On the way / just got home from the game thread...

[saintscottofthenortham]

Weirdly happy. Great to see a terrible first half countered with an ncredible second. We were up against Leicester plus 3 match officials today. For me, Seaborne, Harding & Guly were awful, Lambo not at his best but his first touch and distribution was key at tes so harsh to slam him. Don't give me rubbish about Harding scoring the goal, he was SH*T and it is a regular thing. Fox looked 100% better. De Ridder looked class and caused havoc. Cork is setting else, what a bargain at under £1m.

[saintscottofthenortham]

I'm a bit under the influence and on phone, so forgive thread title. Change "he" to "home" please.

[saint_jas]

Just got back myself and pretty much agree with all that.

De Ridder needs to start next game.

 

Fans were fantastic as well.

Edited 27 August, 2011 by saint_jas

[SNSUN]

"Just got he from the game thread"

 

Ooh, who did you pull?

[Golden Balls]

Posted this in the post match thread but will copy and paste....

 

On the minibus home...

 

Thought 1st half we just didn't seem normal. Although the 3rd goal was a blatant foul!

 

2nd half we were on top the whole time. We had 2 shots brilliantly blocked and 2 shots brilliantly saved. Not sure if Connolly hit the post or if the keeper saved another. Then in the dying seconds Lallana chose to take too many touches when he had a great sight of goal. So that's 6 great chances on top of our 2 goals.

 

Thought De Ridder was awesome and now deserves a start. Guly was far too casual.

 

Lambert was nowhere near his best today.

 

Cork slotted in very well at RB.

 

Overall we deserved at least a point. On another day would have got all 3.

 

Saints fan were quality!

 

Leicester fans were embarrassing when they kept doing that Man City celebration. Gave us all a good laugh!!! Bless 'em.

Edited 28 August, 2011 by Golden Balls

[Roger]

Have to say when we are poor away from home seaborne and harding usually have shockers, remember peterborough away?

[View From The Top]

One of the best 2nd half performances I've seen. Period.

 

I walked away with my lad, both in agreement that if we play like that we'll go up.

 

Their 3rd goal was the most blatant foul that you'll ever see.

[View From The Top]

Have to say when we are poor away from home seaborne and harding usually have shockers, remember peterborough away?

 

Seaborne didn't have a shocker by any stretch of the imagination.

[stanthemanfairoak]

Just got myself and pretty much agree with all that.

De Ridder needs to start next game.

 

Fans were fantastic as well

 

iv`e said it all along GULY FOR THE BENCH and not to start.

[View From The Top]

De Ridder is the mutts nutts and Fox looked the part as well.

[Ashby Saint]

One of the best 2nd half performances I've seen. Period.

 

I walked away with my lad, both in agreement that if we play like that we'll go up.

 

Their 3rd goal was the most blatant foul that you'll ever see.

 

This. Except I walked away with my daughter. NA changed it nicely at half time and flooded the midfield. On any other day we would have gone on to win. The last half hour was simply fantastic to watch, fluent pass and move that would grace the Premiership. Leicester tired badly as they did also against Forest.

 

Guly and Lambert were off colour for me. Problem with the lack of a new striker is there were no real options off the bench. MoM for me was Connolly who worked his socks off even when he was outmuscled by larger opponents.

[jimmysaint7]

Just got myself and pretty much agree with all that.

De Ridder needs to start next game.

 

Fans were fantastic as well

 

iv`e said it all along GULY FOR THE BENCH and not to start.

guly scored last week and has a hand In probably most goals we have scored this season at some point,admittedly he didn't have his best game but then neither did the full back today as they dominated the left side first half.but I think it's a bit harsh to say he should be put on the bench.de ridder done well when he came on but remember we were on top by far when he came on so it made it easier for him to influence the game, that's why you can't really compare the 2 of them on today's showing.how would de rider of looked if he had played that first half??

[Ashby Saint]

Have to say when we are poor away from home seaborne and harding usually have shockers, remember peterborough away?

 

Harding was always free as an outlet but his use of the ball was quite erratic. I did feel that at times we were trying to pass the ball into the net and needed to shoot when we had opportunities.

[Scarface]

Agree..... Awesome second half. Thought we looked soft at the back especially on the right hand side

 

De riddler has to start at home..... Looked class

 

Gully would be a good impact sub

 

Can't say sebourne was shocking made a couple if good tackles in the box......... But we need a partner for fonte this transfer window

 

Great support today..... Fantastic numbers

[channonball]

Just back. Agree with most of what has been said. Richardson was useless and cork would be a better right back going forward allowing MS to play. Lambert was very slow today. Gutted not to get a point. Certainly a game of 2 halves.

