Saints V Watford.4- 0. Post match chat!!

[View From The Top]

Maybe the best summing up ever.

 

Last 45 we were playing in a different league.

 

First 20, not so much - but I would say, although we were under the cosh, we dealt with it. And that is ultimately what wins games.

 

Also, I cannae remember seeing a fitter team. Even in WGS era. They are motoring into the 93rd minute. Well done the fitness coach - name escapes me for the moment - but these lads are well conditioned, and firing on all cylinders right to the end.

 

On your way back north tonight we were all in agreement regarding the fitness and it's that fitness that will win us plenty of points late into games.

[Spudders]

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Edited 2 October, 2011 by Spudders
post no longer made sense due to merging

[Under Weststand]

Sounded like a difficult 1st half & we've found a way to get around it & ultimately run out convincing 4-0 winners & it could have been more. The last 2 games have been disappointing results but both could have been so different had we taken our chances in both games. We are looking like real contenders, then next month will be a real test of our credentials! If we are still top by the end of October then we have a real chance WIFM.

[Chap in the Chapel]

Although it's getting tougher to play the sort of football we were at the start of the season, especially at 0-0 in games, we are still very dangerous when front-running. After a pretty shaky opening I didn't think we looked in any trouble after the first penalty. Difficult to tell from the Chapel End whether it was but the second one was nailed on. We were superb in the second half though, especially in the last 15 minutes, when some of the football was magnificent. If Chaplow had scored with the shot from about 10 yards that hit the 'keeper's foot then it would have been up there with Channon's goal against Liverpool in the early '80s, as it came at the end of a move of about 30 passes!

 

I'm in complete agreement with the other posters who said Richardson had a good game. I thought he was excellent today, and to give him credit I thought Kelvin did well. He made two great saves, at 0-0 and 2-0, that kept the momentum going our way. Rickie played well and Guly deserved his goal. Fantastic though this all is, it's going to be a heck of a bump when the home winning run comes to an end! For now though, the ball is running our way and the decisions are too. What a time to support Southampton Football Club.

[Crazy Diamond]

Maybe the best summing up ever.

 

You're very kind.

 

Quite agree about the fitness thing - I noticed that Morgan was wearing his GPS tracking vest too. Looks like they're all being monitored very carefully still.

 

I saw Rickie later on, he was fine, looked as if the collision of heads early on hasn't done any long term damage!

[Crazy Diamond]

Crazy Diamond likes this.

[wessex saint]

The moment in the first half when Lallana instantly controlled Davis' long kick was exquisite.

 

Sublime!!!.

BUT.. Lambert..I love him but starting to have doubts about his effectiveness at this level - had to go and 'mark' their full back to try and get some joy in the air.

Lallana - I just hope we're top come Jan or he may just have his head turned by a Premiership team.

 

And Fox was fantastic today.. beat his man a dozen times and was a real threat all game.

 

Lastly Chaplow... dogs b's for sure!! Think I would start him instead of Dean

[S-Clarke]

Sublime!!!.

BUT.. Lambert..I love him but starting to have doubts about his effectiveness at this level - had to go and 'mark' their full back to try and get some joy in the air.

Lallana - I just hope we're top come Jan or he may just have his head turned by a Premiership team.

 

And Fox was fantastic today.. beat his man a dozen times and was a real threat all game.

 

Lastly Chaplow... dogs b's for sure!! Think I would start him instead of Dean

 

err yes, I think we're all having doubts over the championships top scorer.

[Thedelldays]

Sublime!!!.

BUT.. Lambert..I love him but starting to have doubts about his effectiveness at this level - had to go and 'mark' their full back to try and get some joy in the air.

Lallana - I just hope we're top come Jan or he may just have his head turned by a Premiership team.

 

And Fox was fantastic today.. beat his man a dozen times and was a real threat all game.

 

Lastly Chaplow... dogs b's for sure!! Think I would start him instead of Dean

what..?

he always pulls wide

[Junior Mullet]

Could have been 2-0 down in ten minutes and looked poor most of the first half, yet won 4-0 and hit the woodwork twice. Could easily have scored 8 in all today. We are good even when we are poor. When we are good we must be incredible. I rckon it'll be the FA Cup vs Prem opposition before we see how good we really can be.

