Hull v Saints - Match thread and reactions

[Whitey Grandad]

Another clean sheet - luvverly

 

This is getting seriously scary now.

[View From The Top]

What I can't get used to is how calm everyone is on the pitch. No panic, no drama just cool, calm and collective football.

 

Bloody brilliant.

[NewYorkSaint]

Originally Posted by Guan 2.0:

"Who was pressuring their keeper before Wanyama scored?

 

Great to see."

Thought it was Long and I noticed that as well, 1/4 of the credit should go to him

 

Actually, pretty sure it was Pelle... though Long is a great harrier. I agree that 1/4 the credit due for forcing the error.

[Charlie Wayman]

Well done once again to the lads. Where they get their stamina from is anybody's guess but boy did they look knackered at the end. City, Gooners and Manure in 7 days is going to be one hell of a test of strength and character but arguably it may have been much tougher physically playing Stoke twice in succession.

[Mr Saints]

Wow.

 

I'm starting to get scared now.

[kwsaint]

2nd on MOTD tonight. They might just have noticed us

[Patrick Bateman]

It feels weird watching Saints manage to pull off these really hard fought wins, 2x Stoke and against Hull today - they are all matches we would have lost by the reverse score a few years ago. The difference is that I really do think the coaching staff are flipping brilliant and able to react and make the right changes at the right times.

 

If we keep winning against these sides, in matches we WOULD have lost before, then we can afford to get a draw or even lose against the "top sides". But f**k that, I honestly feel we could turn most teams over now and if the players feel that, coupled with excellent tactical awareness ... what a season this could be.

 

I hope I don't regret typing this in May but, this feels special this year, much much more so than last year where we inevitably got undone by a shallow squad, worse tactics and players with their heads in Liver-f**king-pool ...

 

Plus, we're Saints, we lose 7-1 at Everton or Spurs once a season. We don't dish out 8-0 thrashings and grind out 1-0s with an outrageous number of clean sheets ........

[Goatboy]

Hull have been very gracious in defeat for our last 3 games.

 

This. Huddlestone in particular.

[shurlock]

On a side-note, thought it was an excellent prematch tribute. Very dignified. One of the best I've been present for.

Edited 1 November, 2014 by shurlock

[ericb]

It feels weird watching Saints manage to pull off these really hard fought wins, 2x Stoke and against Hull today - they are all matches we would have lost by the reverse score a few years ago. The difference is that I really do think the coaching staff are flipping brilliant and able to react and make the right changes at the right times.

 

If we keep winning against these sides, in matches we WOULD have lost before, then we can afford to get a draw or even lose against the "top sides". But f**k that, I honestly feel we could turn most teams over now and if the players feel that, coupled with excellent tactical awareness ... what a season this could be.

 

I hope I don't regret typing this in May but, this feels special this year, much much more so than last year where we inevitably got undone by a shallow squad, worse tactics and players with their heads in Liver-f**king-pool ...

 

Plus, we're Saints, we lose 7-1 at Everton or Spurs once a season. We don't dish out 8-0 thrashings and grind out 1-0s with an outrageous number of clean sheets ........

 

****ing lovely init mush? I keep having to pinch myself and check i haven't just woken up from some ****ed up alcohol induced dream!

[Wiggles31]

It feels weird watching Saints manage to pull off these really hard fought wins, 2x Stoke and against Hull today - they are all matches we would have lost by the reverse score a few years ago. The difference is that I really do think the coaching staff are flipping brilliant and able to react and make the right changes at the right times.

 

If we keep winning against these sides, in matches we WOULD have lost before, then we can afford to get a draw or even lose against the "top sides". But f**k that, I honestly feel we could turn most teams over now and if the players feel that, coupled with excellent tactical awareness ... what a season this could be.

 

I hope I don't regret typing this in May but, this feels special this year, much much more so than last year where we inevitably got undone by a shallow squad, worse tactics and players with their heads in Liver-f**king-pool ...

 

Plus, we're Saints, we lose 7-1 at Everton or Spurs once a season. We don't dish out 8-0 thrashings and grind out 1-0s with an outrageous number of clean sheets ........

 

Totally agree.

 

This is a new era of Saints. Who would have thought it in July!

 

The fact that we can get totally buzzing about the league then in the background we have a quarter final. The FA Cup 3 round hasn't even been drawn yet.

