I know we´ll be OK

[Olallana]

Very gutted that we still got 0 points and bottom of the league but we deserve much more.

 

Man C away were unlucky and down to individual mistake, great performance in total I think.

 

Wigan at home I dont think were as bad as all people say. We dominated first half and that kind of games is always gonna be tough when opponents is that defensive but I think we deserved more. Two hits off the cross bar and they had pretty much 2 goal attempts all game and put both away. The second goal was when we were chasing and not much to say about that one.

 

Man U home we definitely deserved better but you have to put that third goal on the sheet to be able to win the game. We had our chances and should have at least come away witn a draw but that was not the case.

 

With new players coming in know and easier opponents coming up after Aresenal I think we will start collecting the points. If we only get our first win I believe they will keep coming. We have to cut down on individual mistakes but for me that is in the learning curve to play in the PL and I can see signs of that getting better already.

 

I believe in a bright future and the captain of the ship will be Nigel Adkins, anything else would be a disgrace for this fine football club!

[Rebel]

That's all sounds good and stuff - but we are stuck with the defence we've got until January! I can't see Yoshida getting a starting place, Seabourne is well Seabourne and we're stuck with Fox at left back as we don't really have another one.

[Winchester Red]

That's all sounds good and stuff - but we are stuck with the defence we've got until January! I can't see Yoshida getting a starting place, Seabourne is well Seabourne and we're stuck with Fox at left back as we don't really have another one.

 

If we are going to win games it's going to need to be 4-3 a lot of the time, but I think we might have the attacking players to pull that off

 

[Olallana]

That's all sounds good and stuff - but we are stuck with the defence we've got until January! I can't see Yoshida getting a starting place, Seabourne is well Seabourne and we're stuck with Fox at left back as we don't really have another one.

 

True but I dont think many other teams than the top five will be pushing us backwards this much as City and United have done, and we do have a problem closing down from the flanks and our CB´s is not good on crosses. But as I said, I dont think many teams will be able to play us like that and if we dont give away stupid individual mistakes we well be fine.

[ollysaints1]

i need people to assure me that we will stay up this season

[Glasgow_Saint]

I think we will be relegated..... Hate to say it, but defence and GK just not good enough

[Bearsy]

We could've got something against City and definitely today, but I wouldn't go as far as to say we deserved it.

 

Didn't see the Wigan game. Overall too soon to tell! Don't seem to have many clean sheets in us tho which is the worry!

[Stu Man Do]

I think we will be relegated..... Hate to say it, but defence and GK just not good enough

 

You'd have to be mad as a prem manager facing us to not just target Danny fox all game long wouldn't you? Stood off Valencia too much and doesn't seem to be very confident attacking either now. Hope SHaw is upto it!

[S-Clarke]

I don't want us to be one of these teams that's a neutrals favorite, but never quite gets the points. It's pointless putting in all the effort that we did today, and at City, if we continue to make the same basic naive mistakes at key times and in key positions. Quality players will cost you. That's what frustrates me, it's so basic how they score, it's so avoidable. 2 free headers they got in the box today, just a little more attention and those goals wouldn't have happened.

 

In terms of defending and closing down in open play we're terrific, but it means nothing if you cannot defend set pieces or give away the ball for no reason. City and Man Utd had very few chances against us in open play, which tells me that our tactical formation and how we setup is working to that extent.

 

It's just so annoying because there's so much good about us. 2 weeks to take a breather though, let's not panic. Long way to go.

[St Chalet]

Ironically we took our chances against City and United, but not against Wigan.

 

We have a lot of reasons to be cheerful. There are 87 points up for grabs against the other bottom 15 clubs we have to play.

[Dalek2003]

We need a bit of perspective. The matches against the top 6 are not crucial to our future it os likely to be the ones in mid table and the bottom third. The premier league has leagues within the league and we as new comers have to do well in our own little league in the bottom third.

