Norwich City 0-0 Southampton // Post-Match Reaction

[scotty]

For me we dodged a few bullets today.

 

For a start, I'd love to know what the deal is with Forren because I don't understand why we would opt to reunite a central defence pairing that was hung, drawn and quartered by almost everyone that played against them. And we played Maya at right back against a team that usually attacks with pace and width. And, on top of that, we didn't start Puncheon, who strengthens our right side offensively and helps with wide coverage defensively.

 

Having said that, it's a game we should have won - and would have won IMO if Pochettino had brought Puncheon on at around the 60-minute mark.

 

My patience and belief regarding Ramirez are evaporating rapidly. I can buy into all the "he's got tons of skill", "he's still very young", and "he's still adapting to the PL" stuff. To a point. But he's too lightweight, especially for a game and weather conditions like that, and there is no excuse - none whatsoever - for failing to beat the first defender with three successive set pieces.

 

I reckon Ramirez has shown conclusively that he oughtn't to be taking set pieces. He's had chance after chance, its just not his thing, awful corners today.

[Tractor_Saint]

MP really not happy at the end of the match. Look at our support though - well done to all those that went!

 

[video=youtube_share;QrKMRMg-9xs]

[Minsk]

All this talk about Adkins.......he had reached his pinnacle.

he was predictable both on and of the pitch.

that doesn't mean Pochettino is better,just that Adkins had fulfilled his remit.

and he was never going to take us forward.

Will Pochettino...? Who knows.....but Nigel was not.

 

No surprise to see you posting this.

 

You were anti-Adkins from the start. After our first promotion under him you said he would take us down again and would get 'found out' by the more experienced managers. Yet, amazingly, he got us promoted again!!!!! Then, after a shaky start against most of the top teams with players finding their feet in the prem, he had us playing well when he was unfairly given the boot.

 

So please excuse me if I completely disregard your inane drivel!!!!!

[Bearsy]

These are free advices for Poncho to help us get more goals!

 

1) LAMBART needs to spend more time in & around 6 yard box!

b) LALANNAS ain't allowed to shoot. If he gets chance to pass it in net that's ok but he ain't allowed to smack it over bar no more!

iv) PUNCHON needs to play cos he's best form winger!

[Minsk]

I reckon Ramirez has shown conclusively that he oughtn't to be taking set pieces. He's had chance after chance, its just not his thing, awful corners today.

 

Yes his corners were shocking today. Yet, he also came the closest to scoring (again) and would have but for a fine save from Bunn.

[NewYorkSaint]

We all underestimate the role of luck in football. If just one of the 15+ shots on goal goes in, we're 1-0 winners, and you can bet that the entire narrative of this thread would be completely different. It would then have been a spectacular away win against a strong side who we'd made look average. And yet everything about the game would have been exactly the same... EXCEPT for one microsecond adjustment or one slight rebound or, or, or... And every game is like that. The 'better' team, even the better team on the day, only wins maybe 60-70% of the time. That's because football games are often settled by a single goal. ...and in the circumstances that lead to any goal, there is ALWAYS an element of luck.

 

Personally, I look at the overall quality of Saints play, the amount we dominate possession, and have done the past 10 games, and the long-term track-record of people like Ricky Lambert, and I feel pretty confident we'll make it. Yes, frustrating so many chances were missed... but brutal conditions, and taking the season overall, we are great goal scorers.

 

There's no question we were the better overall team today. I don't think Norwich are going down. We're better than Norwich, even playing them away. We'll be OK. (Probably.)

[saints_is_the_south]

Hopefully we'll be able to reflect on this as a point gained, and not 2 lost come May. Boruc save could be vital in the long run.

 

Saw one post saying 'that was an embarrassment'. Wtf?

 

We've dominated possession and chances against a team who have beaten Man Utd, Arsenal & Everton, drawn with Spurs and narrowly lost to City and Chelsea at home.

 

Need to start converting our chances, but I'd be a lot more concerned if we weren't creating chances at all.

[pangy]

Pace is something we lack in the team and it is going to be our own downfall,we literally have nobody in the team who is quick,we cant break quickly,we cant run it down the wing,every time we do break its passed out to Lambert on the left and he has to wait for players to get in the box and by that time the defenders are back.and nobody other than Lambert will be winning headers in the box !!