[Saint_clark]

[Shroppie]

:):)

[CanadaSaint]

Hull competed very well in midfield and I was glad to see Ben Arfa fade out of the game, as he usually does. I think they'll finish in the top half.

 

It struck me that the 8-0 win over Sunderland has made teams very cautious when they play us. They seem focused on spoiling us rather than beating us, and that's made it more difficult for us to ping the ball around the way we like to do.

 

We also made some strange passes to Hull players this afternoon, and I'm wondering if, in that decision-making instant, our guys experienced the same problem as me - needing a second glance to make sure that a striped shirt was one of ours.

 

Still, that's an excellent result.

[CanadaSaint]

:):)

 

That "Goals Against" number is beyond stunning - half that of our nearest rivals.

[Shroppie]

So does a moderately p!ssed Shroppie :)

Edited 1 November, 2014 by Shroppie

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Just back from my first away game of the season and some observations

 

Firstly that is a bloody long way to go for a there and back away game, 9 hours in the car! But it was worth it because I saw a “man against boys” performance. Hull puffed and put pressure on but the defence was magnificent and Forster did not have to make a save of note. Some have said it was a “dirty” victory but that is not quite accurate as we played plenty of good football and quite frankly should have won by more than one goal (the one criticism I have at the moment is we are too wasteful in front of goal). But considering we had a tough away game in midweek and they did not today's win really was truly praiseworthy.

 

Wanyama was awesome this afternoon, his low centre of gravity coupled with his physique makes him the perfect defensive rock/pivot and Schneiderlin just uses him like a wall to play one/twos off. Davis is now integral to our midfield, he was so industrious today but tellingly his industry never went to waste. If only he could finish. Pelle must be getting knackered and I am concerned we have no back up (like for like) for him at present especially as he is only one booking away from suspension. Gallagher is injured but for reasons unknown the club don’t want to tell us how seriously.

 

Hodgson was there today but gawd knows who he was watching, after his shocking decision to promote Chambers from the U21s over Clyne for the recent 2 England games I have lost all faith and respect for him. He has done us no favours in recent months and we can do without his patronage.

A final word on the Hull fans, what a nice bunch of people they were, so complimentary about us and the game was played in a pleasant atmosphere with our away support yet again mightily impressive. On the way home tonight on the car radio I heard Jose Mourinhio praising the “fantastic remarkable Southampton” which was music to my ears. If our squad was deeper I would be starting to believe in our chances of a top four place (mad I know) but I fear the winter, heavier pitches and a few injuries to key players such as Pelle. But 10 wins out of 11 games is frankly unbelievable and Koeman - calmness personified - deserves a massive pat on the back, I far prefer him to MP as he seems so much more grounded. Oh and a final word, surely to God Jack Cork’s contract situation should be sorted sooner rather than later? I would hate to lose him next close season.

[John Boy Saint]

On a side-note, thought it was an excellent prematch tribute. Very dignified. One of the best I've been present for.

And superbly observed (except by the catering staff clattering about behind us).

 

Just back from an eventful day, as we departed Watford Gap we were smug in the car as to how far ahead of schedule we were then bang someone drives up our backside on the slip road.

Anyway got to Hull in plenty of time which was a relief especially with big Vic lofting one in from well over 30yards out with 2 minutes and 1 second on the clock, walking out of the ground after the game we were chatting to a a Hull fan and his lad and they said they were right behind Wanyamas strike and were amazed how well he hit it as "the ball started well outside the post and curved in beautifully".

Now Hull knew what they had to do and we knew what we had to do, and to be fair to Hull they certainly had a damn good huff and puff at our defensive door and we remained stout and resolute in the task. Wanyama was solid breaking up play all the time. The chances we had, especially on the break, to put the game to bed were numerous, but then grinding out 3 points away from home having scored in the second minute was very impressive.

 

Now to the so called Saints fans around us. It's a damn good job the traditional old flat razor blades are not so readily available otherwise there would have been blood pouring down the terrace from the number of opened up veins, the moaning and mithering at the merest minor error was amazing.......... I think some of our fans spend too much time thrashing their 2 year old kids or Grandpa playing FIFA15 or whatever, as listening to some of the cobblers this afternoon they expect CGI football in real life!! Take a chill pill guys and enjoy the ride.

 

All in all a smashing day out all round.