 

I am not pushing the alarm but yet, and i do not agree that Fox and davis are out of their depth. We ar learning the hard way and have a hard set of ealry fixtures but ther will be some good times ahead.

 

Crucially we must not fear defeat or relegation, I think we stopped playing in the last 10 minutes because we were wishing too hard for the result instead of playing the football we enjoy !

[Avenue Saint]

We need a bit of perspective. The matches against the top 6 are not crucial to our future it os likely to be the ones in mid table and the bottom third. The premier league has leagues within the league and we as new comers have to do well in our own little league in the bottom third.

 

I am not pushing the alarm but yet, and i do not agree that Fox and davis are out of their depth. We ar learning the hard way and have a hard set of ealry fixtures but ther will be some good times ahead.

 

Crucially we must not fear defeat or relegation, I think we stopped playing in the last 10 minutes because we were wishing too hard for the result instead of playing the football we enjoy !

 

When you make a sincere post, i'll let you know.

 

This was one!

 

..and a good one at that.

Edited 2 September, 2012 by Avenue Saint

[saintmozza]

we are the best team that has ever been bottom of the premier league,fact we are like barcelona in reverse.

[St. Jason]

You'd have to be mad as a prem manager facing us to not just target Danny fox all game long wouldn't you? Stood off Valencia too much and doesn't seem to be very confident attacking either now. Hope SHaw is upto it!

 

We spoke about this at great length yesterday and we all agreed, it's not fox playing badly, it's NA's system not working! For some reason NA is asking him to double up with the centre back which is leaving the left side totally exposed! It's got to be a managerial order to pull inside and help Fonte out, otherwise NA would be screaming (like we were) to get out on the wing! Who was it out there, Anderson? He had the easiest game of his life! All in our opinion obviously!!

 

Ref?? Haven't seen it on tv BUT, how the f;) was that a pen? Thought the first rule was watch the movement of the ball???

[colehillsaint]

We need a bit of perspective. The matches against the top 6 are not crucial to our future it os likely to be the ones in mid table and the bottom third. The premier league has leagues within the league and we as new comers have to do well in our own little league in the bottom third.

 

I am not pushing the alarm but yet, and i do not agree that Fox and davis are out of their depth. We ar learning the hard way and have a hard set of ealry fixtures but ther will be some good times ahead.

 

Crucially we must not fear defeat or relegation, I think we stopped playing in the last 10 minutes because we were wishing too hard for the result instead of playing the football we enjoy !

 

Fair play. Good post.

[Halo Stickman]

We need to win 14 of the remaining 35 games to stay up; if we perform like we did for large parts of the Manchester games I reckon we’ll achieve that with a bit to spare.

 

Yesterday, our front six was the best balanced and most effective unit Saints have put out for some while; it seems a shame we’ll have to break it up to get the new players in. In some ways we now have almost too many options up front. Sadly, this is obviously not the case for the defence. I don’t know the ins and outs of our summer transfer dealings but the fact that we now have a lop-sided squad reminiscent of those assembled by young boys on play station football manager leaves me puzzled about our recent transfer strategy

[Supersubpuckett]

we can still get loans in can't we??

 

The lack of defensive signings is bewildering

[SuperSAINT]

I don't want us to be one of these teams that's a neutrals favorite, but never quite gets the points.

 

Just after the game, I did have a bit of a flashback to watching Blackpool in the Prem.

 

It's the defence that worries me the most.

[redkeith]

At the moment it is very fine margins.

 

If Fox had headed it out for a corner at City, if Rickie had put his header against Wigan in the same spot as yesterday, and if Fonte had wacked it out for a throw in, we could be mid table now.

 

Some things we are going to have to work with, the Left back problem for a start where someone has to defend wide.

 

I am sure that we wont see subs like that again. I thought at the start that 4 forwards was a bit unbalanced. NA may not have anticipated having to defend a lead for 40 minutes. Maybe Chaplow would have been a better sub for one of the wide positions ?

