Why does this season feel so different to last?

[norwaysaint]

• Right now we're second. Last year we were third, so not much different.
  
• We've got 25 points, 22 last season, so we're only one win better off.
  
• We've only conceded 5 goals, the best in the PL, absolutely identical to last year.
  
• We're being praised across the media for our style and approach, exactly like we were last year (high pressing game and young home grown talent)
  
• We've got an exciting new manager with interesting ideas, just like last season
  
• Tadic, Pelle and Long are proving a handful up front for opposition teams, Lambert, Lallana and JRod all did so well last season they got their first call ups and we were (allegedly) offered over the odds money for each.
  
• We've only lost two matches, last season we'd only lost one, and won one of the fixtures we lost this season against a big club.
  

 

Our success this season seems to almost exactly mirror last season on paper, yet for many it's felt far better.

 

The most obvious difference this season has been that Liverpool, Spurs and a few others have had some terrible results and are a long way adrift of where you'd expect them to be.

 

Is that the main thing then? How the other teams are playing? Or is there no real difference and we'll fall away to an impressive, but lower place in the same way? Or do you see us as being far better on the pitch this season? We have scored a few more goals, which, statistically is the main improvement. Is our depth that much better?

[saintadjg]

Combination of the so called big boys struggling,scoring more freely,no Fox etc as backup .Last seasons injury crisis will hopefully not repeat itself this year.

[saint1977]

I don't know if this answer is what you are looking for but I'll give it my perspective:

 

- The squad depth is better - we are no longer one injury from playing Jos in the PL (much as we all like him), we have good competition between Bertrand and Targett. Gk has still been a worry until we found out Boruc could be recalled after 28 days of his loan at AFCB if need be.

- The atmosphere - from what we can gather - at the club appears better. NC did a great job but he'd already threatened to quit in May 2013 so it wasn't a secret that there were tensions. KL was still assumed to be a passive backer which caused lots of hand-wringing on here. Whereas she has been more visible and seemingly involved since NC's departure which has been reassuring and you could argue that elements of the Staplewood develop could hint at her input e.g. the inclusion of clubs legends and history, meeting fans, visibility at games.

- The manager: After MP's statement about only being here whilst NC was, plus him not speaking English, he had the feel of a temporary custodian. A talented custodian, but temporary nevertheless. Who knows what the future holds with Koeman but to hear his thoughts and ideas in English makes the fans feel more of a connection IMO.

- Goals - as you rightly identify, we have been great to watch over the last few seasons and especially this and last. However, to see us carving Sunderland open even at 4 and 5-0 up did speak volumes.

[Beckenham Saint]

I reckon it feels better because the players and manager are more personable. As good as Pochettino was at times, he was very difficult to warm to, unlike Koeman, he seems like a genuinly nice bloke and has a lot more charisma than Poch, making it more easy to enjoy his success and wish him to do well. Cortese was similar, arrogant and egotistical by all accounts, would he have ever finished Benali's Big Run with the great man? Would he hell. Lallana and Lovren were walking ego's too, although Lovren seemed OK at the time he has subsequently revealed himself to be a tit - it's easier to get behind people like Ryan Bertrand, Dusan Tadic, Toby Alderwireld and co who are all playing, it seems, for each other as opposed to just playing for themselves.

 

Also, we're scoring more goals this year which makes it more enjoyable!

[Saint Charlie]

Last year it was good at this point. Everyone loved Lallana, thought Lovren was one of the best signings we have ever made etc. Because we were a good team and those players were excellent.

 

But then we had a run of 7 or 8 matches where we barely won, mostly because we only had one goalie (still do) and had a third choice CB in Hooiveld who was hopeless. Unfortunately he and Gazza played a few matches at the same time and made big mistakes that set us back.

 

We have 25 points from 11 games. It took us 18 games to get the same total last season.

 

We probably also appreciate it more because of the **** summer and its nice to prove people and the media wrong.