 

Adkins learned a lot about the team today and will think twice about keeping Connoly out of the team in future. He tried several different shapes with different personnel in different positions and that will help him in future.

 

All in all a bloody good day at the office with other clubs dropping points in tough fixtures as we had hoped.

 

Good night saints fans x

[Crazy Diamond]

err yes, I think we're all having doubts over the championships top scorer.

 

In all fairness, he was marked out of the game in my opinion. Their centre half, Mirfin I think it was, stuck to him like glue. Took both penalties extremely well though so can't fault him.

 

Also Kelvin made a great save, I think that'll be in the highlights tonight.

[Thedelldays]

In all fairness, he was marked out of the game in my opinion. Their centre half, Mirfin I think it was, stuck to him like glue. Took both penalties extremely well though so can't fault him.

 

that is why he moves out wide...either their CBs follow him or a fullback has to deal with him

 

been doing it for ages and most target type of players do it

[Raging Bull]

Really hope they keep C*ckring on till we play them.

[S-Clarke]

In all fairness, he was marked out of the game in my opinion. Their centre half, Mirfin I think it was, stuck to him like glue. Took both penalties extremely well though so can't fault him.

 

Possibly a little today, but he'll get games like that though, he was different class against Wes Morgan at Forest who's rated as one of the best at this level, and he outpaced Ipswich's defense at Portman road. He's shown to be very effective at this level so far, I just found that comment bizarre.

[Appy]

Sublime!!!.

BUT.. Lambert..I love him but starting to have doubts about his effectiveness at this level - had to go and 'mark' their full back to try and get some joy in the air.

Lallana - I just hope we're top come Jan or he may just have his head turned by a Premiership team.

 

And Fox was fantastic today.. beat his man a dozen times and was a real threat all game.

 

Lastly Chaplow... dogs b's for sure!! Think I would start him instead of Dean

 

If you have doubts over Lambert at this level, i have doubts over your knowledge of Football.

[Crazy Diamond]

Possibly a little today, but he'll get games like that though, he was different class against Wes Morgan at Forest who's rated as one of the best at this level, and he outpaced Ipswich's defense at Portman road. He's shown to be very effective at this level so far, I just found that comment bizarre.

 

Absolutely - there is no doubting the guy's class at this level at all. To question his ability is downright disrespectful.

 

You're right, he will have off games, but only due to being closed down by a centre half who on his day does all the right things. Today was one of those days.

 

Their marking wasn't too bad, which sounds stupid when they've conceded four - Fonté had two men on him each time when it came to corners for example. They had next to nothing up front though, wasn't impressed by Sordell at all.

[Junior Mullet]

I have no doubts about Lambo, just the tactical genius in the Itchen who kept calling for Do Prado to be subbed until he scored. Surprised Cortesse still lets numpties in the stadium for games but hey ho.

[SuperMikey]

At half time I was concerned as we didn't play too well in the first half. I should never have doubted us! Could have had 7 or 8, Chaplow hit the post twice, Lallana hit the crossbar, Lambert put a shot just wide, Richardson had a good shot saved... It's very encouraging to see that we're creating so many chances.

 

Davis 7 - Made a very good save in the 2nd half, didn't have much to do otherwise.

Richardson 8 - Very good going down the right, fantastic individual move with a shot just saved after picking it up outside our penalty area in the 2nd half.

Fox 8 - Can't fault him at all today, fantastic delivery from set-pieces, strong defensively and looked good going forward. Quality player.

Fonte 6 - Not his best game, not winning as many headers as he did in L1 but looked composed on the ball and didn't have much to deal with from the Watford strikers.

Hooiveld 8 - Dominant in the air, dangerous from set-pieces and good in the tackle. He looked delighted at the final whistle as well, applauding the fans. Always great to see that from a player.