[Shroppie]

Just back from my first away game of the season and some observations

 

Firstly that is a bloody long way to go for a there and back away game, 9 hours in the car! But it was worth it because I saw a “man against boys” performance. Hull puffed and put pressure on but the defence was magnificent and Forster did not have to make a save of note. Some have said it was a “dirty” victory but that is not quite accurate as we played plenty of good football and quite frankly should have won by more than one goal (the one criticism I have at the moment is we are too wasteful in front of goal). But considering we had a tough away game in midweek and they did not today's win really was truly praiseworthy.

 

Wanyama was awesome this afternoon, his low centre of gravity coupled with his physique makes him the perfect defensive rock/pivot and Schneiderlin just uses him like a wall to play one/twos off. Davis is now integral to our midfield, he was so industrious today but tellingly his industry never went to waste. If only he could finish. Pelle must be getting knackered and I am concerned we have no back up (like for like) for him at present especially as he is only one booking away from suspension. Gallagher is injured but for reasons unknown the club don’t want to tell us how seriously.

 

Hodgson was there today but gawd knows who he was watching, after his shocking decision to promote Chambers from the U21s over Clyne for the recent 2 England games I have lost all faith and respect for him. He has done us no favours in recent months and we can do without his patronage.

A final word on the Hull fans, what a nice bunch of people they were, so complimentary about us and the game was played in a pleasant atmosphere with our away support yet again mightily impressive. On the way home tonight on the car radio I heard Jose Mourinhio praising the “fantastic remarkable Southampton” which was music to my ears. If our squad was deeper I would be starting to believe in our chances of a top four place (mad I know) but I fear the winter, heavier pitches and a few injuries to key players such as Pelle. But 10 wins out of 11 games is frankly unbelievable and Koeman - calmness personified - deserves a massive pat on the back, I far prefer him to MP as he seems so much more grounded. Oh and a final word, surely to God Jack Cork’s contract situation should be sorted sooner rather than later? I would hate to lose him next close season.

I'll happily agree with your excellent observations.

 

I always enjoy a day in Hull: apart from a few idiots (and it has to be said provoked by idiots of our own) the fans are friendly, enjoy talking about the game and give credit where due.

 

And I think Hull are a decent side who should have no trouble staying up.

[rick1976.4.38]

just back from the game,have to say how good our support was today.

that was one great away day.

no comment on the game as I feel the support is worth mentioning

we march on

[Bucks Saint]

Support sounded magnificent today, esp 2nd half

[Minty]

Really good comments on MOTD this evening, highlighting Clyne (who was my MOTM) in depth, both his defending and attacking. His all round game really is superb, great to see some more recognition for him. Wanyama also highlighted in much the same way, for his defensive screening, and of course the goal. The final point they made was that 7 of our 11 have been ever-present in the league this season, strong consistency.

[angelman]

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but Steve Bruce......how refreshing it is to hear his interviews (hence why I like him so much). He doesn't do what most managers do when they lose and say, "I thought that we were the better team in the first half and deserved something from the game". So refreshing to be as unbiased as he possibly can in his interviews.

[Leslie Charteris]

Indeed, respect to Steve Bruce, but, 6 clean sheets and 5 goals conceded, am I dreaming? We really must be a good team!

[whelk]

On a side-note, thought it was an excellent prematch tribute. Very dignified. One of the best I've been present for.

 

Only saw it on the tv but agree was very good. Bugle can make it more emotional for some reason.

[whelk]

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but Steve Bruce......how refreshing it is to hear his interviews (hence why I like him so much). He doesn't do what most managers do when they lose and say, "I thought that we were the better team in the first half and deserved something from the game". So refreshing to be as unbiased as he possibly can in his interviews.

 

Always so dignified. Seems a really nice fella and wish Hull well.

[Chez]

Chez - I am assuming you no longer think we are relegation candidates (after the summer exodus)? Not trying to be snarky as you are one of the posters whose posts I truly do enjoy reading - but we really appear to have upgraded on every player who left in the summer.

 

You'd assume right. It's been amazing. Unbelievable maybe? I thought Schneiderlin had gone and there would be no turning back from that, but keeping him has made a big difference. Morgan is the premierships best kept secret for me. If I became manager of any of the big sides he would be my first signing.The Pelle signing was equally important. For all the nice football we play you still need a big strong fella up the front to be the focal point and he has been brilliant. Great first touch and now goals a plenty.

