Chez Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 More of a question than an opinion, but are either of our right-backs up to being top quality Championship players? For me you need pace and that counts Butterfield out. Richardson has been good this season, but there is room for improvement there should the right player become available. Not saying we shoukd get rid, I just recognise that he's not irreplaceable. Far better than some are suggesting though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red&white56 Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 (edited) It was strange to leave a game where we had lost 3-2 but feeling like we had won. As other posters have said we were as dominant in the second half as they were in the first half. It was a very exciting 2H as a Saints fan. Some very disappointing interplay from Saints in the final third of the pitch - in both halfs. Not saying Rickie had a bad game but saw several passes from him that were easily picked off by Leicester. We seemed to want to pass the ball into the net, always taking far too many touches and always looking for another pass rather than shooting. Their second goal was a beauty - scored by a shot from just outside of the penalty area, how I wished Saints had tried that option to vary their play. First half we were continuously done for pace - if it wasn't for Kelvin we could have gone in at half time 4-1 down. As they used pace against us in the first half we didn't have anyone who could do it against them. Again not wanting to say Rickie or Connolly had a bad game but our attack cried out for someone to run at their defence. Friendly crowd before the game - chatting to them on the train up and in the pub. Edited 29 August, 2011 by red&white56 typos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Again not wanting to say Rickie or Connolly had a bad game but our attack cried out for someone to run at their defence. I've said the same thing after most games so far. A top notch striker added to the squad who has a bit more pace can not hurt. For nw though I'm going to enjoiy the short passing game these two offer us. We are forced to not boot it down the channels and that is great to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 For me you need pace and that counts Butterfield out. Richardson has been good this season, but there is room for improvement there should the right player become available. Not saying we shoukd get rid, I just recognise that he's not irreplaceable. Far better than some are suggesting though. Agree - thought he was very good against Leeds, Barnsley and Ipswich. Guly has tremendous work-rate, chasing players but often comes inside to do so which does leave the right-hand side open if the opposition plays two blocks of four. At the beginning of the season, I thought our left-hand side of Harding/Dickson was stronger than our right-hand side of Richardson/Butterfield; but NA thought it appropriate to bring in Fox. As such, there's no reason why right back couldn't be strengthened; but its not a priority IMO, especially if Cork can be used as an emergency (though I wouldn't want it to become a habit). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 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? I usually really rate your opinion and analysis of games but, Fonte and Seaborne both with an "8"? Lambert with an "8 out of 10"? Can't agree with those calls at all I'm afraid. And Richardson was so poor we had to move possibly our best player out of position when he was taken off at half time, shows you what Adkins thought of his performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 And I thought Fox looked excellent full stop. Ok he came on when the game was going our way, but the crosses he put over were absolutely spot on every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 And I thought Fox looked excellent full stop. Ok he came on when the game was going our way, but the crosses he put over were absolutely spot on every time. Thought Harding had a v.good game as well. Fox came on and delivered some lovely balls into the box but, as you say, they were on the ropes. It would be odd if Harding lost his place on that performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Thought Harding had a v.good game as well. Fox came on and delivered some lovely balls into the box but, as you say, they were on the ropes. It would be odd if Harding lost his place on that performance. Agreed, Harding got forward really well. Seemed p****d off getting subbed from what I could see (albeit a fair distance away?). Certainly one of his better games for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sold To The Man @ The Bar Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 We need a striker on the bench ... Last year we had DC to come on as super sub, Rikkie looked off the pace today and i wasnt quite sure where he was playing, he was on the wing, in the middle and for the own goal, centre back !! Fans were great today, i did like the Fox's chant " We dont understand, your talking ********, we dont understand" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Nice to have options that side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Balls Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 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. When we were queuing for a burger outside the ground after the game, we were taking the **** out of their Poznan celebration and how embarrassing it is that they copied it of City, only for one of their fans to say that it's theirs and they are original. All the Saints fans were p1ssing themselves. Then they start singing 'Oh when the blues go marching in...'. And I thought we were unoriginal!!! Worst fans I've ever come across!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Again not wanting to say Rickie or Connolly had a bad game but our attack cried out for someone to run at their defence. Which was why it was nice to see De Ridder come on, get the ball and put his head down and run at their defence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Which was why it was nice to see De Ridder come on' date=' get the ball and put his head down and run at their defence.[/quote'] Not just about players running at them; but shooting rather than turning; showing some strength and directness further up the pitch, making them back off. Think Barney would have made a massive difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintscottofthenortham Posted 28 August, 2011 Author Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Agreed, Harding got forward really well. Seemed p****d off getting subbed from what I could see (albeit a fair distance away?). Certainly one of his better games for us. Oh my god. Can Harding do no wrong!? He was SH*T!