Ohio Saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Yep, thought it easy. Um....OK then..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Tough game physically (someone tell the Stoke fans that they do play physical...). But they didn't trouble us, not once inch. It was a bit nervy from time to time as we gifted them possession, but they did the grand total of zilch with it and didn't cause us any major headaches. I'm sure we'll have some words after our 2nd half which wasn't great in terms of game control, we seemed very fatigued in general play and mind - but we stuck in there and secured a valuable 3 points in a totally different game to last week, but it's still 3 points. 19 points at this stage is truly unbelievable really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Great win, ground out result which shows character. Pelle looked absolutely kn ackered at the end Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goatboy Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Just back from the game. I love a scrappy win. Cracking finish from Mane puts us second, yes second in the table. I thought Pelle was awesome today. Ran his socks off and deserved a goal. We have a real threat going forward with Tadic picking out both Pelle and Mane with ease. J-Rod will need to pick up where he left off to regain his place. Exciting times. Morgan, Davis and Cork were solid again today. Big Vic came on for Cork in the second half to regain control as Stoke were beginning to get a grip. Thought he did a great job for us again today and is unlucky to be on the bench. Another clean sheet makes me happy but there were a couple of areas today where I thought we could have done better. Firstly, Forster really needs to start taking more control of his area. I thought he looked ponderous when coming off his line today. He is a beast and should be bossing that first third. Also, I thought today was the weakest I have seen Fonte for a while. He had loads of possession but never seemed sure what to do with it. I also thought Bertrand tired in the second half though he may have picked up a knock. I would be tempted to start Targett and Gardos for the cup game and give Fonte and RB a rest. Toby looks better every time I see him play. Would be a coup to sign him. Clyne had a good game today and looks so dangerous getting forward, particularly in the first half. Difficult to moan about the defence too much after yet another clean sheet. Stoke? They played for a draw from the word go. Pulis may be gone but today, plans A, B and C were all hoof it up to Crouch and chase his knockdowns. To be fair, he was their best player by a country mile. A real handful. For all those Stokies who, pre-game, seemed to be suggesting that they had turned into Barcelona, I have three words to p*ss on your bonfire: Charlie f**king Adam. What a fat, whining, dirty carthorse. If that's the best you can offer then good luck. MOTM for me : Pelle. 2nd. Second. We are coming for you Jose. COYS!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I thought Pelle was outstanding today. Not only did he hold the ball up brilliantly, but his workrate off the ball was brilliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I thought Pelle was outstanding today. Not only did he hold the ball up brilliantly' date=' but his workrate off the ball was brilliant.[/quote'] Should have scored at least one! but to be fair I agree, did everything you want your main striker to do today away from the goal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesfp1 Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Can see us finishing top 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohio Saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Can see us finishing top 6 Please stop that! I find myself believing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 (edited) Hard fought win Stoke are just one of those sides that you know are always going to make it scrappy, two home games six points nine goals for none against which ever way you look at it that is a good return. Edited 25 October, 2014 by Toomer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoPints Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 3 points is 3 points. Thought we deserved the win, Stoke offered nothing in front of goal. This. Not sure why I was so nervous at the end as they were hopeless up front. Just worried that they might get a spawny deflection or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc oli Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Bloody Saints; second best again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadhall Saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Never in doubt to the team only us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Toby top man again for me, never seems in trouble calm with the ball, another cleansheet and keeper has little to do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Clean sheet, luvverly jubbly Tadic went off the boil for the last twenty minutes, whether it was a knee in the bum or just tiredness I don't know and I though Long might have come on for him just to dole out some of their own medicine. Perhaps he's being saved for the Cup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambol2K9 Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Good result against a difficult side to break down. Koeman can't be happy with how we closed it out though. Sloppy passing errors and shots from 35 yards. With 5 minutes left we should be keeping possession and slowing the game down. An easy problem to rectify however, onwards and upwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 A battling win against tough and stubborn opposition. We came out of the blocks much faster than last Saturday and were dominating the game, winning