Reading V Saints Post Match thoughts and reaction

[NickG]

and if we do lose on Tuesday, this won't count for nothing - it will still be a great performance and 3 points.

[alpine_saint]

Because Football is a funny old game.

 

 

And our team is improving

 

Let's see if we can follow this game up with a good result in the next one before we conclude that, eh ?

 

Like going ahead and holding on to a lead, even if the other team grabs one goal back, the test of a improving team is being able to build on a good result.

[John B]

But why, really ?

 

Players, managers even chairmen have come and gone.

 

What's the source of it ? It implies that a given manager does not have the ability to mentally prepare the players for every game correctly, but this situation has afflicted loads of managers at SFC.

 

In the 46 years I have been supporting the Saints the only consistent thing about the team has been their inconsistency.

[Ian the Red]

I am just delighted. We need to gp for it on Tuesday and then finish off Charlton, but most of all EVERYONE needs to get behind the team and believe!!!! Lets show our passion and believe in these young players on Tuesday. COYRs!!!!!!!!!!!

[alpine_saint]

and if we do lose on Tuesday, this won't count for nothing - it will still be a great performance and 3 points.

 

You many be able to cling to this result come May if we go down, but personally I am a bit more ambitious than that.

[NickG]

Can I be first to say, only 9 points of Cardiff and 6th place?

 

and 7 off bottom, so bottom and down by Christmas ain't happening IMHO!

[NickG]

You many be able to cling to this result come May if we go down, but personally I am a bit more ambitious than that.

 

fully expect that you doubt we will get another 3 by May with your predictions!

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Completely gob-smacked.

 

I was on a Christmas market this afternoon, so it took a while for the result to get through my Gluehwein-enduced fug.

 

I am as delighted as anyone at this result. Reading's first defeat at home - amazing. But this time, unlike the Preston result, it has to be followed through to the next game, or it will count for nothing.

 

I also find it a crying shame that pathetic little winnets like Hypochondriac and Northant Saint have to turn this into some sort of personal abuse, like I would be pleased at losing. Suffice to say it makes them look very foolish, especially as both of them deep down were probably expecting to lose too.

 

 

Pathetic isnt it...

[Window Cleaner]

You many be able to cling to this result come May if we go down, but personally I am a bit more ambitious than that.

 

As are we all, but there has to be patience whilst the bad financial situation caused by overpaying players to underachieve is dealt with.

 

I don't know just how patient you need to be in your everyday life but it is a virtue and sometimes a dire necessity. We were warned, we aren't adrift and have an excellent chance of staying in the CCC this season and moving forward next.

[team-saint]

i think we will win on tuesday

 

the good performance in the second half against wolves continued into this game but even better.

 

since the coventry game we have been playing well mostly and in the last 2 home games although we lost there was just that little something missing, we weren't being destroyed like earlier in the season. the team is just starting to click at the moment and this win is going to give de boysh so much confidence, first home deafeat for reading this season and the first since august 2005! (30+ games i think)

[Alanh]

Just back from the game. It was a tremendous performance, but not a great surprise because we played as well, if not better in the second half with 10 men last week. The formation and style of play was exactly the same as the rest of the season, definitely not 4-4-2. Every one played well, but I thought Skacel did well to repel their attacks in the second half and occasionally provide an attacking threat. Also Chris Perry was excellent in bringing some steel to the centre of defence.

 

This team have the ability to outpass any team in this league. At time Reading were chasing shadows and it was a joy to watch. We will stumble when teams outmuscle us but the boys are young and will learn to deal with that. All we can do is support them home and away and keep the faith.

[St Will]

Just got back from the game......wonderful, wonderful performance. Gob-smacked. Might well have been different had we not cleared it off the line in the first minute or so, but after that we were different class and totally out played Reading. My ratings:

 

Davis: 8, solid comign from crosses, did his best to waste time in the second half Didn't have a lot to do though really!

James: 7, really pushed forward, especially in the first half, might have helped prevent their goal, he kinda slid in and missed a tackle, then they went on and scored. But really nullified Hunt, which is no mean feat.

Cork: 8, very solid, mopped up well, made an amazing run in the second half, shame that McGoldrick curled it over the bar at the end of it.

Perry: 9, brilliant. Some fantastic tackling, mopped up fantastically well behind Skacel, looked totally in control. My MOTM.

Skacel: 7, looked strong, committed himself once or twice and got caught out and let Reading break into the space behind him, but Perry backed him up well, so it was all good.

Lallana: 7, very skilful, some lovely touches, with a slightly better end product he'd be top-end premiership class.