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 When we were queuing for a burger outside the ground after the game, we were taking the **** out of their Poznan celebration and how embarrassing it is that they copied it of City, only for one of their fans to say that it's theirs and they are original. All the Saints fans were p1ssing themselves. Then they start singing 'Oh when the blues go marching in...'. And I thought we were unoriginal!!! Worst fans I've ever come across!! Its not just that the Poznan is a copy, its a joke to begin with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Oh my god. Can Harding do no wrong!? He was SH*T!!! I also thought he was poor defensively and the goal got him off the hook a bit. For example for their second goal the ball should never have made it into the middle and then Guly should have been first to the ball. He was beaten quite a few times, but tbh I think the entire defense had a poor first half. Reckon Leicester probably identified our fullbacks as the weakness and they couldn't handle the movement of their attackers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffo Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 "Must just say fair play to the Southampton fans. A long trip for them but they bought big numbers and were very vocal, outsung us for the most part. I have to admit that their rendition of "Oh When the Saints..." from the Kop was quality." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian the Red Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Magnificent 2nd half. Agree with most of Chez marks apart from: Seabourne, 5, simply too inconsistant for me, Connolly, 6, gave the ball away too often, Guly, 5, worst game of the season for him. We definitely need a quality centre back and De Ridder needs to start to give us much needed pace. RL again lead the line very, very well and his passing and flicks create so many chances. AL was simply superb. We need to be a little more ruthless, we do try to walk the ball into the net too often, one to many passes when a shot might have been the better option. Connolly hitting the post and the ball rebounding and staying under Schimicheals arse summed up our luck in the 2nd half! One question was it a penalty?? Or did AL make the most of the tackle? From where we were standing it looked a debatable penalty..... one of those that is given sometimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 One question was it a penalty?? Or did AL make the most of the tackle? From where we were standing it looked a debatable penalty..... one of those that is given sometimes. Never a pen'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
positivepete Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Just back from the match. Had a weekend staying with a Leicester fan and sat in with the Leicester fans for the match. Like some of the others I came out of the ground feeling pretty happy, it was the Leicester fans who were coming out miserable! The Leicester fans were wondering why they changed the shape in the second half as they had so much success targeting Richardson in the first half, but none of them noticed that NA had changed things by switching Cork, who snuffed out the threat from Danns. I was at the other end to the third goal, but felt relaxed when the ball went in, as I felt sure the referee would have spotted the foul if I could! Great response from the Saints players, they did not loose their cool at the poor decision, we are so much more disciplined under NA. Great second half performance, if we can keep this form up we will have an exciting season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 I usually really rate your opinion and analysis of games but, Fonte and Seaborne both with an "8"? Lambert with an "8 out of 10"? Can't agree with those calls at all I'm afraid. And Richardson was so poor we had to move possibly our best player out of position when he was taken off at half time, shows you what Adkins thought of his performance. the game is about opinions. I'm not sure what Seaborne did that was so wrong. He made three tremendous `Bobby Moore' timed tackles and in the second half they did not have a sniff. Him and Fonte must have been doing something right. I said many times last season that he was lightweight, but he has been anything but this season. As for Lambert, his one touch stuff in tight areas was outstanding. Almost every time Lallana got in it was from a Lambert pass. He missed one opportunity to shoot and that is all I could criticise him for. He worked back and he gave Mills a torrid time in the second half. I'm not sure what fans are expecting from him. If he had scored today everyone would haver given him a 9. He didn't score, but that doesn't mean he played badly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Just back from the match. Had a weekend staying with a Leicester fan and sat in with the Leicester fans for the match. Like some of the others I came out of the ground feeling pretty happy, it was the Leicester fans who were coming out miserable! The Leicester fans were wondering why they changed the shape in the second half as they had so much success targeting Richardson in the first half, but none of them noticed that NA had changed things by switching Cork, who snuffed out the threat from Danns. I was at the other end to the third goal, but felt relaxed when the ball went in, as I felt sure the referee would have spotted the foul if I could! Great response from the Saints players, they did not loose their cool at the poor decision, we are so much more disciplined under NA. Great second half performance, if we can keep this form up we will have an exciting season. Lambert seemed to lose his cool and absolutely berated the ref. Which IMO he justified in doing so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Lambert seemed to lose his cool and absolutely berated the ref. Which IMO he justified in doing so. Crosby also had to come on at half time and restrain several players who were the surrounding the officials. A f**king diabolical decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Crosby also had to come on at half time and restrain several players who were the surrounding the officials. A f**king diabolical decision. overall the ref had a decent enough game, but I was just amazed he didn't give a free kick. It was just so obvious that he was climbing n Lambert. He jumped do early and was all