Edited 14 November, 2014 by Saint Charlie

[Jimmy_D]

This time last season we were third, but only two points ahead of 5th and three ahead of 8th.

 

Injuries to Boruc and Lovren meant we were quickly swallowed up by the chasing pack.

 

This time, we're four points ahead of third, seven ahead of 5th, nine ahead of Newcastle and Man Utd in 7th and 8th.

 

Other top four contenders are dropping so many points against so called weaker opposition that we're actually starting to think about finishing there instead of just enjoying being there.

 

We've got a bit deeper squad (albeit still vulnerable to a keeper injury) and it's all coming after we wondered whether relegation would possibly be a threat.

[igsey]

This season everybody predicted we would be in a relegation battle, if not dead last in the Premier League. We're proving them wrong in a huge way; I think that's one of the main differences. Last season we were expected to be a mid-table club, not relegation candidates.

[Minty]

- More goals scored

- Less goals conceded

- More chances created, more dynamic football

- Relative to our expectations at the start of the season, we're doing far better than we had hoped, whereas last season we expected the team to improve under Pochettino

- Other big clubs are dropping points/playing sh!te, opening the league up somewhat

[ericofarabia]

We are once again Southampton FC, playing in Red and White Stripes, welcoming ex players back into the fold, the person who actually owns the club is in charge and we are no longer Cortese's play thing.

 

After the rollercoaster ride over the summer, the feel good factor is back in abaundance as is The Spirit of Southampton.

 

 

A truly inspirational 1 min 25 sec

 

Basically WE HAVE OUR CLUB BACK!!

[ericofarabia]

Plus this ..... this could never have happened last year.

 

[KelvinsRightGlove]

Last year it was good at this point. Everyone loved Lallana, thought Lovren was one of the best signings we have ever made etc. Because we were a good team and those players were excellent.

 

But then we had a run of 7 or 8 matches where we barely won, mostly because we only had one goalie (still do) and had a third choice CB in Hooiveld who was hopeless. Unfortunately he and Gazza played a few matches at the same time and made big mistakes that set us back.

 

We have 25 points from 11 games. It took us 18 games to get the same total last season.

 

We probably also appreciate it more because of the **** summer and its nice to prove people and the media wrong.

 

People and the media? What those saying we were going to struggle for goals and were going to get relegated.

 

Who else spent the summer saying that?

 

[derry]

I don't see why people are still thinking we are weak in goalkeeping back up. Boruc is on a 93 day loan and as the first month is over can be recalled immediately. Additionally he is playing well and regularly. Only if both Forster and Boruc were injured would we have a problem. Unless the management make the mistake of not recalling Boruc. However as Davis isn't even playing in the cup it's unlikely.

 

Unlike last year we have 4 decent centre backs, 2 for LB/RB, at least 4 CM + HR and JWP, 3 strikers + JR, 3 wide MF. (Long can play anywhere across the front), IMO we look better all round, so probably if the GK/CB injuries of last season were repeated the ten game collapse would be unlikely.

[Saint Charlie]

People and the media? What those saying we were going to struggle for goals and were going to get relegated.

 

Who else spent the summer saying that?

 

 

Exactly so makes it better in comparison to last season when most of us thought we had a good chance of top 10. This year is a lot more unexpected and is brilliant.

[max_saints]

so much sweeter this season because of the summer we've had and how most, if not all, of the players who left us because of our lack of ambitions are currently below us.

[Snopper]

Maybe it`s because we feel we`ve got our club back ?

[View From The Top]

For me it's having a manager who actually looks like he's happy to be here and takes the cups seriously.

[pap]

This is different to any other season I've experienced, but the huge difference for me personally is just going to the games. Seems I've picked the right season to get a season ticket.

 

The manager seems like he wants to be here, the quality of football is consistently better and I don't spend every game feeling like someone at an orgy wondering whether I'll be able to get it up. We will score! (usually).

