Early days but could you see the changes with MP tonight?

[Pilchards]

I thought it was slicker football and higher tempo first half, 2nd half we huffed & puffed and pumped too many long balls into wasted areas plus too many players starting hogging the ball a bit.

 

If MP gets us fitter then we will play the best football ever seen at St Mary's.

 

What are your thoughts?

[S-Clarke]

It's too early to say anything. It wouldn't have really been down to him if we won, or lost tonight. He's had no time to implement anything really.

 

We played the same tonight as we played under NA many a time. Will be interesting to see what a tweaks in the coming weeks though, I don't think there's a great deal wrong with us.

[Thedelldays]

cant be hardly any difference really..

 

Morgan did say at the end...that MP stressed that they need to press higher up the pitch than usual

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

Surely the first half was the players upping their game for a new manager. Second half Everton were the better team. Leave it 4 or 5 games and then we'll see.

[Give it to Ron]

One thing that I liked was when Baines and Piennar were running riot he switched Rodriguez that side which pushed Baines back.

[adrian lord]

More intensity and swift penetration, that much is clear. Need to increase fitness and squad depth of quality to implement this though.

[Frank's cousin]

cant be hardly any difference really..

 

Morgan did say at the end...that MP stressed that they need to press higher up the pitch than usual

 

First half I think we did... did not give Everton too much space especially Fillaini - second half we struggled a bit as the pace caught up with us. I think we will see more of an evolution than revolution, building on what Nige provided but with perhaps more refinement? but will need 5-6 games before we start to see any disernable impact.

[trousers]

Saw a difference in Ramirez for sure

[Barry Sanchez]

More intensity and swift penetration, that much is clear. Need to increase fitness and squad depth of quality to implement this though.

 

We were or I was saying this last August, why was I not given a shout?

[doggface]

Great 1st half, should have had 2 or 3 minimum. 2nd half looked jaded.

[sfc4prem]

Didn't see muxh difference tbf, but we pressed really cleverly and consistently and they found it hard to play between us.

[Bobbyboy]

Gaston put in a shift, more physical than usual. first half anyway. only other difference appears to be that players are now allowed toilet breaks during the game. never seen punch run so fast

[Crab Lungs]

As I posted earlier...

 

Not sure I see it how many on here do. I didn't see a great display - I saw a slightly regressed one, football-wise. I thought the options/movement were lacking and despite creating some chances, we didn't look as polished as in recent weeks (don't know if that's to be expected or not after everything that has happened, but still). It was aggressive, it was passionate... but it wasn't much more than that. There was no guile and smooth interplay passing like under NA and we were relying on our technically gifted players to individually break the deadlock. Of course, when they were substituted in the 2nd half our threat subsided considerably.

 

In the second half we played like the away team which was disappointing. We've had a busy period so maybe you can attribute that to tiredness. Additionally, MP has only had two training sessions to get his message across so obviously, the jury will be out for a while.

 

FWIW, I watched a lot of Espanyol highlights over the weekend (sad, I know) and I have to say I wasn't very impressed at all. All seemed a bit "Steve McLaren" in the style of football, definitely not the "Barca style" championed by the PR machine.

 

Still, it's a good point against a decent side. It's not bad, considering everything that's gone on.

[Give it to Ron]

As I posted earlier...

 

Not sure I see it how many on here do. I didn't see a great display - I saw a slightly regressed one, football-wise. I thought the options/movement were lacking and despite creating some chances, we didn't look as polished as in recent weeks (don't know if that's to be expected or not after everything that has happened, but still). It was aggressive, it was passionate... but it wasn't much more than that. There was no guile and smooth interplay passing like under NA and we were relying on our technically gifted players to individually break the deadlock. Of course, when they were substituted in the 2nd half our threat subsided considerably.

 

In the second half we played like the away team which was disappointing. We've had a busy period so maybe you can attribute that to tiredness. Additionally, MP has only had two training sessions to get his message across so obviously, the jury will be out for a while.

 

FWIW, I watched a lot of Espanyol highlights over the weekend (sad, I know) and I have to say I wasn't very impressed at all. All seemed a bit "Steve McLaren" in the style of football, definitely not the "Barca style" championed by the PR machine.

 

Still, it's a good point against a decent side. It's not bad, considering everything that's gone on.

 

Fair enough but not sure I agree, I saw more runs from midfield than I have all season and certainly more through balls first half rather than back and sideways.

Gaston tackled more than I have ever seen him do before.