 

I still think manure got Shaw for a bargain and I'm not 100% convinced yet by Long, Forster and Bertrand, but it's only been five minutes so it will be interesting to see them continue to improve.

 

I do wonder how we will do against the to sides one after the other. But that said we gave them all, Chelsea apart, the run around at our place last season, so,why the hell not this? The big sides are put on a pedestal, but they are only human.

 

Has a relegation favourite ever won the top flight before?

[Chez]

Really good comments on MOTD this evening, highlighting Clyne (who was my MOTM) in depth, both his defending and attacking. His all round game really is superb, great to see some more recognition for him. Wanyama also highlighted in much the same way, for his defensive screening, and of course the goal. The final point they made was that 7 of our 11 have been ever-present in the league this season, strong consistency.

 

That last point is very important. Last season our form dropped off a cliff when we lost Lovren to injury. This season Koeman is playing key players in the league cup, which I like, but that increases the risk of losing them to injury. Can we continue to win games if we lost Fonte for a month or Tadic or Pelle. We have replacements, but is the edge lost?

[Bearsy]

What Is The Deal With Corners, yo? We seem to play like half of them short and I'm ok with that, sometimes we catch bros out. But when we toss them in, Tadic in particular, he keeps hitting the first bro. Is this Tactic, or shitness? I'm also not sure bout outswingers, we seemed to prefer them under Poch too, maybe it's a club thing, but surely inswingers is better?

[scotty]

What Is The Deal With Corners, yo? We seem to play like half of them short and I'm ok with that, sometimes we catch bros out. But when we toss them in, Tadic in particular, he keeps hitting the first bro. Is this Tactic, or shitness? I'm also not sure bout outswingers, we seemed to prefer them under Poch too, maybe it's a club thing, but surely inswingers is better?

 

I think the idea of outswingers is that the ball is moving away from the keeper, giving him less chance to gather it.

[Bucks Saint]

That last point is very important. Last season our form dropped off a cliff when we lost Lovren to injury. This season Koeman is playing key players in the league cup, which I like, but that increases the risk of losing them to injury. Can we continue to win games if we lost Fonte for a month or Tadic or Pelle. We have replacements, but is the edge lost?

 

Take your point but even training increases the risk of injury. Meantime we are flying in both competitions and winning is a great habit

[OldNick]

That last point is very important. Last season our form dropped off a cliff when we lost Lovren to injury. This season Koeman is playing key players in the league cup, which I like, but that increases the risk of losing them to injury. Can we continue to win games if we lost Fonte for a month or Tadic or Pelle. We have replacements, but is the edge lost?

I know we are talking modern football, but Liverpools great sides played every game whatever the competition.Squad rotation came in IIRC when the CL started. Players n the main need to keep playing to keep their form. Perhaps we are being novel by keeping most of our best players as starters.

I would have been an advocate of giving some a rest in the cup games, but perhaps they need to keep playing

[Patrick Bateman]

Surely when we inevitably lose Pelle to a suspension, we'd stick Long up the top? Or even Mayuka who is doing enough to make the bench. Shame Gallagher isn't fit, but maybe that is one area we will strengthen in Jan?

[simondo]

Don't forget we have JRod to return in Jan

[Gemmel]

An interesting observation in the mail....

 

All ten outfield players celebrate the goal....

 

 

[DuncanRG]

That last point is very important. Last season our form dropped off a cliff when we lost Lovren to injury. This season Koeman is playing key players in the league cup, which I like, but that increases the risk of losing them to injury. Can we continue to win games if we lost Fonte for a month or Tadic or Pelle. We have replacements, but is the edge lost?

 

Even the biggest and richest clubs can struggle without key men. I think we're quite close to reaching the best depth we can hope for without being a mega bucks club that can pay enough to keep top players happy on the bench. I think the marker in that regard is having a matchday squad full of players you'd be happy to see start. We're not there yet but we'd be very close if we didn't have any injuries.

 

We're certainly better prepared in defence than last season - I wouldn't be too worried about having Gardos or even Yoshida in the side for a few games. Forster is the only concern for me.

Edited 2 November, 2014 by DuncanRG

[Viking Saint]

Just on the train home. A great win against very tough opposition. Hull played well and never gave up.they've some good players but weren't clinical on front of goal.

 

Good! because neither were Saints. First goal came from a sloppy kick by their goalie. Big Vic ( who was immense today) simply dinked it into the empty net... from 35 yards. ... with 3 hull players on him... class.