 

I've said this before, but Poch's meta-game is excellent to the detriment of any clear strategy. Press high, capitalise on mistakes, score goals. Worked well in patches, especially against the teams trying to attack us. It doesn't work if you've got 10 other behind the ball blokes covering for the mistake that gets made (bus parkers), nor does it work if someone is actively countering it (0-3 vs Liverpool last year).

 

Koeman seems able to mix it up, has bought better than we had and is getting superb performances out of the likes of Wanyama, Davies and Schneiderlin. There have been a few occasions this year when we've genuinely looked like a top 4 side, taking the píss around the penalty area like them skilful players at Arsenal and Man City do, whereas last year such close play was usually the prelude to Lallana taking a touch too many and arseing it up.

 

Better players, better manager, better team and our best ever start to a top flight campaign. The potential feels limitless at the moment.

[CWD]

This time last season we were third, but only two points ahead of 5th and three ahead of 8th.

 

Injuries to Boruc and Lovren meant we were quickly swallowed up by the chasing pack.

 

This time, we're four points ahead of third, seven ahead of 5th, nine ahead of Newcastle and Man Utd in 7th and 8th.

 

Other top four contenders are dropping so many points against so called weaker opposition that we're actually starting to think about finishing there instead of just enjoying being there.

 

We've got a bit deeper squad (albeit still vulnerable to a keeper injury) and it's all coming after we wondered whether relegation would possibly be a threat.

 

Nail and head spring to mind.

[norwaysaint]

- Less goals conceded

 

no, that's exactly the same.

 

reading through, the main difference does indeed seem to be other teams performances rather than our own, mixed with relief after the fear of being relegation fodder. Our form on the pitch isn't much different.

 

Also people seem to think we can handle a couple more injuries than we could last year. It's interesting that Tadic and Pelle weren't really clicking last time out. Their partnership has been key. Given their past achievements, you imagine they'll click again soon.

[Dr Who?]

Plus this ..... this could never have happened last year.

 

 

Stop and think about what he achieved with this..... Pretty mind blowing stuff.

[OLDER BUT WISER]

WE HAVE OUR CLUB BACK

[CB Fry]

The kit is not a f*€king abortion in fabric, and we are not run by an absolute c@#t.

 

The myth we could only achieve stuff with a short arse weasel faced belle nd In charge has been smashed into dust.

 

Easily the most satisfying season in my living memory.

 

Delicious, simply delicious.

[richardc]

I think our goals are far more spread out this season and we are not reliant on just the forward three scoring - many of our winning goals have been from midfield

[Joshua]

Not losing to sides we should beat.

 

Not losing from winning positions.

[Lets B Avenue]

Coming from behind (ooh-er, Missus!) to win.

[Golden Balls]

Pretty much all been summed up already but the biggest thing for me is taking the cups seriously.

 

This team has been fantastic so far this season and I hope we can achieve something with them. Be it a cup or top 4, we need to get something while we can.

[Professor]

I don't see why people are still thinking we are weak in goalkeeping back up. Boruc is on a 93 day loan and as the first month is over can be recalled immediately. Additionally he is playing well and regularly. Only if both Forster and Boruc were injured would we have a problem. Unless the management make the mistake of not recalling Boruc. However as Davis isn't even playing in the cup it's unlikely.

 

Unlike last year we have 4 decent centre backs, 2 for LB/RB, at least 4 CM + HR and JWP, 3 strikers + JR, 3 wide MF. (Long can play anywhere across the front), IMO we look better all round, so probably if the GK/CB injuries of last season were repeated the ten game collapse would be unlikely.

When I first read this in Saint1977's post, that Boruk can now be recalled at any time I felt much better as GK cover was our weak spot, as it was last year. Like most people, I feel our strength in depth is much improved but it was Boruk's broken hand and having to use Gazzaniga that contributed to our pre-Xmas slump in 2013. The cover this year is even better than if Boruk was not out on loan, because he is getting match practice every week in a decent Championship side.