[Olallana]

Pressed better, switched sides between Punch and Guly to shift tjings around and to deny their fullbacks runs.

 

With more performances like this, Lallana back in the team we should easily be safe, around the 12th place I said before the season...

[S-Clarke]

As I posted earlier...

 

Not sure I see it how many on here do. I didn't see a great display - I saw a slightly regressed one, football-wise. I thought the options/movement were lacking and despite creating some chances, we didn't look as polished as in recent weeks (don't know if that's to be expected or not after everything that has happened, but still). It was aggressive, it was passionate... but it wasn't much more than that. There was no guile and smooth interplay passing like under NA and we were relying on our technically gifted players to individually break the deadlock. Of course, when they were substituted in the 2nd half our threat subsided considerably.

 

In the second half we played like the away team which was disappointing. We've had a busy period so maybe you can attribute that to tiredness. Additionally, MP has only had two training sessions to get his message across so obviously, the jury will be out for a while.

 

FWIW, I watched a lot of Espanyol highlights over the weekend (sad, I know) and I have to say I wasn't very impressed at all. All seemed a bit "Steve McLaren" in the style of football, definitely not the "Barca style" championed by the PR machine.

 

Still, it's a good point against a decent side. It's not bad, considering everything that's gone on.

 

I think you're letting your heart win over there Crabs. There really wasn't anything different today than how we played under Adkins.

[cambsaint]

Looked quicker, more direct and more aggressive. The last would be expected from his playing style, and may be a good thing.

But its too early, however it doesn't look as of it will end in disaster.

[Thedelldays]

It's probably nothing

But puncheon spent more time on the left than I can remember

[Monk]

Ramirez pressed and dropped a lot more than usual. I did notice that the FB's didn't get many overlaps in.

[Graffito]

Couldn't see a difference, it's nigel's team playing pretty much as before but impressed that new bloke was aware of everton's strength down the left. so whereas shaw got forward on the left, clyne rarely got out of position. ramirez was up for it first half, maybe one benefit of having a spanish speaking manager. anichebe turned yoshida a few times. that won"t go unnoticed by the centre back. lambert was blowing out of his @rse at the end.

[Frank's cousin]

It's probably nothing

But puncheon spent more time on the left than I can remember

 

Its probably nothing

But puncheon spent more time on the toilet than I can remember

 

Corrected it for ya

[sussexsaint]

It's probably nothing

But puncheon spent more time on the left than I can remember

 

He plays on the left

 

He plays on the right

 

Then after an hour

 

He goes for a shyte

[Monk]

he plays on the left

 

he plays on the right

 

then after an hour

 

he goes for a shyte

 

wow

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Move the ball forward quickly seems to be his style.

[Saint Fan CaM]

More intensity and swift penetration, that much is clear. Need to increase fitness and squad depth of quality to implement this though.

 

Absolutely this.

[Alain Perrin]

As I posted earlier...

 

Not sure I see it how many on here do. I didn't see a great display - I saw a slightly regressed one, football-wise. I thought the options/movement were lacking and despite creating some chances, we didn't look as polished as in recent weeks (don't know if that's to be expected or not after everything that has happened, but still). It was aggressive, it was passionate... but it wasn't much more than that. There was no guile and smooth interplay passing like under NA and we were relying on our technically gifted players to individually break the deadlock. Of course, when they were substituted in the 2nd half our threat subsided considerably.

 

In the second half we played like the away team which was disappointing. We've had a busy period so maybe you can attribute that to tiredness. Additionally, MP has only had two training sessions to get his message across so obviously, the jury will be out for a while.

 

FWIW, I watched a lot of Espanyol highlights over the weekend (sad, I know) and I have to say I wasn't very impressed at all. All seemed a bit "Steve McLaren" in the style of football, definitely not the "Barca style" championed by the PR machine.

 

Still, it's a good point against a decent side. It's not bad, considering everything that's gone on.

 

With respect, I think you're seeing what you wanted to see. That was a NA team putting in an NA performance - plus extra effort/bite from Ramirez and Guly.

 

It will take time for the manager to make any noticeable difference but I think we'll see more aggression than with Nigel. I have a lot of time for NA and will miss him, however I also recognise he had some shortcomings. Some he couldn't help (international profile etc.) and some he could (sometimes he was a little too nice, and that rubbed off on the players resulting in last minute equalisers etc.).

