Everton 1 Saints 0 - Post Match Meltdown

[Dark Munster]

Top post Tony.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Disappointing to let three serial England failures combine for Phil 'Stench of Brazil' Jagielka to shin the ball in and nick the points with their only shot on target. Wanyama immense, but shooting into different postcodes isn't big or clever, so no idea what the **** he was smiling about. Still plenty to play for - not least the possibility of finishing above either or both Liverpool (whose priorities have clearly changed) and Spurs and denying one or both of them European football next season. Winnable game next week, so lets have that and a goal for Pelle and on we go.

[hasper57saint]

All our games are winnable,problem is at present we don't seem to win them.Everton were there for the taking yet we continue to try and pass the ball into the net.Two shots on goal? Only one from Everton.Reminds me of other winnables we've lost.Guess it's part of the package of being a Saint all these years.

[Shroppie]

I agree we've lost confidence in front of goal but a lot has changed since early season, when we were expected to be relegation fodder so teams came at us and gave us space. Now we're facing far more packed defences, and have struggled to unpick them. Longer shots are a problem. Should be a tactic against packed defences but we're not getting enough on target.

 

But games also turn on moments, and but for two brilliant saves and a rather lucky pinball goal for them, we'd have been in a totally different game.

[Graffito]

Granted I saw only highlights but Saints looked like they were unlucky.

 

It's been as plain as day for months now that the way to take points off Southampton home or away is to sit deep and invite Saints to break you down, and ideally get a goal to defend. Chelsea away was ideal for the pace of Long and Mane because Chelsea played a high line. It's increasingly rare that we have the option of using pace effectively because of the bus parking. In these situations it comes down to quality on the ball and taking the few chances created. Pelle is off form. And if we had champions league quality players we'd be in the top four.

[melmacian_saint]

I hate to break it to you, but he's played in 7 of our last 9 games, during which we've generally been woeful in attack. If you think Steven Davis is the answer to our problems in attack, you're asking the wrong question (though I'll admit, 2nd half against Burnley he had his best 45 minutes since the 2nd half against Everyone at home).

 

This is not the Swansea forum!

[ART]

Koeman's team has ruined our ability to score. He's had several months to put a decent scoring option in place yet instead of succeeding he's getting deeper and deeper in not being ble to do so. I fear for Rodriguez returning and he'll end up like the others. Any normal manager would have give Ryan Seagar a start by now. Prowsey is streaks better than most he picks yet he takes him off. He removes Toby after waiting weeks for his return. Things were improving with Maya in the team, yet he's not selected. Sick of Koeman continuing with Pelle when the entire team is suffering from Pelle favoritism and sinking to his and Tadic's level. Elia had 2 decfent gamers and has since spent most of his time [promoting his out of football interest. Duretic couldn't even scored in thje Under21's while Seagar can. Koeman and his team are ruining our ability by their inability to select the right players and instruct them accordingly.

[Graffito]

Lol, there's some weird sh1t on this thread.

[Coxford_lou]

Duretic

 

Oh dear. Not very artistic.

[S-Clarke]

Koeman's team has ruined our ability to score. He's had several months to put a decent scoring option in place yet instead of succeeding he's getting deeper and deeper in not being ble to do so. I fear for Rodriguez returning and he'll end up like the others. Any normal manager would have give Ryan Seagar a start by now. Prowsey is streaks better than most he picks yet he takes him off. He removes Toby after waiting weeks for his return. Things were improving with Maya in the team, yet he's not selected. Sick of Koeman continuing with Pelle when the entire team is suffering from Pelle favoritism and sinking to his and Tadic's level. Elia had 2 decfent gamers and has since spent most of his time [promoting his out of football interest. Duretic couldn't even scored in thje Under21's while Seagar can. Koeman and his team are ruining our ability by their inability to select the right players and instruct them accordingly.

 

Lol.

[shurlock]

Granted I saw only highlights but Saints looked like they were unlucky.