Schneiderlin: 8, worked hard, passed it well, played it simple, tackled well, always seemed to be in space to receive the ball.

Surman: 8, another solid performance, he looks so much better in the middle, worked well in the middle with Morgan. Got forward really well in the first half.

Wright-Phillips: 9, and I gave him a 9 not just for his 2 goals - he worked hard, stayed out wide and in space, thus giving us an outlet when we needed to clear the ball. Made some good runs and always looked dangerous.

McGoldrick: 7, I couldn't quite tell whether we were playing 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1, as he and Robertson interchanged a lot and at times got forward together. Individually, I thought he did ok, finishing could have been more clinical. Played deeper, and displayed a good touch and some trickery. More of a team performance, which was good to see. Why does he never practise his shooting in the warm up when all the other strikers do?

Robertson: 7, Played well in the first half, showed strength and a degree of pace, linked up well with the other forward players.

 

Subs:

Paterson: 7, Didn't really do much, made some good runs and helped keep the ball down the Reading end, which helped!

 

Jan: 9, you've gotta give the guy credit. The team played wonderfully well, were first to everything, got themselves out of trouble by passing the ball, not hoofing. Here's hoping we play aggressively on Tuesday.

 

Absolutely delighted, when we scored the first goal I went flying onto the floor in the row in front, hurt my knee, but I don't care. Wonderful day, and home within half an hour of leaving the ground. COYR!!

[Poshie72]

Excellent result. Shall enjoy going to work, in Reading on Monday

[Englesaint]

Just back as well. We really did play well and, for once, there was a bit of strength in there when we needed it. See Baird of the Land's post above - I agree with his summary and pretty much all his ratings. Certainly centre of defence was all the better for Perry being there . . .and Lancashire not being there !! Drew S was excellent.

[Fowllyd]

In the 46 years I have been supporting the Saints the only consistent thing about the team has been their inconsistency.

 

I'll go along with that, albeit with rather fewer years of support to my name. The only season I can recall when we played with any real consistency was 1983/4 - and look what happened that season! Mind you, even then we lost a couple of silly home games to sh!te teams...

[obelisk]

Great atmosphere, terrific support and a class performance from all the lads out there on the pitch. A sort of 4-5-1 going on 4-3-3 with plenty of players supporting our attacks. I just wish we could convert more chances to save from those worrying last few minutes but on this occasion the defence looked up for it. Now it's off to the pub to run some Reading noses in it.

 

I quote a text from a Reading fan that I drink with. "We look like a pub team while you look like Barcelona". Compliment indeed.

[Weston Saint]

5th booking for Surman..1 match ban? Likely to be able to play on Tuesday and suspended for Charlton?

[St Landrew]

Talking about inconsistency; this Southampton is suffering from very bad home form, and pretty good form away. If you take a look at the table tonight you'll notice that Sheffield Utd have identical away form [apart from goals scored] with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 4 defeats. Fair enough, but their home form is the complete reverse of ours, with 5 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss. And the are 4th in the table. The evidence couldn't really be much clearer.

 

EDIT:http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/table/default.stm

[paulwantsapint]

As Jan says WELL DONE BOYSH

 

what a difference to play from the start ,score , play more, score again, even more playing, even concead but defend by playing in opp half

 

win 2-1

[cf saint]

Just back, what a great afternoon. We played them off the park in the first half and should have been 2/3 ahead. Then from the second goal til they scored we just ran rings around them - wonderful to watch. Once they scored we sat back and seemed to tire but gradually got some rhythm back to close it out.

to those who said it was 442 - it wasn't it was the usual formation but because DMG was playing off Robertson and interchanging so well it appeared 424/433/442/4411 - really excellent movement.

Just a joy to watch. My last awayday was Swansea when i feared for the worst because we were awful but today the hope of pre-season is back. Not because i think we will go up but it just showed the kids can put a full game together and beat anyone.

 

Davis 8 very solid, unlucky with the goal cos he made a great initial save

James 7 Still not a full back but did well with Lallana

Skacel 8 flashes of brilliance going forward (one fantastic cross) and dealt well with a right wing bombardment in 2nd half

Perry 8 Really good calming influence

Cork 9 my MoM, please can we keep him?

Surman 9 Worked hard, great running, seemed everywhere

Sneiderlin 8 was my MoM for the first half but then faded. He does seem a key to the side - if he plays well then the side does well. Real class

Lallana 8 very skilful, still needs better end product but a joy to watch

BWP 8 2 great goals and playing out of position but drifted out of game when the midfield needed help after their goal

McG 8 could have been a 9 from his first half play, i think the free role suits him

Robertson 7 would have been higher from the first half but seemed to fade. Really held the ball up well in the first half so hopefully will be improve with games

Sub

Paterson 6 ran well but doesnt look ready

all in all great day!