 

Punch is the only one with a bit of pace and when he was on form he was giving the full backs a real tough time,Lallana is not having the same effect down the left as he has no pace all he has these days is that Cruyff turn and that has done nothing in along time.

 

Every team that plays the formation we do 4-2-3-1 has rapid wingers and overlapping full backs,we have the full backs just not the wingers

 

I believe if we had a pacy winger down the left we would create and score a lot more.would mean Lambert would not need to drop out wide as much but could concentrate in actually being in the box instead

 

Why we never bought one in Jan is beyond me

[dubai_phil]

Wtf is this weather? Horrid drive home great day out Boruc star

[rshephard3]

Saint Lard, Wonder how Manchester United would have fared if they'd taken your view with Ferguson all those years ago. Adkins was learning. It is unfair not to make a distinction between a manager learning and one who is out of his depth. I reckon Nigel well and truly fell into the first category.

[saintsmike25]

Pace is something we lack in the team and it is going to be our own downfall,we literally have nobody in the team who is quick,we cant break quickly,we cant run it down the wing,every time we do break its passed out to Lambert on the left and he has to wait for players to get in the box and by that time the defenders are back.and nobody other than Lambert will be winning headers in the box !!

 

Punch is the only one with a bit of pace and when he was on form he was giving the full backs a real tough time,Lallana is not having the same effect down the left as he has no pace all he has these days is that Cruyff turn and that has done nothing in along time.

 

Every team that plays the formation we do 4-2-3-1 has rapid wingers and overlapping full backs,we have the full backs just not the wingers

 

I believe if we had a pacy winger down the left we would create and score a lot more.would mean Lambert would not need to drop out wide as much but could concentrate in actually being in the box instead

 

Why we never bought one in Jan is beyond me

 

Disagree.

 

Shaw, Puncheon, Clyne, Jay Rod, Mayuka, Gaston are all relativily quick players. Lambert has ALWAYS dropped out wide since the Championship days, he does not like to stay in the box. He wants to be involved in everything.

[ART]

The players did better today especially seeing they were handicapped by Pochettino inapt team selection and totql inability to once again come up with a game plan to counter Norwich and win. His substitutions show he's out of his depth, hasn't got a clue. I agree entirely with Wes Tender's assessment of the situation and it's going to get worse in the remaining games. Pochettino brings to Saints on of the worst hopes for the future of any previous manager. He has a full squad but is incapable of picking a winning team. Ricky Lambert was one of the best captain choices whilst Lallana brings absolute nothing to the position and ends up like a headless chicken as a result. What player can be influenced and inspired by the way Adam is carrying on?

[Chewy]

So many of today's posts are saying how rubbish our creative players were and how rubbish we are going forward. We've created something like 35 chances is 2 games. The issue is clearly one of finishing, not the general standard of play or the creative abilities of the players selected. But its easier to slate ramirez than lambert isnt it ( neither deserve it imho). we are playing well, we just need composure in finishing. That is a very different scenario than the one painted by many on here - that we are sh1t, being embarrassed by inferior teams, and going down and probably going bust too.

 

For the second week running, all I want to say to most of you is get a grip.

[saintsmike25]

I think Pochettino is under pressure to play Ramirez despite his poor form by Cortese, more out of pride and the hard work it took to get Ramirez here. The problem is, he's just not on the same page to other players. He needs to work on his set pieces.

We played very well against a tough Norwich side that we couldn't break down. I actually think we will beat Liverpool with our style, much like we beat Man City. We struggle against teams that sit deep, but against attacking sides our pressing game suits us. The fact is, what we need is Morgan to get back on form, he wasn't really at his best in the last 3 games. As soon as he loses his form, we lose our way.

 

Of course Puncheon should be playing too, and putting Yosh at right back was a poor choice. But, in the end it was a good point - but we need to be winning games like that where we dominate, it's frustrating as a fan to see us snatch our chances like that. Just one of those day sadly.