over him. Killed us. Having said that we should won the game. We took them to pieces. Brilliant display from us. Very very good game all in all. Doubt we'll see much better this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stcappy Posted 28 August, 2011 Share Posted 28 August, 2011 Agree with much of what has been said. Very proud in defeat- if we keep playing like we did in the second half, which was more like our other games this season, then we will be there it thereabouts at the end. I though fonte's positioning first half caused is no end of problems- he wasn't at the races until the second half. Seabourne to me looked more solid. That said I would still say that it is a partner for fonte we need in the next 3 days. Several leicester fans said they were lucky after wards - how we didn't score the third I will never know. We are a goof side at this level, we just need to believe it. A couple of signings and I think we are capable of really surprising many people this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um Bongo Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 Are people saying seabourne played well??????? He was the reason we lost. I don't know why he starts. Awful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 While I remember, what happened to the barcode ticket turnstiles that the OS kept telling us we had to keep our tickets nice for?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
positivepete Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 While I remember' date=' what happened to the barcode ticket turnstiles that the OS kept telling us we had to keep our tickets nice for?![/quote'] They did not operate in the home end either. My Leicester season ticket holding mates have card type season tickets to use in the turnstiles, but they are still manned, and they simply show them to the operator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 Are people saying seabourne played well??????? He was the reason we lost. I don't know why he starts. Awful. No he wasn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintscottofthenortham Posted 29 August, 2011 Author Share Posted 29 August, 2011 No he wasn't. True. But he was SH*T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 True. But he was SH*T. He was no worse that Jose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 He was no worse that Jose. Exactly - both struggled big time in the first half, as did Richardson. No need to then just pick out Seaborne for stick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintscottofthenortham Posted 29 August, 2011 Author Share Posted 29 August, 2011 He was no worse that Jose. Jose was shocking first half but responded fantastically in the second with some superb tackles (twice to mop up Seaborne slips/f*ck ups). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 Jose was shocking first half but responded fantastically in the second with some superb tackles (twice to mop up Seaborne slips/f*ck ups). We were 3-1 down by then. He was no better or no worse than Dan. I'll also give praise for Leicester for getting the tactics spot on. They pulled both CBs so far apart there were huge gaps to exploit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintscottofthenortham Posted 29 August, 2011 Author Share Posted 29 August, 2011 We were 3-1 down by then. He was no better or no worse than Dan. I'll also give praise for Leicester for getting the tactics spot on. They pulled both CBs so far apart there were huge gaps to exploit. What does being 3-1 down prove? That was the first time I have seen JF put in a poor performance and he responded to it. DS on the other hand was his as good as he always is, Sh*t. How sone had him down for MOM against Millwall is beyond me. They recognised that he is our out and out weak link, targeted him and he held on by a whisker despite twice slipping and leaving them through on goal. He has next to no awareness, distribution awful and for the life of me I do not see what our scouts saw in him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 What does being 3-1 down prove? That was the first time I have seen JF put in a poor performance and he responded to it. DS on the other hand was his as good as he always is, Sh*t. How sone had him down for MOM against Millwall is beyond me. They recognised that he is our out and out weak link, targeted him and he held on by a whisker despite twice slipping and leaving them through on goal. He has next to no awareness, distribution awful and for the life of me I do not see what our scouts saw in him. Fonte was very poor against Millwall, diving in many times and getting caught badly. Criticising Fonte is allowed, as is praising Seaborne. Seaborne was excellent in the Millwall game and didn't put a foot wrong. Seaborne's distribution overall is decent, not perfect, but easily god enough for this level. I'm still to be convinced he is strong enough, but he has been miles better so far than last season. You appear to have made your mind up about him and now don't assess each performance subjectively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 What does being 3-1 down prove? That was the first time I have seen JF put in a poor performance and he responded to it. DS on the other hand was his as good as he always is, Sh*t. How sone had him down for MOM against Millwall is beyond me. They recognised that he is our out and out weak link, targeted him and he held on by a whisker despite twice slipping and leaving them through on goal. He has next to no awareness, distribution awful and for the life of me I do not see what our scouts saw in him. Saying Jose was great AFTER we've conceded three goals somewhat neither here nor there as the damage was done and, if I'm honest, Leicester didn't pose a threat, in my opinion, after the break. I've no love for DS but I'm not so blinkered as I can't see the obvious, nor am I so narrow minded that I think he was any worse than anyone else in the way you view Harding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rallyboy Posted 29 August, 2011 Share Posted 29 August, 2011 only one thing worse than losing - hearing Dave Merrington explain why it has happened. Support sounded great on the radio - well done to those that travelled. Seen the highlights, blatant foul on Lambert. Magic moment? Lallana making their defender fall over just by looking at him as he set up Harding. Good recovery effort, and many results went our way so little damage to the season - too many people drawing games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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