[Give it to Ron]

Superb result but not getting carried away, sounds like what most of us wanted last week with Perry and BWP starting with Robertson wide gave us the extra man forward with pace.

It pushes them back and annoys me greatly that we could of beaten Wolves last week with the right players in that formation at home.

Lets hope no silly changes for Tuesday - come on you reds lets get another home win now.

[Robsk II]

But why, really ?

 

Players, managers even chairmen have come and gone.

 

What's the source of it ? It implies that a given manager does not have the ability to mentally prepare the players for every game correctly, but this situation has afflicted loads of managers at SFC.

 

Something in the water.

[Wes Tender]

A great result and especially as it was a local derby and we were the first to end their unbeaten home run.

 

Listened to the commentary on the radio and Merrington wondered why it had taken JP so long to play 4-4-2. He had picked out that right from the start that we had better options up front with the two strikers playing much closer together. It seems to me that with playing the usual formation we leave gaps out wide that are exploited, but with two lines of four we didn't allow much penetration past our back line. In the second half when Reading were going for the equaliser having pulled one back, Merrington was full of praise for the way that the midfield 4 closed down the space between the back four and crowded out Reading's forwards. The other reason why we were probably better was because we had the experience of Perry, who seems to have reached a good understanding with Cork.

 

I can't really think of any other reason why we played so well apart from the change of formation and the steadier defence. Anyway, this win against such formidable opponents on their home ground will have given the lads a huge confidence boost and let's see whether they can keep up the momentum against Plymouth. Plymouth are quite a different sort of team and we are at home where the lads don't seem able to play quite as well as they do at home, but let's keep the same team and strategy and see if by some chance JP has found a way of getting some results.

[Bailey]

Phenomenal.

 

Every player was superb from start to finish.

 

The fans were something else.

 

Follow it up with a win on Tuesday FFS!

[JibMcdo]

Fantastic result and we all know we are capable of that kind of performance. It has only come 4 or 5 times this season which has been the problem.

 

JP is still learning and lets hope he has learnt a lesson from today. When I saw the team today I was confident. It's ok to play youngsters, but they need the experience first. Cork, Schneiderlin, Lallana, Robertson, McGoldrick are all youngsters who have played in the first team here or elsewhere. Perhaps are weak link is James? He would go in the category of Lancashire, Gobern, White, Paterson, Mills and Thomson who are too raw and haven't got the experience to be able to perform consistently. Let them train, bring them off the bench and let them get that vital game time before sticking them in the first team.

 

JP needs to play the same team now against Plymouth and Charlton and see if we can pick up 9 points from 9. If we do, we are making progress. If not, we know once and for all we're in a relegation battle.

[St Landrew]

Shame about Norwich winning 2-1 at Forest. But we shouldn't be worried about them. It's our form that we can do something about. Onto Tuesday and Plymouth Argyle.

[Window Cleaner]

A great result and especially as it was a local derby and we were the first to end their unbeaten home run.

 

Listened to the commentary on the radio and Merrington wondered why it had taken JP so long to play 4-4-2. He had picked out that right from the start that we had better options up front with the two strikers playing much closer together. It seems to me that with playing the usual formation we leave gaps out wide that are exploited, but with two lines of four we didn't allow much penetration past our back line. In the second half when Reading were going for the equaliser having pulled one back, Merrington was full of praise for the way that the midfield 4 closed down the space between the back four and crowded out Reading's forwards. The other reason why we were probably better was because we had the experience of Perry, who seems to have reached a good understanding with Cork.

 

I can't really think of any other reason why we played so well apart from the change of formation and the steadier defence. Anyway, this win against such formidable opponents on their home ground will have given the lads a huge confidence boost and let's see whether they can keep up the momentum against Plymouth. Plymouth are quite a different sort of team and we are at home where the lads don't seem able to play quite as well as they do at home, but let's keep the same team and strategy and see if by some chance JP has found a way of getting some results.

 

 

According to some who went to the game we weren't at 4-4-2, just the usual

4-2-2-1-1 working correctly. Still if merrington said so....but he also said we were to be taken over once, or even several times..

[Window Cleaner]

Shame about Norwich winning 2-1 at Forest. But we shouldn't be worried about them. It's our form that we can do something about. Onto Tuesday and Plymouth Argyle.

 

If we could get 3 on Tuesday (and I say if) we could get above Blackpool,Barnsley and Sheff W depending on their results..

