was a bit of an unsung hero last night, thought he had a great game.

 

Overall worried about the injuries, but delighted with the result. There was an incredible amount of effort put into that match from all players and with so many games in such a short period of time, that will not be repeatable three times every seven days. We will need to be a little bit smarter and slicker to avoid having players constantly running half and full lengths of the pitch to get the ball back after a wayward pass and perhaps even reign in the chasing of lost causes. As pleasing as it is to see the players giving it all for the cause, we can't let them burn themselves out at such a crucial stage.