 

I still hope we can bring in a few free agents ( Grosso and Boruc would be good), but I hope that the results will pick up as we get more used to the new shape.

 

All of the back 5 made mistakes yesterday, but we have few options other than coaching them through it. Skirtel and Reyes have made some howlers lately, so **** happens.

[bender]

We dont look out of place in this league and will certainly be one of the more exciting teams once Ramirez has played a few games. Our defence needs to get used to this league though. You cant blame them that much consiring who've theyve been up against over the past 2 years. Its a learning curve plus I think the new Yank goalie and Japanese captain will help. Keep the faith.

[Sour Mash]

I've seen enough from us to suggest we'll be alright, but the problem is many of the other teams that I thought would be struggling have looked a lot sharper than I'd expected, Wigan, WBA, Norwich. Villa look poor, but hard to pick out too many teams that look like they'll struggle. Early days yet.

[dronskisaint]

Ironically we took our chances against City and United, but not against Wigan.

 

We have a lot of reasons to be cheerful. There are 87 points up for grabs against the other bottom 15 clubs we have to play.

 

Agree completely - we're playing good football, it will all come good.

[Saint Garrett]

Adkins: 'We're the strongest team in the division because we're holding everybody else up'

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Were doomed i tell you...Doomed;)

[Pilchards]

We are a confident team that is not getting the results it deserves, If it continues this way for the next 4 matches without a point then the team will lose faith and should fade away like Wolves.

Let's hope we can get at least a point from Arsenal and then we can show the EPL Saints can reach the top 10.

[mcjwills]

Those that are giving Fox a bad time, and personally I dont think he did too bad against Valencia.

If Yoshida fits straight into the team, another idea could be move Clyne to Left back and move Fonte out to right back, Fonte does not mind getting forward and Clyne can play either side.

[saint_ed]

Those that are giving Fox a bad time, and personally I dont think he did too bad against Valencia.

If Yoshida fits straight into the team, another idea could be move Clyne to Left back and move Fonte out to right back, Fonte does not mind getting forward and Clyne can play either side.

 

That would just be more square pegs in round holes a la Rodriguez playing LW.

[rshephard3]

I've seen enough from us to suggest we'll be alright, but the problem is many of the other teams that I thought would be struggling have looked a lot sharper than I'd expected, Wigan, WBA, Norwich. Villa look poor, but hard to pick out too many teams that look like they'll struggle. Early days yet.

 

Exactly. I have noticed that the league genuinely seems to have not one outstanding weak team. This doesn't play into our hands at all. It's showing signs of being a bumpy ride, but it'll be fun all the same.

[S-Clarke]

Those that are giving Fox a bad time, and personally I dont think he did too bad against Valencia.

If Yoshida fits straight into the team, another idea could be move Clyne to Left back and move Fonte out to right back, Fonte does not mind getting forward and Clyne can play either side.

 

Let's not do that.

 

Cylen - Yoshida - Jos - Fox

 

that will have to do until January.

[trousers]

Sticking with my prediction of finishing 8th

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Sticking with my prediction of finishing 8th

 

Welcome back Sir..Good Holiday?

[GAS]

That's all sounds good and stuff - but we are stuck with the defence we've got until January! I can't see Yoshida getting a starting place, Seabourne is well Seabourne and we're stuck with Fox at left back as we don't really have another one.

Why wont Yoshida get a starting place?

[mitch01]

I wrote a match report for the Utd game and my thoughts on what it means for our season on my blog. Fell free to have a read:

 

http://notplayedonpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/southampton-lack-steel-to-go-with-their.html

[Saint Fan CaM]

I can't see Yoshida getting a starting place.

 

Why? I am really looking forward to your answer - I think I must have missed something here.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Adkins: 'We're the strongest team in the division because we're holding everybody else up'

 

Straight out of the 'Inspirational Coaching for Dummies' book written by D. Brent!

[John B]

I think this sums it up for me

 

http://backpagefootball.com/southampton-may-appeal-to-the-neutral-but-must-adapt-to-survive/48361/

 

It can be a brutal game football.