[Genk]

Like the original post, I came away from Leicester today feeling good despite the defeat.

 

First half we gave Leicester too much space in the midfield and Fernandes was running the show with Leicester looking like they were going to score from every attack.

 

Second half we came out a completely new team, Schneiderlin was quality holding in the midfield, feeding Lallana who again was fantastic. Still cannot believe how one of those chances didn't go in. Connolly hitting the post, Lallana having a great looking shot blocked by the head of their CB, Danny Fox cross to Lallana which Schmeichel somehow saved, and Lallana's one on one after incredible build up play.

 

A draw probably would have been a fair result with Leicester dominating the first half and us the second half. I just feel that if we are to challenge then we need, like many have said, another quality CB to partner Fonte, along with another Striker allowing us options up top. Looking at our bench, De Ridder was the only real impact player we could bring on today, and we need another attacking option to change games, for example imagine bring someone like Maynard on. I know we have will have Barnard back soon but he is yet to prove it in the Championship.

 

Finally, walking away from the ground, two sets of Leicester fans walking by saying 'You've got a great team there mate, you'll go far this season'. I believe we can as long as we strengthen this week with the addition of two decent players.

[up and away]

Originally Posted by saint_jas

Just got myself and pretty much agree with all that.

De Ridder needs to start next game.

 

Fans were fantastic as well

 

 

guly scored last week and has a hand In probably most goals we have scored this season at some point,admittedly he didn't have his best game but then neither did the full back today as they dominated the left side first half.but I think it's a bit harsh to say he should be put on the bench.de ridder done well when he came on but remember we were on top by far when he came on so it made it easier for him to influence the game, that's why you can't really compare the 2 of them on today's showing.how would de rider of looked if he had played that first half??

 

We have seen Adkins go at De Ridder for not giving cover, so it's clutching at straws to believe he would have been the answer in that first half. I am a big fan of Guly, but readily accept that playing on the wing is not his best position and can cause the team problems as it appears he did today. Previously he has been an asset even though I would accept he is out of position. His best position is in the hole behind the striker, but 2 into 1 does not go when Ricky likes to spend time there.

 

The question I would ask is would it be better to drop Guly, or drop Ricky and play Guly in his better position, leaving Connolly as the lone striker. Playing a 451 with Guly in the hole would have a far greater chance of solidifying the midfield, which was what was needed in that first half? Get ourselves a big, pacey striker and I can see the sense in dropping Guly in favour of Connolly.

[SaintAndy14]

Just back myself - gutted that we couldn't get an equaliser as fully deserved it on that second half showing and the number of excellent chances we had.

 

Fans were superb and such a shame the team couldn't get past Schmeichel again towards the end - we certainly would have drawn/won that game nine times out of ten.

 

Unfortunately it has to be said that Guly was awful and De Ridder looked miles better when he came on - had much more awareness, determination and actually ran! I'm only saying that because the amount of people who stick up for him baffles me at times - yes he can change games and has some Brazilian flair/skill etc. but the guy is so frustrating and inconsistent and just didn't seem that interested today.

[pap]

First game of the season for me.

 

A wholly disappointing first half, especially the gutshot that we took when they went 3-1 up.

 

Second half was one-way traffic. Schmeichel played a blinder. Amazed we didn't score. A couple of Leicester fans told me that we were the best team they'd seen (familiar) and on a different day, we'd have won. Agree with the comments on the officials.

 

De Ridder was very good. Absolute livewire and tenacious little git too. He's not quite on the same wavelength as the team yet ( I remember one free kick where he was ambling up-pitch unaware that it had already been taken ) but I expect big things from him, and would love to see what he can do over 90 minutes.

 

We definitely need a new striker and new centre back before the end of the window, but overall, a performance to be proud of.

 

Leicester's fans were ****-poor. Didn't hear a peep out of them in the second half until the 89th minute.

[Saint Garrett]

Can't be arsed to write out a proper analysis as only on my phone. Thought we were gOod today reminded me a bit of the Walsall away game last year. Totally all over them and just couldn't score. Their fans were embarrassing with the drum/Poznan. I never want to see that at st marys. Looked dodgy at the back on the left Hand side looked a lot more comfortable once fox got onto the pitch. Lambert was not very good at all today but happy with pretty much everyone else. Schneiderlin looked great when he came on. Felt lallana was trying to do too much but on another day we would have won that. Heard a Leicester fan on the way out the ground say it could have been 5/6-1 today....they were obviously watching a different game! Apologies for spelling errors

[BILLY]

Just back to Emsworth, we were crap in the first half but really made a game of it in the second half and really had enough chances to win the game. Their goalkeeper was outstanding / and or very lucky. Lambert and Gully were off the boil and De Ridder should have come on at half time but there was no one on the bench to replace Lambert. Fox was 100 % better then Harding when he came on. Our fans were brill and out sung the home fans for the whole match. Lets hope we get a couple of players in this week.