 

Hull threw the kitchen sink at Saints for about 20 mins and even Clyne was being roasted by overlapping players.

2nd half Saints took control as Koeman moved Davis across to protect Clyne and our subs made an impact.

Towards the end Davis Pelle and Mane all missed sitters from close range. Hull were left taking long shots and frankly our defence weren't troubled towards the end.

You could tell from the players reactions that they knew this was a top performance.

These wins are obviously brilliant but they also mean that draws will do against the top three. As long as they are kept below us happy days.

 

Toby and Morgan were just brilliant today. Big test for the board to keep them beyond the summer.

 

Best start saving for some euro travels

 

Why would Toby and Morgan want to be anywhere else

[CitySaint]

Brilliant Day. Bloody Long way and getting out of the car park took ages after the game. We enjoyed our time in The Walton Street Club before, which was literally something from Phoenix Nights.

 

I thought Toby and Fonte were outstanding, they keep the ball so well as defend and share so many touches. Lucky to have both.

 

Annoyingly didn't get back in time for MOTD as we are now consistently too high up the running order.

 

"We're gonna win the league"

[lickierambert]

Of the 12 players that featured for us on Nov 2nd 2013, only 4 played yesterday: Fonte, Clyne, Wanyama and Schneiderlin.

 

An amazing response given the turnover of players

[Saintmike5]

Looking at the current Fantasy Premier League points for the season so far tells a story (sorry if formatting gets screwed up):

 

Best Goalies: Forster 45

Fabianski 42

 

Best Defenders: Baines 58

Clyne 57

Bertrand 55

Fonte 50

Ivanovic 47

 

Best Midfield: Sanchez 70

Fabregas 61

Tadic 54

Hazard 54

 

Best Forward: Pelle 61

Aguero 58

Costa 56

[Convict Colony]

Glad I have fabregas, tadic, hazard, Costa and pelle in my team as they are making me look like I know what I'm doing.

[sentry]

Not one vote for Tadic on MOTM, must have had an off day,,,, but great in a way as shows our defence and midfielders etc can operate a solid performance when our creative players are a little off.

[Sour Mash]

Not much more to add, apart from echoing the earlier comments of others that the display was an absolute defensive masterclass in terms of shape, focus, teamwork - really impressive.

[View From The Top]

Not much more to add, apart from echoing the earlier comments of others that the display was an absolute defensive masterclass in terms of shape, focus, teamwork - really impressive.

 

It actually feels weird being at the games and watching a solid, organised defensive display from Saints.

 

I'm really not used to it!

[SaintRobbie]

We need a clinical finisher and a speedy midfielder for long and mane (Clasie?) and we will have the depth to see this season out in the top 4.

 

Our defence is so strong, a little more striking depth and cover for our wide attacking men should do it!

[SNSUN]

An interesting observation in the mail....

 

All ten outfield players celebrate the goal....

 

 

 

Not one Hull fan looks P.Od that a 45 yard screamer soared over their keepers head after his mistake. There's apathy there, one woman is even smiling. Odd bunch!

[John Boy Saint]

Not one Hull fan looks P.Od that a 45 yard screamer soared over their keepers head after his mistake. There's apathy there, one woman is even smiling. Odd bunch!

That is the family stand if you look at the number of Young uns so the effin and jeffin will likely be curtailed.

 

Although as I said above the Hull fans we spoke with walking back to the car, said they were behind Vic's shot and is was a superb strike. These guys saw it from the opposite side............. We could of course be their second team :-)

[The Cat]

An interesting observation in the mail....

 

All ten outfield players celebrate the goal....

 

That's great to see and shows excellent team spirit. During highlights I often watch the reactions of players when their team get a goal and it continually surprises me that a lot of them never celebrate or congratulate the scorer.

[The Cat]

Not one Hull fan looks P.Od that a 45 yard screamer soared over their keepers head after his mistake. There's apathy there, one woman is even smiling. Odd bunch!

 

To be fair I've laughed after Saints have let goals in plenty of times. If someone does something terrible it's just funny, doesn't matter whether it's the other team or ours.

[farawaysaint]

To be fair I've laughed after Saints have let goals in plenty of times. If someone does something terrible it's just funny, doesn't matter whether it's the other team or ours.

 

I laughed myself stupid at Begovic's goal last year.