the midfield, but Stoke had come as spoilers and parked the bus in front of their goal. It was up to us to break them down and we did on occasion get behind them, but failed to finish. When Pelle hit the post and Mane pounced first to put it away, it was well deserved. Having gone behind, Hughes had to ditch plan A and attempt to get something from the match, so I had anticipated that they would have to come at us, or rely on getting something from a set piece. They have to be one of the best teams for grabbing goals from their lanky beanstalk Crouch and other big burly hulks and at least they no longer have Delap adding a threat from his long throw-ins. But the defence held firm, as did Forster, although he didn't have overmuch to do. I had wondered whether Wanyama would have started the game against such a physical team, but Koeman got it right tactically once again, as we were the better team in the first half and then Koeman brought on the big man when they began to get their heads in front. I had wondered whether we would see Long on for the last 15 mnutes to punish tired legs in their defence, but again on reflection the introduction of Gardos was sound thinking. Ultimately, despite a nervous last 10 minutes when Stoke lumped everything into our box, they failed to break us down and another three points and our defence unbreached for yet another week maintains our momentum, increases the teams self-belief and applies pressure psychologically onto our next victims. This was a sterner test than some others because of the physicality of Stoke, who have some cynical players prepared to put themselves about. I'm sure that Tadic will have been identified as our playmaker and instructions given to nobble him, which they did with a knee in his back, according to Clyne's mime. Dirty bastards. How the referee didn't see it, I'll never know. He was pretty poor throughout, allowing them to tug shirts, hold players down and kick sh*t out of us almost with impunity and then when Stoke's players went down from the merest contact, he was very obliging to them. Stoke are very adept at their gamesmanship, as Moses proved with his dive last week, but today there were another couple of instances where their players found their bootlaces to be a useful device to buy time for a player to return to the pitch or to break up play and waste time. Thankfully the second time it happened, the referee sent the player off and the laces were done up in double quick time. On another occasion we gain a free quick and it was blocked to stop us taking it quickly. A shame that we didn't kick the ball against their player to get him yellow-carded. But despite the poor refereeing and the spoiling tactics of the cynical Stoke, we have come through with the spoils. It won't be pretty viewing on MOTD, but the conclusion from the pundits must be that we can win ugly when the opposition tries to prevent us playing our passing game. As under Pochettino last year, it is almost as if we would do better playing a passing attacking opponent rather than the likes of Stoke, but it is tempting to believe that we might not have got all three points last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohio Saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Any way you look at it, second place even at this early stage of the season is just mental. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SO16_Saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 What this result shows is that this team can win a number of ways. Champagne football last week to win by 8, larger top this to grind out a 1-0. The sign of true champions. ^ that bit was tongue in cheek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I forgot to mention. It was heart-warming to see how Mane ran over to give Koeman a hug after scoring his goal. The players obviously love playing for him and are happy to show how much it means to them to get him results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jampot Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Watched a decent stream of the game, re the Tadic knee to the back. In fact to be fair to the stoke player he wasn't touched.Shown clearly by the replay. Pundits on the stream said it was a tactic to disrupt the play as stoke were getting on top... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Ringwood Saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Impressed with Mane today. Not just hoping forward but in his all round play including tackling and getting the ball back. Pelle also looked so inbilled and love seeing him and tadic...hard game but we are second! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTL Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 They never troubled us, 1-0 flattered them. Pelle was magnificent all game, might not have scored but his link up play was excellent. He's a proper player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Don't think Korman will be entirely satisfied. After controlling the game in the first half Stoke were allowed back into the game in the second half and could have nicked a point. The two errors by Jose stood out as a low point but we got away with them. Given the number of chances, we really should have got a second goal and maybe we would have if at one point in the first half, Tadic had gone for an assist with two Saints available, instead of a weak shot. But am I happy? Absolutely. In the end it's the result that matters and seeing the league table tonight is amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabrone Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Just glad for the 3 points, Stoke are the prem's awkward squad so great to get 3 points. Now let's complete the job and kick them out of the cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Watched a decent stream of