[Puddings and Monkeys]

So many of today's posts are saying how rubbish our creative players were and how rubbish we are going forward. We've created something like 35 chances is 2 games. The issue is clearly one of finishing, not the general standard of play or the creative abilities of the players selected. But its easier to slate ramirez than lambert isnt it ( neither deserve it imho). we are playing well, we just need composure in finishing. That is a very different scenario than the one painted by many on here - that we are sh1t, being embarrassed by inferior teams, and going down and probably going bust too.

 

 

For the second week running, all I want to say to most of you is get a grip.

 

 

Well said. Hysterical tarts the lot of you!

[Saint Charlie]

The players did better today especially seeing they were handicapped by Pochettino inapt team selection and totql inability to once again come up with a game plan to counter Norwich and win. His substitutions show he's out of his depth, hasn't got a clue. I agree entirely with Wes Tender's assessment of the situation and it's going to get worse in the remaining games. Pochettino brings to Saints on of the worst hopes for the future of any previous manager. He has a full squad but is incapable of picking a winning team. Ricky Lambert was one of the best captain choices whilst Lallana brings absolute nothing to the position and ends up like a headless chicken as a result. What player can be influenced and inspired by the way Adam is carrying on?

 

I was at the game and most of what you say is wrong.

 

Pochettino's tactics outplayed Hughton's all day.

 

It was wayward finishing that cost us, not selection, subs or tactics.

[Window Cleaner]

Well said. Hysterical tarts the lot of you!

 

Not all hysterical tarts at all. Unfortunately the forum has been infested by 3 or 4 trolls (or 1 troll with 3 or 4 incarnations) and they just love spreading doom and gloom. As we all know misery loves company. Nothing wrong with today's performance but if we could score we would be so much better.

[Minsk]

I think Pochettino is under pressure to play Ramirez despite his poor form by Cortese, more out of pride and the hard work it took to get Ramirez here. The problem is, he's just not on the same page to other players. He needs to work on his set pieces.

We played very well against a tough Norwich side that we couldn't break down. I actually think we will beat Liverpool with our style, much like we beat Man City. We struggle against teams that sit deep, but against attacking sides our pressing game suits us. The fact is, what we need is Morgan to get back on form, he wasn't really at his best in the last 3 games. As soon as he loses his form, we lose our way.

 

Of course Puncheon should be playing too, and putting Yosh at right back was a poor choice. But, in the end it was a good point - but we need to be winning games like that where we dominate, it's frustrating as a fan to see us snatch our chances like that. Just one of those day sadly.

 

This article - http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/statszone/archive/2013/03/08/the-unsung-ball-winner-stopping-the-premier-league-in-its-tracks.aspx shows you are wrong about Morgan.

 

As for Gaston, he scored a very well taken goal last week and almost did so again today (bar for a good save from Bunn); certainly he came the closest to scoring for us. As for his being on another wave length, maybe that is because technically he is far superior to the players he is trying to play in? I do agree that his corners were crud today though.

[Saint Garrett]

Set pieces aside I thought Gaston had a decent game today.

[pangy]

Disagree.

 

Shaw, Puncheon, Clyne, Jay Rod, Mayuka, Gaston are all relativily quick players. Lambert has ALWAYS dropped out wide since the Championship days, he does not like to stay in the box. He wants to be involved in everything.

 

Not quick enough to beat a man and put in a cross though,you look at all the top teams they have very quick wingers that attack full backs and get balls in this is something we do not do enough of

 

 

 

I know Lambert has always done that but for me on a whole him out wide is ineffective on a couple of occasions this season we have scored from it but 9 times out of ten nothing comes from it,he is our lone striker why is he out wide? he should be in the box waiting for a cross or a rebound.because the other players around are not that quick to get in the box Lambert holds it up defenders get back and inevitably win back the ball,

Edited 9 March, 2013 by pangy

[rooney]

Loads of chances & poor corners, still giving the ball away easily ,cost us the three points today. We were much the better side.

[Sheaf Saint]

This article - http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/statszone/archive/2013/03/08/the-unsung-ball-winner-stopping-the-premier-league-in-its-tracks.aspx shows you are wrong about Morgan.

 

As for Gaston, he scored a very well taken goal last week and almost did so again today (bar for a good save from Bunn); certainly he came the closest to scoring for us. As for his being on another wave length, maybe that is because technically he is far superior to the players he is trying to play in? I do agree that his corners were crud today though.