Hammond 6 - Good tackling, kept the ball well but quite negative with his passing. Always passed back or to the side which is fine when you're 4-0 up, but not when you're pushing to kill the game off at 1-0.

Cork 7 - Very energetic, closed down well and made some great tackles. Links up well with Lallana and Lambert to create some nice pass-and-move attacks.

De Ridder 9 - Looked great on the wing, made some fantastic runs in behind the defence. Tore their LB a new one. Start him next week please Nige!

Lallana 7 - Bit out of the game in the first half, but very intelligent play in the 2nd half and was his usual self. Unlucky not to score when he slammed one against the crossbar at 1-0.

Lambert 8 - Very dangerous up front, took his penalties well. Could have had a few more goals as well. Was excellent at drawing the runs of defenders and creating space for Guly and De Ridder in behind.

Guly 7 - Took his goal well, but I felt he was a bit of a passenger in the first half. The movement wasn't there, and you can't play static when you're up top with Lambert. Can't fault his build-up play though.

 

Subs

Chaplow 8 - Buzzed around and was brilliant. He's got a point to prove and a starting place to regain, and he's definitely putting his case forward for it!

Schneiderlin 6 - Bit anonymous, looked good going forward though. Didn't get much time on the ball, he was obviously earmarked before the game by the Watford team.

Holmes 7 - Only on the field for a short space of time, but scored an excellent goal and looked very good on the wing. Great option to have on the bench.

[1976_Child]

On your way back north tonight we were all in agreement regarding the fitness and it's that fitness that will win us plenty of points late into games.

 

Que?

[1976_Child]

You're very kind.

 

Quite agree about the fitness thing - I noticed that Morgan was wearing his GPS tracking vest too. Looks like they're all being monitored very carefully still.

 

I saw Rickie later on, he was fine, looked as if the collision of heads early on hasn't done any long term damage!

 

Surely not. I have never heard of this before - that is players wearing them in a competitive game.

 

Are you sure?

[Roger]

My take on the game...

 

First half we were ok but probably Watford shaded it. Lambert was outjumped for every ball a bit dissapointing - I'm a fan of his but today he was not bossing his marker. We did take a long time to get going.

 

Not sure about the pens - they looked soft but wasn't close enough to see really.

 

De Ridder - a bit in and out as was Guly as usual.

Best player on the pitch by a country mile - Adam Lallana just fantastic skill, a joy to watch. Thought fox was excellent and Hoodvelt too played well.

 

Not usually a fan of richardson - however today he was close to my MOTM played very well not that he had a lot to mark by the looks of it.

 

Chaplow really good again when he came on and good to see Holmes play a nice cameo too. I think right now I prefer him to Da Ridder.

 

Hammond was good as was Cork. Davis one blinding save....

 

Marks:

 

Davis - 7

Richardson - 8

Hoodvelt - 7

Fonte - 6

Fox - 8

De Ridder - 6

Lallana - 9.5

Hamond - 8

Cork - 7

Lambert - 6

Guly - 6

 

Subs -

 

Morgan - 7

Chappers - 9

Holmes - 8

 

Overall, a bit of help from the ref and a struggle first half. I think Watford were a poor team though and never really threatened us. Great second half with some awesome passing movements at times.......

 

 

rubbish, lambert much better than lallana.

[1976_Child]

rubbish, lambert much better than lallana.

 

Pulis better than both of them.

[Crazy Diamond]

Surely not. I have never heard of this before - that is players wearing them in a competitive game.

 

Are you sure?

 

Sorry, you're quite right. This was as he was about to go out for his warm-down. Even so, its all being monitored.

[Roger]

err yes, I think we're all having doubts over the championships top scorer.

 

Wessex youre a muppet, lambert was superb.

[Appy]

I have no doubts about Lambo, just the tactical genius in the Itchen who kept calling for Do Prado to be subbed until he scored. Surprised Cortesse still lets numpties in the stadium for games but hey ho.

 

Does Cortese define numpties as people who spell his name wrong?

 

[Junior Mullet]

Does Cortese define numpties as people who spell his name wrong?