[Lets B Avenue]

When I first read this in Saint1977's post, that Boruk can now be recalled at any time I felt much better as GK cover was our weak spot, as it was last year. Like most people, I feel our strength in depth is much improved but it was Boruk's broken hand and having to use Gazzaniga that contributed to our pre-Xmas slump in 2013. The cover this year is even better than if Boruk was not out on loan, because he is getting match practice every week in a decent Championship side.

 

Its a pity you can't spell his name correctly. What with you being a Professor and all.

[Lord Duckhunter]

For me there are a few differences .

 

After the summer it's great to prove people wrong , it's also great that Poch , Lovren and Lallana are below us and Rodgers is making a twt of himself.

 

We have a manager who seems humble and respectful and I also love Sammy Lees enthusiasm .

 

It's great to see Jose getting international call up and settling in so well as skipper

 

But the main thing for me is we're winning games we can win. Every one eyed supporter in the land will look at every game bar the top 4/5 and predict a win. It never happens normally , but it is for us. Bar west brom at home we've won every "winnable" game . Long may it continue .

[SNSUN]

A mix of what everyone else has said really.

 

Not expected to do well after the outgoings of the summer; the media writing us off and then almost unanimously retracting their predictions; the whole "doing well in cups because we actually have a manager who takes it seriously" thing; new signings actually unanimously doing well and not headbutting anyone or being the "answer to centre back" signed from under the noses of Liverpool, yet never kicking a ball in anger; scoring well, though helped by the rare 8-0 and 3 own goals (though Manés was Manés); and an injection of pace which Saints fans have wanted for years.

 

Add to that big clubs faltering, and big money signings not pulling their weight, and we have every reason to be smug. £30 million richer too...

 

Then there's the personality of the managers. I much prefer Koeman on that score.

 

Ultimately, we're beating sides we might otherwise have drawn with, and defensively are playing well. Last season there were positions we wanted strengthened. This season, there's not 1 first choice position I would strengthen. Certainly not unless the right player became available at the right price. I feel our first team could challenge anyone, even the big boys.

 

Criticisms of this season? UmmMmmmmm, the lack of home grown talent coming through. JWP was until he got injured, but Targett only features in cups and Reed is largely benched. But on that score we're not helped by 3 leaving in the summer. Understandable.

 

I still wait for the bubble to burst but feel that this team under Koeman is more likely to bounce back from a defeat.

[david in sweden]

For me it's having a manager who actually looks like he's happy to be here and takes the cups seriously.

 

.........and says so .......in English...........without an interpreter.

[The9]

Feels pretty similar to me - we're more consistent against the bottom teams and it feels like we're expecting to win rather than hoping to, but we were getting to that point in November last year.

 

The gap is wider due to the other expected top sides dropping all kinds of stupid points and us not really doing the same. I still think, as I did last year, that the run of tricky games against the big sides will bring us down with a thump, but thanks to the buffer we've built up, even a poor run might only see us slide to 5th-ish, and we will still be in the European mix if we don't get picked apart in the transfer window.

 

The stuff about a "much" stronger squad is a bit of an illusion, mentioning Fox for instance is ridiculous when he played in precisely one league match last season and that match saw Clyne sit on the bench. We're just getting lucky with all the injuries coming in the area where we are very strong, midfield. Even there we're starting to wilt a bit. One injury to Pelle or Forster, or maybe Alderweireld or Fonte, and we're starting to look shaky too. I haven't seen much from Gardos to suggest we have much of an upgrade on Yoshida, and just losing Bertrand against Chelsea could be significant in itself.

 

I like Koeman's basic tactical flexibility (didn't like the lack of it against West Brom but he learned quickly) over Pochettino's one plan - though when that one plan worked, it really worked, and it was the way we mixed it up with the top sides so I wonder how we're going to do that against them.