 

For 88 minutes on a Sunday afternoon, Southampton, promoted twice in as many seasons, managed by a former physiotherapist at S****horpe, were doing far more than holding their own against the global behemoth that is Manchester United. The south coast side had been tenacious and eager in their defensive duties, creative and diligent in possession, particularly the 17-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse, and were fully deserving of their 2-1 lead, given to them by a pair of headers from messrs Lambert and Schneiderlin.

 

However, just as their supporters dared to dream of a first three points in the Premier League since their relegation back in 2005, a United side who had been under-par and flat all afternoon, brought about echoes of that famous night at Camp Nou, with two late goals from their £24m summer signing, Robin van Persie. His 92nd minute winner, the dagger in the side for the Saints, who having performed admirably in matches against both of last seasons top two, have nothing to show from their first three matches back in the big time.

 

Three games played, zero points on the board.

 

Whilst there are many admirable qualities about the way Southampton boss Nigel Adkins has his side going about their business – the style of play, the inventive interchanging of positions, the dexterity of the likes of Jason Puncheon and Adam Lallana to move into space between the lines (something which should be further enhanced by the arrival of Uruguayan Gaston Ramirez from Bologna) – the lack of defensive nous, and the inability to even make an effort of shutting the game down was nothing short of startling; to call it schoolboy would be an understatement.

 

It is often said that the sign of a good side is that they are capable of picking up points when they play poorly. On the flip side, perhaps it is also true that the sign of a bad side is that they play well but are left with nothing. It would seem Southampton fit perfectly into the latter.

 

With five minutes remaining, with a 2-1 lead and having seen their opponents squander an awful attempt at a ‘Panenka’ penalty, the Saints supporters were cheering every touch from each member of their side, who had unquestionably put in a magnificent collective performance to that point.

 

However, what should have been a massive worry – especially against a side with a reputation for scoring late goals as often as United - is that Adkins side were every bit as open as they had been all afternoon, and likewise in their previous two Premier League matches. The swashbuckling full-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Danny Fox were still stationed high on their respective touchlines, the centre-backs, Jos Hooiveld and Jose Fonte, continued to split to take the ball from their goalkeeper. Additionally, throw-ins were quickly returned into play and they continued to attempt to attack their more heralded opponents, seemingly looking for a killer third goal, rather than the alternative; to shut up shop, to waste time, to run the clock down, to make niggling fouls to stop counter attacks and to hold on to victory.

 

It seems to have become a dirty term in recent times to call a side professional, to say that they have seen a game out. But it is something that all sides who strive for success – whatever that means to them – know how to do. Jose Mourinho sides have long been masters at it, whilst Spain over the past four years have turned it into an art-form. Being able to manage games effectively during the final stages, helps a side to pick up wins and, crucially, points. Nonetheless, as at the Etihad Stadium a fortnight ago, it is an area in which, once again, Southampton have been found lacking.

 

Should the Saints prove unable to learn how to see games out, then they will struggle to retain their Premier League status come the end of the season, regardless of how eye-catching and pleasing their actual performances are. Neutrals may really enjoy watching them play, and may well root for their gung-ho approach. But making friends is one thing. Survival, the clubs sole aim this season, is another. And in the battle-hardened playground that is the Premier League, come the end of the season, there aren’t any extra points handed out for aesthetics.

[obelisk]

I see no reason why the all too obvious frailties addressed above cannot be worked on. The fact that we let a 2-1 lead turn into a 2-3 defeat again really angered me but it's now a case of standing firm before identifying and addressing the problems. If things are still looking bleak at the end of October then drastic action might well be required but I'm not one for panic stations just yet.

[Wes Tender]

Sticking to my prediction of finishing tenth. Nothing I've seen so far to change my mind. We'll beat both Manc clubs on the return fixtures.

[david in sweden]

I've said this before, but ......based on many years of watchung stats. ..I never make a serious analysis of the League tables until around game 6 or 7...