[Lord Duckhunter]

De Ridder is the mutts nutts and Fox looked the part as well.

 

Agree with that, both must start next week.

 

Personally, I'm not sure about the Lambert and Connelly combination, both are too one paced but it's hard because you can't leave either out.Hopefully De Ridder will streach defences a bit and create chances for them, because they can both stick it away.............

 

Great support today, Leicester's was awful..........

[pap]

One more thing. Our support was excellent today. If you hadn't known the scoreline at the final whistle, you'd have assumed Saints had won the match based on the noise we made.

[shurlock]

Can't be arsed to write out a proper analysis as only on my phone. Thought we were gOod today reminded me a bit of the Walsall away game last year. Totally all over them and just couldn't score. Their fans were embarrassing with the drum/Poznan. I never want to see that at st marys. Looked dodgy at the back on the left Hand side looked a lot more comfortable once fox got onto the pitch. Lambert was not very good at all today but happy with pretty much everyone else. Schneiderlin looked great when he came on. Felt lallana was trying to do too much but on another day we would have won that. Heard a Leicester fan on the way out the ground say it could have been 5/6-1 today....they were obviously watching a different game! Apologies for spelling errors

 

Embarrassing enough that City does the Poznan, watching these bulbs do it took things to another level.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

Also, to those there, is there an argument is such games away from home for going 4-3-3? Would it have stopped leicester or stopped us attacking so much?

 

I'm thinking Lallana and De Ridder either side of Lambert, with Cork/Hammond/Schneiderlin central 3. I think it could get the best out of all 6.

 

I think 4-3-3 is too disruptive for us at the moment. Never liked us playing it in League 1. Quite like the 4-4-2 with the wide guys cutting in, a striker coming deep, and the full-backs bombing on. Very fluid while at the same time players know their responsibilities defensively as we're essentially starting 4-4-2. Although the thought of three in the middle is appealing we're good enough with the ball that players need a bit of space to operate - don't want them getting on top of each other. We saw at times today on the edge of their box that when we get too cute it breaks down. You need space to be incisive.

[Crab Lungs]

Awwww bless Leicester, sounds like they are trying artificially manifest an atmosphere with all that Poznan cr4p. At least they didn't have their "BELIEVE" placards this time round...

[Causer]

Davis deserves huge credit for keeping us in the game in the first half when we were very shaky defensively. Second half we were superb with only some incredible blocks and saves keeping leicester in the game. Lallana and Cork were excellent but Harding and Seaborne were well off form and Guly really doesn't protect his full back enough in away games.

[LGTL]

Awful 1st half by Saints, we didn't turn up until we were 2-0 down. Their third was a foul every day of the week, unbelievable how the ref never gave it. Second half we were superb, absolutely battered them and probably should have won in the end. Never mind.

[LGTL]

Also, De Ridder HAS to start, he has done enough now in the glimpses he has shown.

[RonManager]

One of the best games I've seen in a while - good quality footy all round.

 

Keep the faith

 

 

COYS.

[tonibell]

Home just having a quick shower then of to the Ice House for a few wines. Brilliant game best away game lve been too COYR

[Saint-Fred]

Great day, good show by the travelling fans, Liked the line in the programme "arguably the biggest club on the south coast are back in the npower championship"

 

Cork and Lallana are just a different class.

[Saint-Fred]

Great day, good show by the travelling fans, Liked the line in the programme "arguably the biggest club on the south coast are back in the npower championship"

 

Cork and Lallana are just a different class.

 

Oh yeah just a shame we lost..Third goal clearly a foul,the linesman was incredably poor and the ref was scared to make a real decision.

[shurlock]

Oh yeah just a shame we lost..Third goal clearly a foul,the linesman was incredably poor and the ref was scared to make a real decision.

 

Couldn't believe some of the offside decisions made by the lino on our side of the pitch.

[sotonianproud]

We played brilliantly in the 2nd half, but it wasn't to be...in another game the rebounds would have fell to a saints player! Personally I think if Barnard was playing we may have got the win...Not taking anything away from Connolly, he played brilliant! But I feel we really needed a pacey striker who makes the runs, as Connolly was being bullied by the two strong centre halves! If we have that from the bench then we have a great chance of promotion!