 

Poccy (I'm not sure I will ever learn to spell his name) will have shortcomings when compared to NA - but hopefully will bring positives over Nigel too.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

We only need to improve fitness if we continue to be shabby with the ball after we work so hard to get it. The reason the great teams can press all the time is because they use possession of the ball to replenish energy levels. In the second half we tired because we lost our verve and understanding in the opponents half. When you keep losing the ball and then press for 10 seconds afterwards you are bound to get gassed. So it is clear for me - if we aren't going to get better with the ball then get fitter. If we're going to get better with the ball then perceived fitness will improve without actually having to do much fitness work at all.

[AussieDog]

Watching from afar, it did seem as if were putting in more tackles higher up the pitch and first half I thought we were excellent. I also thought we cleared our lines better than in most games. There was plenty of passing around at the back when we had the time, but when the ball was getting put into our box there was none of this half-hearted clearances that always leaves me with my heart in my mouth and the expectation of the ball in the back of the net. Some of the balls we played forward from the back when we weren't under pressure were given away cheaply though.

For a first game, I'd give the Manager 8/10. He didn't tinker with the team too much, but I felt he had done what he had said he would do - ie defend from the front.

One final thought - for someone who is claimed not to be very mobile, I'd love to know what distance SRL covered. He was on both flanks and down the centre and I thought he had a great game even though he maybe should have scored at least one of his chances. The header past the post probably being the easier of his chances.

[Smirking_Saint]

Quicker, higher pressing, hunting in packs and more incisive passing.

 

Getting Ramirez on the ball is a plus snd allows Lambert to push into positions that he is dangerous rather thsn dropping deep.

[Saint Garrett]

Thought we knackered ourselves out first half. We pressed higher and never have them a second without harassing them, 2nd half we didnt have the legs. Noticeable Improvements in Guly and gaston, both more aggressive as well In the tackle too

[CaneNero]

He plays on the left

 

He plays on the right

 

Then after an hour

 

He goes for a shyte

 

made me lol, has to be sung next home game.

[oracle saint]

I noticed 2 differences

- we pressed higher up the pitch particularly in the first half

- when the centre backs were bringing the ball out the full backs moved higher up the pitch than usual. This meant that the Everton defence was pulled wider and allowed more space in the centre of the pitch to play a pass. This meant less sideways passing than usual.

Work rate seemed higher in the first half - Gaston and Guly particularly noticeable. Gaston was MoM first half - his best all-round performance to date.

Interesting to see what seemed to me to be these subtle changes. Also for someone whose English is allegedly not good the manager spent a huge amount of time communicating with the players.

Good first impressions for me.

[Matthew Le Tissier]

I saw the changes.

 

 

The main one being punch allmost shat his pants

[Saint Garrett]

Another change I thought was Lambert seemed to be doing a lot more running along the line trying to get in 1v1.

[positivepete]

Quicker, higher pressing, hunting in packs and more incisive passing.

 

Getting Ramirez on the ball is a plus snd allows Lambert to push into positions that he is dangerous rather thsn dropping deep.

 

This, plus more interchanging between the "three" than we have seen recently. There were certainly more attempts to make quick final passes in and around the area, recently we have tried to take one touch too many. Very encouraging, certainly did their homework on Everton, and but for a 20 minute spell in the second half we really took the game to them

[Matthew Le Tissier]

I agree that lambert wasn't dropping deep like he normally does when things don't go his way

 

However I just think this is because the midfield were performing for once and he didn't feel the need as there was plenty of attacking play.

 

To be fair I don't think there is an awful lot they could do in 1 or maybe 2 training sessions at 3 hours a time to really change things.

 

I do think its a good sign of things to come though. Like smirking said above they hunted in packs and pressed the ball well which is the new fellas trademark . I actually think they done it so well they ran out of steam second half.

 

I'm am absolutely staggered no one has tried to buy Morgan . He is the complete centre midfielder and is a different class.

[sandwichsaint]

Corners were schitt, so no change there then.

[Matthew Le God]

I'm am absolutely staggered no one has tried to buy Morgan .

 

How do you know they haven"t?

[CanadaSaint]

Nice compliment from Moyes, a guy whose opinions are always balanced and worth hearing:

 

"Obviously there's a new manager in place now who takes over the reins and the team tonight did well - they're not a bad side, Southampton."

[SaintBobby]

Thank god someone started this thread.

 

I was hoping there'd be a match reaction thread somewhere, but just couldn't find one and didn't have the confidence to start one myself....

[pingwing]

Front 4 play with a lot more movement going forward so there is less emphasis on wing play (where we aren't great to be honest anyway, other than Guly's cross at Stoke very few chances or goals have come from out there). Worked with Guly, Lambert and Gaston as they could default into the right places properly, Punch is an one dimensional idiot though and ruined the whole thing by being in the middle far too much and taking 15 touches before a pass.