 

I absolutely love the way Pelle has been playing, even when he's been a bit quiet in the last couple of matches, he's exactly the striker we needed all along, and the one Osvaldo was meant to be. The defence has been great, except at Liverpool when they hadn't played together, and at Spurs when Pochettino's counterattacking pulled them all over the shop in a way we should all be familiar with.

 

Overall, there's much more of a feel good factor with the comparison in where a lot of us though we might be in the week Lovren and Chambers left, and we're doing well by any measure even without that rise. That's nice, but it's still a novelty to be in the top 4 rather than somewhere we expect to be, and in that sense, again it's the same as last season. When it comes down to it, if we're still top 4 in February, it'll feel very different. Until then, I'm kinda still waiting for us to get picked off.

 

Oh, and the kit's nicer to look at, even if it does fall apart a bit easily.

[norwaysaint]

Just wondered if opinions have changed at all. Are we still having a better season than last or is it about the same? Will we settle down at about the same place or will we kick back on as our tricky run ends? Are our new signings so much better than what we had or about the same level?

 

We are still looking quite good even in defeat, but we did last year too.

[The9]

I look like frigging Nostradamus now. :/

 

Need to get the confidence back by beating Burnley and remind ourselves we're still better than 75% of the teams in this division, but Christ, a bit of luck wouldn't go amiss.

[Turkish]

It feel like the club is United and we've got a manager happy to be here and a leadership structure not a dictatorship at the top. Talk of the top 4 was still pie in the sky and it would still be a great achievement to finish in the top 8, especially given all the upheaval over the summer. We are still a work in progress, we are where we are because eve exceed expectations and some of the top 6 regulars of previous years are in disarray. Over 38 games it'll level out. We still have a great chance of a top 6 finish and a wembley final but even if we don't make it given where people thought we'd finish we still have much to be proud of.

[red&white56]

I thought we looked a lot like last year's team last night. Lots of possession, but too complex around the box - no-one taking on responsibility for the shot.

 

However, i think this team has more potential - Pelle, Long, Betrand and Tadic are great adds to the team. When J-rod and JWP come back we'll look better.

 

I know a lot of folk moaning at Mane, especially the folk behind me last night, but he caused their defense problems all night - his final ball is poor and he tends to hang on tothe ball too long - correct those and he'll be a good squad addition.

[VectisSaint]

It feel like the club is United and we've got a manager happy to be here and a leadership structure not a dictatorship at the top. Talk of the top 4 was still pie in the sky and it would still be a great achievement to finish in the top 8, especially given all the upheaval over the summer. We are still a work in progress, we are where we are because eve exceed expectations and some of the top 6 regulars of previous years are in disarray. Over 38 games it'll level out. We still have a great chance of a top 6 finish and a wembley final but even if we don't make it given where people thought we'd finish we still have much to be proud of.

Happy Clapper.

[VectisSaint]

Just wondered if opinions have changed at all. Are we still having a better season than last or is it about the same? Will we settle down at about the same place or will we kick back on as our tricky run ends? Are our new signings so much better than what we had or about the same level?

 

We are still looking quite good even in defeat, but we did last year too.

Having same type of season as last, club did not learn from mistakes of last season and we still have a squad that cannot cope with the winter months, the heavy fixture load leading up to and just after Christmas. Our squad is far too small for anyone with serious pretensions of getting into Europe or winning a Cup. We still have a weakness in the GK department, with no proper backup. The similarity with last season is striking, the only thing that is different is that we are a fair bit more exciting to watch, especially when we are playing well. We are still doing well, but we could be doing so much better if we had only learned from our mistakes.

[doddisalegend]

It feels just like last season to me. The exodus in the summer left us having to replace players (which we've done well IMO) rather than strengthening the squad (which WHU were able to do) to push on (which ideally would have happened this summer) leaving us in the same boat as last season when the injuries start to mount. What we need, which I don't think we will get, is to keep the squad intact in the summer and bring in extra quality players. Sadly we have some really good players who will no doubt be off in the summer.