 

It's not just today though. His set-piece delivery has been really poor every time I have seen him play this season. Can't hit the shots on target and can't seem to even beat the first man most of the time. It's not just him either - this is a real problem area for us - quality delivery into the box. The best ball-in I saw all game today came from Fonte on the right wing, which AL couldn't quite latch on to. If we have to rely on him getting forward to produce the kind of quality we need to supply Rickie up front then that is a genuine worry.

[pingwing]

Set pieces aside I thought Gaston had a decent game today.

 

Agreed, first half he was unlucky not to score or set up a couple, second half he faded a bit as Norwich got really tight on him and needed to come off earlier (same for Lallana)

[Puddings and Monkeys]

Not all hysterical tarts at all. Unfortunately the forum has been infested by 3 or 4 trolls (or 1 troll with 3 or 4 incarnations) and they just love spreading doom and gloom. As we all know misery loves company. Nothing wrong with today's performance but if we could score we would be so much better.

 

You are right. It's a shame that these "funny" people mess things up for others. I suppose they think they are funny/clever/cool.

[Cabrone]

Decent point at a tough ground.

 

Whoever called Boruc 'a clown' on here must be feeling a right chump now.

 

Still 4 points of relegation but as I've been saying all along this is going to be a real scrap to survive.

[Saint Garrett]

Gaston is probably the only player we have who tries to 'whip' the ball in. We put far too many crosses into the box which are just floated in which makes it a lot harder to score from. Headers from 10 yards don't have enough pace and give the keeper an opportunity to read it. Rickie can generate a bit of pace on his own but a lot of his headed goals are placed in the corners. Jrod isn't a powerful player and neither is Lallana, Gaston or Punch.

 

On the subject of wingers with pace who can put a decent ball in.....if a winger has these two characteristics then they will play for a much better side than us. Fact is these players aren't particularly common and when they are found they are worth millions...I.e Bale/Ronaldo. Other clubs have to settle for either/or generally.

[ericofarabia]

I was at the game and most of what you say is wrong.

 

Pochettino's tactics outplayed Hughton's all day.

 

It was wayward finishing that cost us, not selection, subs or tactics.[/quote

 

Thank God for that - I was beginning to think I had imagined us virtually dominate the game, played more like the home team and with a bit more composure/skill and/or luck could have won this game convincingly.

 

Ramiraz was probably our most effective player until he started to fade in the 2nd half and was subbed.

Yet another game where the officials let numerous fouls on SRL go unpunished.

I for one was pretty impressed at how well in the main we played and passed on a pitch that looked more suited to growing carrots and turnips in than play skillful passing football on.

But we really must start turning our number of goal attempts into goals scored.

 

Before KO most of us would have taken the point, but after the match I feel it was 2 points dropped.

 

Every game left is a Cup Final, hope we are up for it.

[Saint_John]

Clattenburg is a rubbish ref, he had a shocker in the home game against Norwich and his decision making was poor again today. We played a decent game, but nothing more.

 

Have to say the matchday thread was depressing with certain posters trolling all through game. That brings me to another point, this place is becoming more depressing by the week. I read the forum as I don't live local and like to read reports from people who have been to the games (and some posts some good reports with interesting views) and who have heard news about the club that doesn't get put on the OS. However some (Barry Sanchez, Miltonroader, Dalek, 110 Saint etc) seem to think they have to post their ridiculous comments over and over again until someone reacts to them. Putting them on ignore solves only half the problem as others will quote them.

 

Rant over.

 

Back on topic,

Pleased with point we gained, thought we could of had more, but it wasn't to be today. Chelsea and Liverpool next and I can see us getting something from those 2 games, we play better against top clubs than we do against our rivals.

 

COYRs

That's the 4th time we have had Clattenburg this season and he has been rubbish in all the games.(a) 2-2 at home to Fulham where we were 1-0 up and he disallowed a second from the corner for a non-existent push on the keeper. (b) Norwich 1-1 at home when he gave them a non-existent free kick on the edge of our area after 45 mins. © 3-3 stoke where he gave them hundreds of freekicks in the last 20 mins after he s/o one of their players.

I also agree it is best to IGNORE those 4 posters.