[St Marco]

and if we do lose on Tuesday, this won't count for nothing - it will still be a great performance and 3 points.

 

100% Agree

 

Today was a superb game where we bossed one of the supposed fav teams to go up from kick off to final whistle. We earned that win and played the best football i have seen all season. We played positive and 4-4-2 and it made all the difference. Most of us had been saying play that way all year.

The lads done well and fully deserve the praise they have got from this game. It was an awesome game to watch.

 

BUT

 

While this is a valuable 3 points i hope that Jan has learnt a lesson here. If we change things for tues and revert back to negative 4-5-1 style tactics and lose then this will count for nothing. For us to get out of the struggle we are in we need to find some consistency especially at home. Teams around us have all started to win now as well which makes it even more vital we go on from here, believe in our own ability and push on. We can do it!

[rick1976.4.38]

just back,will put video clips on utube tonight or tomorrow.what a result and what a performance from all the team.best away performance in years,i think it helped that reading play our style of football,cos its different when we play teams who are all brutes.anyway enjoy this result and lets hope theres more,coyr

[St Marco]

According to some who went to the game we weren't at 4-4-2, just the usual

4-2-2-1-1 working correctly. Still if merrington said so....but he also said we were to be taken over once, or even several times..

 

it was a 4-4-2 variant of having 1 striker slightly behind the other. The previous formation is a variant of 4-5-1 were the stiker is totally on his own and the extra midfielder drops to cover the line thus making it a negative tactic.

[s0108787]

It was 4-2-2-1-1 as usual. Just got back from the game and frankly i've not seen many teams play as well as we did in the first half - we should have been out of sight at half time. Not one player had a bad game. This team is definitley good enough, if we can add consitency to the ability and potential then i firmly believe the future is very, very bright. The away support today was incredible too, if we could replicate that at home we would be in a much better position, on and off the pitch.

[saintrich]

I had Saints in my accumulator.

 

Trust Liverpool and Chelsea to let me down.

 

Hopefully there won't be as many annoying happy clappy plastics at our next away game.

[LostBoys]

Very good performance I thought everyone played well and we could have won by more. Excellent day out in Reading and I thought their support was poor. I drove there and back and so now i am going to have a couple of pints or more to celebrate. If we win on Tuesday then i will agree we may have turned the corner.

[70's Mike]

Just got back i believe having Perry and Skacel in back four enabled us to play 4-4-2 but in a different way.

Whilst Robertson was up front all the time DMG and BWP almost took it in turn to join him as did Lallana.

We now to follow this up with a win on Tuesday , hopefully we can have an unchanged side

[Mr saint]

I've just noticed that only Wolves have won away from home more than us this season. If only we could sort our home form out now....

[saintrich]

. If we win on Tuesday then i will agree we may have turned the corner.

 

 

 

Indeed, we're just as likely to lose Tuesday.

[rocknrollman no2]

What a fantastic day.

We hired a hummer limo and went from St Marys with a load of beer expecting a good day,but thinking we will lose.

Lots of beer drunk on the way up and when we got to the ground,we were singing Saints songs to all of the Reading fans(werent they quiet),as we went to the away end.

There was a fantastic turn out from Saints fans who were all in good voice and gave great support.

When the team came out,it looked like they were a totally different team of late and they chased every ball and stopped Reading from playing.

Thought the ref was ****e as usual,but refs always are.

We were on the back foot for a while in the second half as Reading pressed,but despite the ref giving 4minutes extra time,we held out.

Going to St Marys from home-£6

Limo to Reading-£500

Beer for the day-£30

Tickets-£66

Seeing the Reading fans after the game looking glum-PRICELESS.

[Causer]

Finally back I hour 15 waiting for a bus totally worth it though what a win every player superb including Patterson who held the ball up well

[The Tango Man]

Just got in..what a result, just goes to show what we can do when it all works.

How ever an old chinese proverb....one swallow does not mean that summer is here..

A bloody good start though !!!!! and a bloody good result so well done lads...

[cf saint]

We played the normal formation BUT because DMG played closer to Robertson than most others have done to the centre forward when "in the hole" it could look like 442.

Also credit to Robertson, he has the physical presence to play the lone striker role and that was crucial.

[The Fat Controller]

just got back and knackered after walking back from the stadium to the station as i couldnt be arsed to wait for the bus.

 

Overall probably the best away performance I have seen in a very long time. WE may be forced to play a team of kids but at least they are playing for the shirt and not worrying about money, unlike a lot of greedy tossers that we rid got of in the summer

[saintwarwick]

We just beat the best team in the league away! doesn't get better than this!