 

Why?.....because any club can have a good / bad start. Some clubs start like a rocket....and end the season like a damp squib. Some years back, Carlisle were promoted....won their first 3 games and went top ...but they only won another 3 games in the rest of the season and were relegated.

This season, Swansea have a new manager, some new players... but can they hold onto their opening form ?...whereas few newly-promoted teams can ever have faced the best two teams in the League in their first month....as Saints have done..(and I didn't believe that Wigan are as poor as side as some have said), they may well finish in the top half of the table.

 

It may take another 3-4 games before we start earning 3 points a game, but our performances against the two Manchester sides shows that we have the ability, once the defensive situation is put in order.

[david in sweden]

Let's not do that.

Cylen - Yoshida - Jos - Fox

that will have to do until January.

 

 

yes Clarke-y... .if you mean Clyne?....I'd go with that, too.

[pap]

I don't think we'll be relegated. I'm not happy with the nil points situation, but I agree with many of the sentiments in the OP. We did play well against the Manchester teams, and if a couple of our woodwork whackers in the Wigan game went in, this thread wouldn't exist. We'll get our run of luck, and I think it's premature to write off the defence just yet. Stupid mistakes yes, but we've seen all this before. We can learn from mistakes - it's only if our players truly lack the capability to survive that we should be worried.

 

Nige's philosophy is that everyone is a defender when you haven't got the ball and we've got new players all over the pitch. As anyone who has ever hired anyone can tell you, one appointment makes a massive difference in a small company, and that new hires take a while to spin up to full effectiveness. Same is true of footballers. The team will defend better as a unit over the coming weeks, although with a new CB, might get worse before it gets better.

 

Bit of luck, bit of form and improved match fitness - and this board will be a lot rosier.

[Dark Munster]

Let's not do that.

 

Cylen - Yoshida - Jos - Fox

 

that will have to do until January.

 

Or until injuries/suspensions kick in. Whichever come first.

[Thedelldays]

if yoshida does not get up to speed quickly and become an improvement....we are in deep trouble

[eelpie]

We could've got something against City and definitely today, but I wouldn't go as far as to say we deserved it.

 

Didn't see the Wigan game. Overall too soon to tell! Don't seem to have many clean sheets in us tho which is the worry!

 

The team were well off par against Wigan, which was very frustrating. Hardly anyone tackled and blocked in the second half, they mainly backpedalled, unlike against both Manchester teams when we were challenging for everything during most of those matches.

 

It seems that we put on our better displays against the top teams and underperform against weaker teams. I know we have only played against one 'weaker' team so far, but this was a familiar pattern last season. We still ave not learned how to stifle determined opposition of any ability for 90 minutes .

[Dalek2003]

I don't think we'll be relegated. I'm not happy with the nil points situation, but I agree with many of the sentiments in the OP. We did play well against the Manchester teams, and if a couple of our woodwork whackers in the Wigan game went in, this thread wouldn't exist. We'll get our run of luck, and I think it's premature to write off the defence just yet. Stupid mistakes yes, but we've seen all this before. We can learn from mistakes - it's only if our players truly lack the capability to survive that we should be worried.

 

Nige's philosophy is that everyone is a defender when you haven't got the ball and we've got new players all over the pitch. As anyone who has ever hired anyone can tell you, one appointment makes a massive difference in a small company, and that new hires take a while to spin up to full effectiveness. Same is true of footballers. The team will defend better as a unit over the coming weeks, although with a new CB, might get worse before it gets better.

 

Bit of luck, bit of form and improved match fitness - and this board will be a lot rosier.[/Q

 

Listen, NA has a certain footballing philosophy. He has brought the club up two leagues and has my respect.

He must remain true to himself and give it his best and so must the players.

We must not be afraid or intimidated but as a club we should be proud and true to ourselves.

If we go down, well stuff it !!! BECAUSE WE WILL GET BACK STRONGER AND MORE DETERMINED !!!