[StDunko]

Great 2nd half, we will do fine this year if we play like that more often than not. Schmichael was the only reason we didn't get something from the game.

 

Thought Harding has got more stick than he deserves from some of the posts above.

 

Considering how much Leicester spent assembling that team, it was great to see us ripping them to pieces for the whole 2nd half.

 

Shooting practice for most of the team this week please Mr Adkins!

[Morph]

I thought the introduction of De Ridder and Fox made such a difference to the pace of the game. Both looked class. Shame they didn't come on 10 mins earlier

[georgeweahscousin]

Glad of the reports of people who went up.

 

The radio commentary made it sound like Seaborne had an absolute shocker, but mates that went said he had a good game, and that seems to be the case from people on here to.

[eurosaint]

First game of the season for me.

 

A wholly disappointing first half, especially the gutshot that we took when they went 3-1 up.

 

Second half was one-way traffic. Schmeichel played a blinder. Amazed we didn't score. A couple of Leicester fans told me that we were the best team they'd seen (familiar) and on a different day, we'd have won. Agree with the comments on the officials.

 

De Ridder was very good. Absolute livewire and tenacious little git too. He's not quite on the same wavelength as the team yet ( I remember one free kick where he was ambling up-pitch unaware that it had already been taken ) but I expect big things from him, and would love to see what he can do over 90 minutes.

 

We definitely need a new striker and new centre back before the end of the window, but overall, a performance to be proud of.

 

Leicester's fans were ****-poor. Didn't hear a peep out of them in the second half until the 89th minute.

 

Sven actually said this too in his after match interview !

[suewhistle]

But it's one of those defeats where you can't be too down as there were so many positives and the negatives were known anyway, are being worked on, and besides, losing games and conceding goals just happens sometimes.

 

Good summary from what I've read, plus other days we might get the rub of the officials' decisions. We know the club are working on things with what seems a strange concept to some people, a budget, so what do we reckon then, a couple of Premiership loans or some completely unexpected players from the continent?

[Verbal Kint]

Glad of the reports of people who went up.

 

The radio commentary made it sound like Seaborne had an absolute shocker, but mates that went said he had a good game, and that seems to be the case from people on here to.

 

I now it's a game of opinions but i'm afraid the commentary got this right. He was absolutely dreadful for the first half, as was Fonte to be honest. Your mates must have been watching a different game if they thought he played well. He was dragged out of position regularly, and as soon as a player turned and ran at him he was giving away free kicks in dangerous positions. It was a 3/10 performance

[for_heaven's_Saint]

I now it's a game of opinions but i'm afraid the commentary got this right. He was absolutely dreadful for the first half, as was Fonte to be honest. Your mates must have been watching a different game if they thought he played well. He was dragged out of position regularly, and as soon as a player turned and ran at him he was giving away free kicks in dangerous positions. It was a 3/10 performance

 

There were a couple of times when Fonte and Seaborne made excellent and vital last ditch tackles. Unfortunately these were necessary because they'd let their man - usually Vassel- get past them far too easily in the first place.

[saints_is_the_south]

Poor 1st half, 3rd goal shouldn't have stood though and ultimately made all the difference. Fantastic performance 2nd half, to dominate the title favs on their own patch for an entire 45 minutes was impressive. Could easily have won it, just checked out the stats and we had 11 shots on target to their 6!

 

Definitely a lot to build on, but really feel we must get a top CB of NPC level, Seaborne is far to suspect for me and Fonte also looked nervous at times yesterday.

 

Btw, was it just me or did Seaborne get booked twice? Was sure he got a card in the 1st half and then again in the 2nd.

[Verbal Kint]

There were a couple of times when Fonte and Seaborne made excellent and vital last ditch tackles. Unfortunately these were necessary because they'd let their man - usually Vassel- get past them far too easily in the first place.

 

Correct. Vassell caused them all sorts of problems for the first 30 mins or so. After that we settled and played exceptionally well, we just lacked the finish at times and Kasper made some terrific saves. A lot of positives to take from the game, but the performance of Seabourne and Fonte wasn't one of them!

[View From The Top]

I now it's a game of opinions but i'm afraid the commentary got this right. He was absolutely dreadful for the first half, as was Fonte to be honest. Your mates must have been watching a different game if they thought he played well. He was dragged out of position regularly, and as soon as a player turned and ran at him he was giving away free kicks in dangerous positions. It was a 3/10 performance

 

At one stage in the 1st half I actually thought he was playing as left back as LCFC's tactics were clear, pull the CBs wide and then fill that gap with their midfielders. Much as Germany did to England in the WC.

 

Worked as well.