 

And we were the better team in all departments by a long way.

[Fowllyd]

We played the normal formation BUT because DMG played closer to Robertson than most others have done to the centre forward when "in the hole" it could look like 442.

Also credit to Robertson, he has the physical presence to play the lone striker role and that was crucial.

 

To judge from this and many other comments, it seems that today we had a team in which round pegs fitted nicely into round holes. Let's hope we can keep doing just that, but it does rather beg the question of why we've spent so much time this season attempting to force square pegs into those same round holes. Yes, I know I shouldn't quibble - I'll shut up now.

[Saints Pedro]

Completely gob-smacked.

 

I was on a Christmas market this afternoon, so it took a while for the result to get through my Gluehwein-enduced fug.

 

I am as delighted as anyone at this result. Reading's first defeat at home - amazing. But this time, unlike the Preston result, it has to be followed through to the next game, or it will count for nothing.

 

I also find it a crying shame that pathetic little winnets like Hypochondriac and Northant Saint have to turn this into some sort of personal abuse, like I would be pleased at losing. Suffice to say it makes them look very foolish, especially as both of them deep down were probably expecting to lose too.

 

So are you saying, that after a predicted defeat away to Reading, a home win against Plymouth would also 'mean nothing' ? Because I calculate that we would have 3 points either way!

[Arizona]

I've just got home from the weirdest dream...

 

Seriously though it was a fantastic team performance. Great to see BWP on the score sheet for the first time since Burley left. Everyone seemed to be working hard and a great atmosphere. I feared the worst when they got one back, but fair play to "the boysh".

 

I couldn't believe how poor Reading were though. For the first hour until they scored, they were just nothing. Expecially in defence, they just seemed not to care. Their number 22 (CB) and goalie kept them in it. We could in all honnesty been 4 up at the break. After they got one back, things evened out a bit, but they still never really looked like getting a winner.

 

As for the players:

 

Davis - 7 Several good saves and f**k me if he didn't come out and catch some really tricky crosses.

 

James - 7 I saw him for the reserves on Monday and he looked good then. Never though he'd be able to reproduce his performance in the first team though. Only downer was being out of possition for their goal.

 

Cork - 7 Good solid display. Also felt he was a bit out of place for the first shot for their goal.

 

Perry - 8 Probably my MOTM. We look so much more organised with him in the side and without Lancashire. Some crucial tackles.

 

Skacel - 7 Reliable enough defensively. Corners are a bit suspect, but there were some good crosses, one of which would have brought a goal but for a great save.

 

Lallana - 7 Not as effective as he has been in previous games, but still full of tricks and always running at defenders.

 

Surman - 7 Good passing, if a little lightweight. Got forward well to support the attack.

 

Schneiderlin - 7 Still doesn't impose himself on the midfield as much as I'd like. Made one decent tackle. Passing was generally excellent though.

 

BWP - 8 First goal in ages, but worth the wait. Could have had a couple more but for some decent defending and a great save. Even managed to stay onside. It was almost tragic watching him take the p*ss out of Reading and thinking this is how good he can be, but 4/5 times he just isn't.

 

DMG - 5 The only poor performance really. Just didn't seem to put much effort in. Can't remember having a really meaningful effort on goal either. One off target effort which BWP tried to overhead kick on target.

 

Robertson - 6 Some good running and hard working. In the first half I thought he was looking for free kicks and penalties when he could have played on and made something of it. Faded second half.

 

Subs:

 

Paterson - 6 Had one good run on the counter down the left, just after he came on. Other than that, worked hard but with little produce.

 

P.S. Sure as heck looked like 4-4-2 to me, with BWP and Lallana on the wings taking it in turn breaking forward to join the attack.

[rick1976.4.38]

have put some videos of us on youtube for those not there,rocker197666,enjoy,not the best of quality but hopefuly catches the enjoyment of a great win

[rick1976.4.38]

have to say robetrson was my motm,but all players were 10 out of 10 today

[Neilza]

Get in, can't help but feel great. Reading fans are just soooooooo arrogant. No singing untill they scored and when they started singing, ''score in a minute, were guna score in a minute'' I really wanted the lads to hold out to show the tossers what for.

Thought everyone played well, the ball just sticks to Lallana, he has such ability. Perry has added needed know how too. Oh yeah and fair play to BWP. Get In!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[saint_bert]

Fantastic result lads. Im still smiling now. Lets have a win Tuesday now and im looking foward to my first away game against Charlton. Lets hope Pardew stays till next Saturday so we can get him the sack!!!