the game, re the Tadic knee to the back. In fact to be fair to the stoke player he wasn't touched.Shown clearly by the replay. Pundits on the stream said it was a tactic to disrupt the play as stoke were getting on top... I'm confused by your statement. If it was supposed to have been a kick in the back, how did Tadic know it was coming? Does he have eyes in the back of his head? Regarding the replay, you infer that there was a camera angle that showed conclusively that he was not touched.Therefore i'm guessing that it would have needed to have been adjacent to the right-hand touchline facing from the Northam towards the Chapel, or in the Chapel facing along that touchline. Are there cameras there? And why did Clyne mime that Tadic was kneed in the back? Frankly, I just don't believe the inference that Tadic went down deliberately to break up play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I'm confused by your statement. If it was supposed to have been a kick in the back, how did Tadic know it was coming? Does he have eyes in the back of his head? Regarding the replay, you infer that there was a camera angle that showed conclusively that he was not touched.Therefore i'm guessing that it would have needed to have been adjacent to the right-hand touchline facing from the Northam towards the Chapel, or in the Chapel facing along that touchline. Are there cameras there? And why did Clyne mime that Tadic was kneed in the back? Frankly, I just don't believe the inference that Tadic went down deliberately to break up play. Clyne was the other side of the pitch so I don't know what he could have seen. The alleged incident happened right below me in the Kingsland and right under the assistant's nose and I certainly didn't see any knee but the two players were very close and there may have been some personal contact. Tadic was obviously upset about something and wasn't the same player afterwards. Personally, I think he was having a protest about some earlier incident Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jampot Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I'm confused by your statement. If it was supposed to have been a kick in the back, how did Tadic know it was coming? Does he have eyes in the back of his head? Regarding the replay, you infer that there was a camera angle that showed conclusively that he was not touched.Therefore i'm guessing that it would have needed to have been adjacent to the right-hand touchline facing from the Northam towards the Chapel, or in the Chapel facing along that touchline. Are there cameras there? And why did Clyne mime that Tadic was kneed in the back? Frankly, I just don't believe the inference that Tadic went down deliberately to break up play. Just saying what I saw on the stream. Others must of watched it too and can chip in.The camera angle is your first description. Clyne prob thought he was kneed in the back as did I when I saw it as it happened prior to the replay. The other commentator said something along the lines. "The injury looked worrying as there wasnt actually any contact at all and they can be worse" Then the tactic option was discussed..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max_saints Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 good win! however, I have to admit I did not like the second half one bit. players seem to be giving the ball away far too many times and unnecessarily too. should have been an easy win by at least 2 or 3 goals, after such a good first half. thought RK should have brought on long for the tiring tadic, would have held the ball better higher up the pitch and be a nuisance (which was what we brought him in for anyway) heard the commentators mention that RK has utilised the least amount of subs in the league, which I feel is something he should be taking advantage, both to provide fresh legs and also to waste a bit of time especially in games like today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 (edited) Should have been more comfortable - Pelle deserved a goal and we're increasingly looking a threat from corners, the first time in ages. A few hairy moments -Tadic and few others faded badly towards the end; but ultimately, apart from the Diouf cross and a few speculative second balls that broke kindly, they created nowt. Things were pretty much under control as soon as Wanyama was introduced. Edited 25 October, 2014 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Well chuffed. Stoke are a bunch of awkward sh*ts to play against, and this is the first time we've beaten them in ages, I think. Well done lads. Lets keep it going for the next three league games until the Nightmare Month starts, and we may still even be in the top 6 with a bit of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I should just add... A great finish from Mané, the ball came to him quickly yet he dispatched it cleanly and firmly into the open side of the goal. It would have been very easy for him to have blasted it over the bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I should just add... A great finish from Mané, the ball came to him quickly yet he dispatched it cleanly and firmly into the open side of the goal. It would have been very easy for him to have blasted it over the bar. Agree - it was a brilliant finish, there's no way Mane could have anticipated the shot pinballing to him; yet he took it with such composure. In a parallel universe, somewhere, that chance would have fallen to Long... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goatboy Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I should just add... A great finish from Mané, the ball came to him quickly yet he dispatched it cleanly and firmly into the open side of the goal. It would have been very easy for him to have blasted it over the bar. I think you'll find it was actually bundled over the line by a Stoke player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostBoys Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Stoke were on a damage limitation exercise and not interested in playing football. Hughes is a s**t manager no different to Pulis at Stoke (not Palace) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Munster Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I think you'll find it was actually bundled over the line by a Stoke player. No Stoke player touched it, so the goals panel have awarded it as an own goal by the goal post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I am so genuinely happy I got a lot wrong this summer, I really am. Absolutely brilliant time to be a Saints fan, I can't believe the turnaround achieved in such a short space of time. I'm also taking plenty of glee that those who wanted out seem to be struggling at their new clubs... and I thought many of those players were right to move on. How wrong I was. And it's so nice to read how level-headed Saints fans are about the win against Stoke, unlike the very ungracious Liverpool fans on here: http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=317477.40 So disrespectful to Hull. I bet we won't be underestimating them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Bateman Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I am so genuinely happy I got a lot wrong this summer, I really am. Absolutely brilliant time to be a Saints fan, I can't believe the turnaround achieved in such a short space of time. I'm also taking plenty of glee that those who wanted out seem to be struggling at their new clubs... and I thought many of those players were right to move on. How wrong I was. And it's so nice to read how level-headed Saints fans are about the win against Stoke, unlike the very ungracious Liverpool fans on here: http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=317477.40 So disrespectful to Hull. I bet we won't be underestimating them. "just bored of football." The words of a fan upset at seeing his team lose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St_Tel49 Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Our speed trumped their height. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Any way you look at it, second place even at this early stage of the season is just mental. Yep. If we get the 9 points from the next 3 games that our form predicts we should, we'll be on 28 - a rate that would see us finish on more points than City did last season. It would take a dramatic downturn in form for the rest of the season for us to finish any lower than 6th, IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farawaysaint Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Our speed trumped their height. I was pleasantly surprised by stickman's performance to be fair. A great effort from Crouch, he's still a very useful centre forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graffito Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Another clean sheet. Bit nervy towards the end, not because they threatened but because Saints seemed to run out of steam. Fresh legs required for Wednesday. Great finish by Mane. Let the Dubious Decisions Panel try and take that one off him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedWillie Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Oooo, awkward comment on their Twitter feed !!! 40: Again Pelle with a left foot curler - a cross cum shot that flies wide of Begovic's right-hand post #scfc 3:41pm - 25 Oct 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Just watching MOTD and oh dear Sunderland... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graffito Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 West Brom v Palace now. Perhaps we're really will be on last. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 West Brom v Palace now. Perhaps we're really will be on last. We're next. Liverpool are last. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Seriously, does Warnock ever come out after a game and not moan about refs? It's pretty tedious now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintalan Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 I should just add... A great finish from Mané, the ball came to him quickly yet he dispatched it cleanly and firmly into the open side of the goal. It would have been very easy for him to have blasted it over the bar. The eagle eyed amonst you will have noted the bird flying around the goal at the time. The ball was in fact flying over until the air turbulence from said bird kept it below the bar. It will easily be turned over by the dubious goal panel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Who? Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Love Saints Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarrettIvo Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Just saying what I saw on the stream. Others must of watched it too and can chip in.The camera angle is your first description. Clyne prob thought he was kneed in the back as did I when I saw it as it happened prior to the replay. The other commentator said something along the lines. "The injury looked worrying as there wasnt actually any contact at all and they can be worse" Then the tactic option was discussed..... No stream for me, but a big screen TV with proper vision quality. There was absolutely no knee anywhere Tadic's back or leg or anywhere. So it was either a muscle issue, or it was a tactical collapse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoPints Posted 25 October, 2014 Share Posted 25 October, 2014 Fonte, Schneiderlein and Mane in 'Team of the Week' on MoTD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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