 

I won't slate him though as I thought Richardson worse but a CB is an absolute must.

[Turkish]

Embarrassing enough that City does the Poznan, watching these bulbs do it took things to another level.

 

Yes. Totally cringeworthy. They had some properly gay songs and cocky little chavs each side gobbing off all the way through.

[Jack]

Great day out, despite the result. I don't usually like to moan about officials, but I think they've cost us this one. The 3rd goal was such a blatant foul. Who knows what would have happened but we deserved at least a point.

 

I would be embarrassed to be a Leicester fan. Out-sung all game despite being ahead for 93 minutes, stealing Man Citeh's **** celebration, and singing our song.

 

All in all I'm disappointed, but was proud of the lads and fans for putting up such a great fight. Kaspar schmeichel MOTM.

Edited 28 August, 2011 by Jack
Sh1tty iPhone error

[Sour Mash]

More of a question than an opinion, but are either of our right-backs up to being top quality Championship players?

[Chez]

the game reminded me of a trip to Manure a few years back when we lost 3-2 but we dominated a second half and came away happy at a tremendous performance. We were outstanding in the second half yesterday. Lallana just got hold of the game and with the whole tam supporting him we carved them open time after time. We kept the ball so well, and every flick, trick, one-two and through ball seemed to come off. Every second ball was ours and we simply stopped them getting out of their own half. If only we had taken a couple of the great chances it could have been one of those 3-1 down 4-3 win games every away fan yearns. I came out saying we are going places. This is why I go to away games. tremendous support, great day out even if I did have to bring the mrs with me.

 

Davis 8 not sure how good the two second half saves were as I was square on, but one looked top corner. Distribution spot on all day and made the right choices too, all game.

Richardson 6 Our passing game demands posession and he gave it away a few times, not lots, but enough for Adkins to take him off. He's been very good this season, but a fraction below that very high standard. At times Guly leaves him a little short of cover.

Fonte 8 Much improved from last week, one or two tremendous tackles in the second half. I thought we kept their strikers quiet.

Seaborne 8 Made one poor choice right in front of the fans but he instantly recovered with a perfectly timed tackle. I have althought he was a good footballer but not strong enough in the air, but he has been dominant and top notch. He has been very good this season so far and more than holding his own.

Harding 7 came inside a lot when I'd liked to have seen him get to the byeline. Gave the ball away cheaply a few times. Hasn't looked quite as comfotable as others in posession, he is very left footed after all, but no complaints. Fox is going to come in at some point soon though and I can't see how he will regain his place once he does.

Hammond 8 very good second half display, lots of unfound runs beyond the strikers. Kinf of goes unoticed a little bit as Cork dominates posession and then Lallana grabbed the eye, but he has been playing well.

Cork 9 Stand out Saint in first half.Came short to get the ball fromt he keeper and git us moving. Brilliant passing game. Very surprised we dropped him to right back - it seemed a waste, but he attacked well from that position and never ever gave the ball away, so comfortable. What a great signing.

Lallana 9 Terrible first 15 minutes, looked miles off the pace, but then he just got in a groove and was untouchable (apart from one crippling tackle). With one sock round his ankle he just took charge finding all manor of gaps. He should have scored, 1, 2 maybe 3 goals when through (and that's why he has a 9 not a 10) but his interplay and first touch on the run was sublime. He caused them so many problems and if you squintd your eyes he was Messi...of the Championship.

Guly 7 He will be slated for one occasion when he held the ball too long, losing it and not chasing back, but people may not have spotted a great work rate prior to that which I simply do not expect of a flair player like him. He's not the answer at right midfield, but he is doing a good job there.

Lambert 8 some tremendous flicks, one touch passing, link up play. Won a fair bit in the air. It was a massive foul on him for the own goal. Disgrace that the ref or lino did not give it. A few times the ball didn't stick, but not many.

Connelly 7 A couple of times his touch was not good enough and the ball didn't stick. His lack of pace does restrict us as everything is in front of the opposition, but it makes us play an attractive slow passing style. He keeps scoring, but some of his shooting lacks power.

 

Morgan 7 just added more posession and quality. Strong. We ran them ragged in midfield in secod half.

de ridder7 looked more inclined to take the man on although still hasn't beaten anyone yet, but he looked sharp and caused them problems with his off the ball running, some half decent crosses to

fox 7, good ball retention and some first class crossing. Good impact sub.

 

How did we not score an equaliser?

Edited 28 August, 2011 by Chez

[View From The Top]

More of a question than an opinion, but are either of our right-backs up to being top quality Championship players?

 

I thought FR poor in L1. I've seen nothing this season to change that view.