[Olallana]

I was at the game and most of what you say is wrong.

 

Pochettino's tactics outplayed Hughton's all day.

 

It was wayward finishing that cost us, not selection, subs or tactics.[/quote

 

Thank God for that - I was beginning to think I had imagined us virtually dominate the game, played more like the home team and with a bit more composure/skill and/or luck could have won this game convincingly.

 

Ramiraz was probably our most effective player until he started to fade in the 2nd half and was subbed.

Yet another game where the officials let numerous fouls on SRL go unpunished.

I for one was pretty impressed at how well in the main we played and passed on a pitch that looked more suited to growing carrots and turnips in than play skillful passing football on.

But we really must start turning our number of goal attempts into goals scored.

 

Before KO most of us would have taken the point, but after the match I feel it was 2 points dropped.

 

Every game left is a Cup Final, hope we are up for it.

 

Ref´s these days cant spot a foul if the player dont go to the ground.....it´s getting ridicolous and sometimes you understand players for going down easy.

[sammysaint]

Most have covered the game and performances, positives are we played well at times and will beat teams and Wigans next game is Man City, so if Wigan lose as they should then this is a point gained and were in a comfortable position going into 2 tough games where if we can draw one we can stay out the bottom 3 going into the Reading game.

[Leicestersaint]

Disappointed not to win - glad to get a point at the end - we really do need to practise scoring goals!

[ottery st mary]

Not all hysterical tarts at all. Unfortunately the forum has been infested by 3 or 4 trolls (or 1 troll with 3 or 4 incarnations) and they just love spreading doom and gloom. As we all know misery loves company. Nothing wrong with today's performance but if we could score we would be so much better.

 

 

Totally agree.

 

Saints did very well ...except for the finishing.

 

Good point...could easily have been 3...

 

The trolls/the troll....just pathetic.

 

Well played Boruc.

 

 

Forgot to mention..........Another useless referee...Absolute tripe...

Edited 9 March, 2013 by ottery st mary

[ivangolac]

good point , if we had won last week then we would be right on track , but thats not the Saints way is it.

[corky morris]

The rent boys bleating about the penalty are so bias, what about the Rodriguez one in the Villa game? What goes around comes around and we got lucky that Boruc saved it.

And that completely ignores the penalties we should have had at Citeh, Newcastle & about 5 other places this year. The so called best ref's in the league (Webb & Clattenburg) have ref's 7 of oour games this year & we aint won one of them!!!! All of them have had contentious decisions go against us.

And for those asking where Puncheon was - he was probably left out for being total poop last week against QPR!!

A point gained!

[Wade Garrett]

That's the 4th time we have had Clattenburg this season and he has been rubbish in all the games.(a) 2-2 at home to Fulham where we were 1-0 up and he disallowed a second from the corner for a non-existent push on the keeper. (b) Norwich 1-1 at home when he gave them a non-existent free kick on the edge of our area after 45 mins. © 3-3 stoke where he gave them hundreds of freekicks in the last 20 mins after he s/o one of their players.

I also agree it is best to IGNORE those 4 posters.

 

Hopefully a mod with b*loocks will just ban the boring, annoying c*nts.

[Wade Garrett]

Disappointed not to win - glad to get a point at the end - we really do need to practise scoring goals!

 

Simple, but bang on the button.

[The Kraken]

Hopefully a mod with b*loocks will just ban the boring, annoying c*nts.

 

Why don't you just ignore them if it bothers you so much? There's a perfectly good ignore function to help you along too, apparently.

 

Christ, there really are some sensitive bell-ends on here lately. "Boo hoo, he said something I disagree with, shut down the forum immediately". Pathetic.

[Tractor_Saint]

Set pieces aside I thought Gaston had a decent game today.

 

Yup - he was sh*te at set pieces but at least he looked good when he walked off the pitch. The only value add he gave today.

[rpb]

For a good balanced view of our performance, it is sometimes better to look at the opposition's website...

 

http://services.pinkun.com/forums/pinkun/cs/forums/2882484/ShowPost.aspx

[Olallana]

No MOTM polls lately?

 

Today I actually think I would go for Jos. Thought he came back very good from being dropped last week.