 

Cover now comes from Morg/Cork in the middle, which is much more sensible considering only one has to cover a wing whilst the other sits in the middle for the midfielders. Just a tweak to the roles Adkins set up that most the players are talented enough to do, with the elephant in the room being Punch.

 

Also highlights we need a couple of extra players given the lack of fitness to play that way for 90 mins and no one else being able to come on to do it.

[Suomi Saint]

To be honest, I didn't see a lot of difference. It was Adkins team and substitutions. The higher tempo was probably as a result of the players trying to impress a new manager. JRod dropped a bit deeper than normal, but he still didn't bring much to the party. It was a good performance, which was encouraging, but the new man didn't have much of an influence. Early days of course. Cortese looked incredibly smug, though. He's like a Bond villain.

[Webby]

Ramirez. Still gives the ball away too much. I'm still waiting for him to 'explode'.

[Andy Durman]

I will make a few points.

 

1. We definitely played a higher line which was very effective in the first half, but was unsustainable with our fitness levels.

 

2. Gaston was a different player in the second half and really played for the new manager, however his fitness level was found out as he drifted out of the game in the second half and got cramp.

 

3. We were playing against the 5th best team in the country and one of the most physical teams in the league.

 

4. I thought tactically we were better and I had far more confidence in the substitutions.

 

5. I thought Steve Davies was fantastic when he came on for Gaston. Just what we needed to finish the game off.

 

6. Did anyone noticed NC's proud cheshire cat smile at the end of the game. He was very pleased with what he saw.

 

7. Our squad does need strengthening especially with more creativity from the bench.

 

I believe MP is a step forward and I can also see us challenging the top four in years to come.

 

Finally Chelsea, Arsenal and now Everton couldn't beat us. I think one of the big boys will shortly be beaten by us. The only question is which one??

[Mr Saints]

We were in their faces more than usual in the first half.

 

We ran out of steam in the second half (especially Ramirez) and once that happened our creativity faded. That is where we need more strength in depth, they bought on Anichebe and Mirallas. We bought on Steve De Ridder.

[Bwanamakubwa]

Based on the first half rather than the second when we looked shattered:

 

We pressed under Adkins, but it was mainly to force them back. It appeared there was more of a determination to actually win the ball high up the field.

The wide players came off the flanks to run between full backs and centre backs particularly in the first half. a la Ljunberg of old

Lambert made more channel runs than I have seen before.

Defence was higher up the field - first half this worked, second half it enabled Anichebe and the other fella to get in behind our back four

 

More direct rather than working the ball back and across. If there was a forward pass on we took it.

 

I am not saying all of these are good things, but they were the differences I noticed.

[saint-crinny]

For me there was a change in style in terms of the tempo without the ball - you could see the pressing style MP wants and in the first half Everton struggled with that. We havent played with that intensty without the ball before, and that took its toll in the second half, where as much as Everton improved, thought we also ran out of steam - which is probably to be expected.

 

One other observation i had was that we seemed keener to whip in a few crosses last night - on another day that would have payed off and Lambert would have bagged a couple.

 

Think we would have been reflecting on the game differntly had we taken a couple of the fairly straightforward chances that we had in the first half. With the form he's in, bet Lambert cant believe he didnt come away with a goal.

[Pilchards]

I will make a few points.

 

I believe MP is a step forward and I can also see us challenging the top four in years to come.

 

Finally Chelsea, Arsenal and now Everton couldn't beat us. I think one of the big boys will shortly be beaten by us. The only question is which one??

 

I'm glad someone shares my views with the top 4 challenge, we have the money I reckon and plans for a larger stadium.

 

I can't wait for the start of next season as we will have a settled side & it will be exciting watching us drifting in & out around 6th spot.

[Kingsland Red]

I agree with the OP. Whilst Gaston , Puncheon and Guly were fit - for about 60 minutes, we were playing some great football.

However we burnt ourselves out as these players are not 95 minutes fit and then Everton were allowed into the game.

If the ambition of the chairman is matched by the Liebherr Trust for a financially sustainable higher level of football then bring it on .....

[speed demon]

Glass half full and all that I thought it was an excellent performance last night. As some have said prob no different to how it would have been with NA, too early to tell but after all the fuss that has gone on, I was really chuffed with that.

 

We're a totally different team to what we were a few months ago and I've got a sneaky feeling this just might turn out alright.