 

 

He doesn't strike me as a pedantic pr!ck, so no, I expect not.

[Appy]

He doesn't strike me as a pedantic pr!ck, so no, I expect not.

 

Or people that are too touchy?

[Saintandy666]

We were incredible in the second half. Demolished them! Could have been 8 or 9 by the end

[sandwichsaint]

You're very kind.

 

Quite agree about the fitness thing - I noticed that Morgan was wearing his GPS tracking vest too. Looks like they're all being monitored very carefully still.

 

I saw Rickie later on, he was fine, looked as if the collision of heads early on hasn't done any long term damage![/QUOTE]

 

'Missed his brains by six feet'.

 

I'm having this. in a week where we've had 'his second touch is a tackle' lauded as cutting edge,

[Lighthouse]

Surely the "we're coming for you" chant is now redundant. We have long surpassed Portsmouth, we could lose every game from now until we play them in December and we'd still be above them in the table.

[Appy]

His touch was a bit off today but he still put in a good shift and was inches from another hattrick. So I think he may just be alright at this level!

 

First half a few things got away from him.

 

2nd half he was class.

[Crazy Diamond]

Surely the "we're coming for you" chant is now redundant. We have long surpassed Portsmouth, we could lose every game from now until we play them in December and we'd still be above them in the table.

 

New chant idea, to the tune of that song.

 

"We are the Saints, we are the Saiiints, we are Southampton, can P*mpey keep up?"

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Shhh. You'll wake the giant. Only sleeping you see. Massive club, massive. ROFL.

[Lighthouse]

I'm surprised there's no 'Keep up Brighton' thread as well as this one. 1 point from their last 4 league games (3-3 lol at home to Leeds), I thought people on here would be all over that like flies on dog muck.

[suewhistle]

I'm surprised there's no 'Keep up Brighton' thread as well as this one. 1 point from their last 4 league games (3-3 lol at home to Leeds), I thought people on here would be all over that like flies on dog muck.

 

Why? They aren't rivals, any more than Bournemouth are..

[darren2]

More than the gap between us, I've been looking at the 2 points from relegation zone

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Nothing to pick the bones out of there. First class demolition of a standard Championship outfit shows we are capable of doing things at this level. Next four games will tell us more, and have the potential to shape the whole season. Derby, West Ham, Reading, Middlesbrough. Six points from those four games and we can set a realistic goal of a top 2 finish imo. Regardless, well done lads today, enjoy the win. Feels great to be a Saint right now.

[Jimmy_D]

If we're going to do this, we'll do it RIGHT.

 

After 6 August, Saints v Leeds, Middlesbrough v Pompey; Gap: 2

After 13 August, Barnsley v Saints, Pompey v Brighton; Gap: 5

After 16 August, Ipswich v Saints, Pompey v Reading; Gap: 5

After 20 August, Sainst v Millwall, Bristol City v Pompey; Gap: 7

After 27 August, Leicester v Saints, Pompey v Cardiff; Gap: 6

After 10 September, Saints v Nottingham Forest, West Ham v Pompey; Gap: 9

After 17 September, Saints did not play, Hull v Pompey; Gap: 9

After 18 September, Saints v Birmingham, Pompey did not play; Gap: 12

After 24 September, Burnley v Saints, Pompey v Blackpool; Gap: 10

After 27 September, Saints did not play, Pompey v Peterborough; Gap: 10

After 28 September, Cardiff v Saints, Pompey did not play; Gap: 10

After 1 October, Saints v Watford, Leeds v Pompey; Gap: 13

[Crazy Diamond]

The view from Watford:

 

"We didn't just lose, we sunk without a trace, were completely devoid of any tactical house, ideas, urgency or attacking threat, just like we have been all season, let's be honest, nearly all the goals we've scored this season have been freak occurrences or defensive **** ups rather than merit of our own build up play. We were absolutely ****ing awful today, not one positive to come out with, Gilmartin is absolute toilet and nearly gifted them another three/four goals, the defence was awful, midfield was anonymous, wingers may as well stay at home and nothing upfront. It should have been a cricket score today, and we never really looked like scoring."