That´s what you want to see from players do after being dropped.

[Saint Garrett]

Boruc or Cork for me

[Chewy]

That's the 4th time we have had Clattenburg this season and he has been rubbish in all the games.(a) 2-2 at home to Fulham where we were 1-0 up and he disallowed a second from the corner for a non-existent push on the keeper. (b) Norwich 1-1 at home when he gave them a non-existent free kick on the edge of our area after 45 mins. © 3-3 stoke where he gave them hundreds of freekicks in the last 20 mins after he s/o one of their players.

I also agree it is best to IGNORE those 4 posters.

 

Um, the free kick he gave to Norwich at our place was correct, and shaw did push holt today ...

[austsaint]

The players did better today especially seeing they were handicapped by Pochettino inapt team selection and totql inability to once again come up with a game plan to counter Norwich and win. His substitutions show he's out of his depth, hasn't got a clue. I agree entirely with Wes Tender's assessment of the situation and it's going to get worse in the remaining games. Pochettino brings to Saints on of the worst hopes for the future of any previous manager. He has a full squad but is incapable of picking a winning team. Ricky Lambert was one of the best captain choices whilst Lallana brings absolute nothing to the position and ends up like a headless chicken as a result. What player can be influenced and inspired by the way Adam is carrying on?

 

Certainly agree that AL wearing the {c} armband is largely ineffective - he doesn't look like an inspirational leader on the park. As for substitutions, the one I found strangest today was bringing JWP on, at his age and stage I can't see what he brings to a crucial scrap in tough conditions as we face a fight for survival, surely someone like Davis coming on would have given more to the side.

[grammy]

I was at the game and most of what you say is wrong.

 

Pochettino's tactics outplayed Hughton's all day.

 

It was wayward finishing that cost us, not selection, subs or tactics.

 

Couldn't agree more. Was there too. Created enough chances today to win 2 or 3 games. J-Rod, AL and SRL had an off day. Gaston was our most creative player first half but not sure if him and AL together is too much of a luxury away from home. Good point today.

[Um Bongo]

If only Lallana had shooting boots....

 

The 'penalty' never was, have seen it, Holt is running out of the penalty area and legs appear to be tangled - Not a pen in my eyes and glad the **** Rickie Lambert missed.

[CaneNero]

Certainly agree that AL wearing the {c} armband is largely ineffective - he doesn't look like an inspirational leader on the park. As for substitutions, the one I found strangest today was bringing JWP on, at his age and stage I can't see what he brings to a crucial scrap in tough conditions as we face a fight for survival, surely someone like Davis coming on would have given more to the side.

 

Agreed. JWP isn't quite ready yet. Definite for the future, but not now.

[warsash saint]

The players did better today especially seeing they were handicapped by Pochettino inapt team selection and totql inability to once again come up with a game plan to counter Norwich and win. His substitutions show he's out of his depth, hasn't got a clue. I agree entirely with Wes Tender's assessment of the situation and it's going to get worse in the remaining games. Pochettino brings to Saints on of the worst hopes for the future of any previous manager. He has a full squad but is incapable of picking a winning team. Ricky Lambert was one of the best captain choices whilst Lallana brings absolute nothing to the position and ends up like a headless chicken as a result. What player can be influenced and inspired by the way Adam is carrying on?

 

So you honestly don't think that Saints outplayed Norwich ??

[Crab Lungs]

But I increasingly feel that Adkins had more about him strategically and also in terms of ability to motivate the players and give them self-belief after they had suffered a reversal.

 

This. He created a brilliant vibe, an attitude.. and we were far more incisive in our attacking play. I really do fear for us now... other teams are coming good while we're just... plodding. I hope MP can turn it around........ we do play some decent stuff but I can't be the only one getting sick of dominating teams but continuously failing to put them away...

[Wade Garrett]

Changed my mind, never a penalty, not that it mattered anyway.

 

Lallana and Lambert both missed chances that have to be put away at this level. Good performances alone are not enough, we have to make our dominance count.

 

Hopefully none of the teams below us will win any of their next couple of games.

[Barry Sanchez]

Not a penalty but the first one was so it evens out, greatbsave by Boruc and he saved us a point, Ramirez truly is a waste of £12million.