 

"They weren't lucky, they were better than us and we were absolutely useless."

 

"If we had scored the one or two really good chances we had in the first twenty mins, it would have been a different story."

 

"Once we conceded, it was game over. Away, at the league leaders, who get 20,000+ every week and aren't even in the same league as us financially or otherwise and are in form and won however many at home in a row we obviously weren't going to pull anything back."

 

"That was rubbish today, don't know about either penalty, although the saints fans all went up for handball for the first. If we'd scored one of the two very good chances we had before the goal it could have been different. Their fans were starting to get on their backs already by that point. Our heads went down slightly more after each goal and by the end we could easily have conceded 8. Southampton found it very very easy. Game summed up when they started ole ole and then so did we, but there was never any danger of us doing three ole's in a row."

[Matthew Le God]

I think a graph to illustrate the gulf in class is required.

[Matthew Le God]

Can Skates count?

 

[dubai_phil]

Shhh. You'll wake the giant. Only sleeping you see. Massive club, massive. ROFL.

 

Norwegian Blue?

 

OK so after reading some of the interviews and stuff, my thoughts.

 

First few games of this season, teams under-rated us, they were pretty complacent, many hadn't probably watched us in League 1. We arrived playing with a tempo, unity and fitness, interspersed with levels of creativity & quality from the likes of Guly & Lallana. Result - we took teams by surprise and tore them a bunch of new assholes.

 

Now, teams have had us watched, they have worked out that our style of play is built on playing out from the back and they force players to defend from KD's short passes. (DM et al went on about it at Burnley). This has stifled us and we haven't been as fluent.

 

Yesterday, we again saw the influence of NA & the backroom staff. We set up as usual, Watford messed us up. The DIFFERENCE this time was that we switched the tactics/shape and yep, tore them a new one.

 

The result is great going into the International break, but IMHO, that change of tactics and the result it achieved could turn out to be MUCH more important than the 4 goals. We turn up to games, they set up to stop us by defending from the front, we change and the opposition will have to respond... IF they can.

 

Very happy bunny

[doddisalegend]

You're very kind.

 

Quite agree about the fitness thing - I noticed that Morgan was wearing his GPS tracking vest too. Looks like they're all being monitored very carefully still.

 

I saw Rickie later on, he was fine, looked as if the collision of heads early on hasn't done any long term damage!

 

Nigel said in his programme notes that the players are going to have there fitness tested at southampton uni over the international break with a view to seeing if thier fitness programmes need adjusting. Things really have moved on from the days of MLT stopping off to have a Mac Ds breakfast before a match.

[rooney]

Rickie MOM because of his thinking, passing, first touch and the way he took those 2 penalties. Richardson close 2nd and my, he has stepped up to the plate this season. Great to see Lee Holmes come on to put over some excellent crosses and a very good goal. He was thrilled and very humble in his post match interview on R.Solent

[Gingeletiss]

I am most concerned that teams have worked us out.

 

Even when he changes the formation 2/3 times a game? I don't think so!

[Crab Lungs]

So happy... Big games over the next month though! COYS

[View From The Top]

Que?

 

Typo due to knackeredness. Should have read "our way".

[Legod Third Coming]

So let me clarify, team's haven't worked us out?

 

We do or don't need to change our passing game?

 

Just want to be absolutely clear on this...

[ibizasaint]

What was Sordell like? After all the raving about him during the transfer window....would he be a good signing?

[Goalie66]

I thought Guly was my man of the match yesterday for his tireless running into space and tracking back. He really worked his socks off and his goal was sublime. Ridder was a bit of a headless chicken and his judgement needs to improve. When he should have passed to Guly he shot and when he should have shot after their No 5 slipped he hesitated. Pity the MOVE resulted in a save. That was pure class and would have been a truly great goal. Very impressive and when travelling back with Watford fans on the train they were a little stunned by our performance. A team that has played together and improved will in the long run beat "purchased" teams like Leicester that demand instant success. They agreed.