 

It's been as plain as day for months now that the way to take points off Southampton home or away is to sit deep and invite Saints to break you down, and ideally get a goal to defend. Chelsea away was ideal for the pace of Long and Mane because Chelsea played a high line. It's increasingly rare that we have the option of using pace effectively because of the bus parking. In these situations it comes down to quality on the ball and taking the few chances created. Pelle is off form. And if we had champions league quality players we'd be in the top four.

 

Conceding early goals in recent away games has been a killer - you'd expect home teams to come out a bit more and be positive, allowing us to play. But the early goals have effectively meant they can play like away sides.

[OldNick]

Their goal was just lucky that the deflections feel exactly right for them. Howard made 2incredible saves and once JWP scores his first I'm sure he will soon be a regular goal scorer

[hughieslastminutegoal]

Southampton FC @SouthamptonFC

 

#SaintsFC boss @RonaldKoeman on today's defeat: "I'm disappointed with the result but not about the performance of the team."

 

"I think we played on a good level, we had some good chances in the first half and we received an unlucky goal." #saintsfc

 

"That made it more difficult but we still did everything and tried everything until the last second but it wasn't enough." #saintsfc

 

"After the 1-0 we kept our organisation on the pitch and we tried everything to score the goal. They defended very well." #saintsfc

 

"The frustration is all about if you get chances and don't score. We deserved more today but that's football." #saintsfc

 

"I'm proud of what the players showed today and the support of the fans. We keep going." #saintsfc

 

Oh dear, this sounds a bit like self-justification, and someone trying too pretend almost everything is still working. I think Ron has lost his way somewhat with these players.

[OldNick]

Oh dear, this sounds a bit like self-justification, and someone trying too pretend almost everything is still working. I think Ron has lost his way somewhat with these players.

I think that is a tad unfair. Koeman is doing an exceptional job, I for one felt we would be where Aston Villa are now or worse.

[Sour Mash]

For what it's worth I thought JWP, Pellè and Long were key at really pulling Everton around in the first 20 mins or so.

[Sour Mash]

Oh dear, this sounds a bit like self-justification, and someone trying too pretend almost everything is still working. I think Ron has lost his way somewhat with these players.

 

What do you expect him to say? What would you prefer?

[Turkish]

It's interesting that the people at the game whose opinion I respect all think Pelle and Long did okay. The outrage is coming from those who weren't there.

[Shroppie]

It's interesting that the people at the game whose opinion I respect all think Pelle and Long did okay. The outrage is coming from those who weren't there.

Long worked his socks off as always and was effective early on. Pelle's hold up play started well, but he seemed frustrated by the wondersave and, as usual, getting little from the ref and faded later on.

 

There is a problem in games like these that movement creates chances, and Pelle is very static, relying on Long and Mane to pull defenders away. Everton were well organised in defence and Pelle never got space.

[Andy Durman]

Something I've noticed this season is luck plays an important part in which team wins. Yesterday we were the better team. Everton had the luck of the bounce. The ball broke for them and they scored.

 

Tim Howard makes two incredible saves and JWP misses by the width of a goalpost with a free kick. It happens. If Tim Howard has a bad day and JWP targets inside the post, then we leave Goodison winning 0-3 or 1-3.

 

Stop blaming the manager. Today was Lady Luck shining on Everton.

 

I would also say that a lot of the second half was down to tiredness of our internationals.

 

Koeman started with Elia because he was fresh.

 

Mane plays better behind Pelle, Long and Mane should have been a straight swap. Mane cannot play on the left.

[redder freak]

Maybe Long needs to teach Pelle how to win free kicks in the Prem.

[VectisSaint]

I would also say that a lot of the second half was down to tiredness of our internationals.

 

Koeman started with Elia because he was fresh.

 

Mane plays better behind Pelle, Long and Mane should have been a straight swap. Mane cannot play on the left.

 

So why didn't Ron start Mane? Why would he have been tired. Senegal played one international friendly during the break, and it was played in Le Havre, France last Saturday. Mane played 90 minutes, no great issue there.

 

Not sure there was much luck about yesterday, it wasn't luck that Howard made two great saves, it wasn't bad luck that JWP missed the free kick, however close it may have been. Not blaming Koeman, he is constrained by lack of options at the moment, misfiring strikers and ineffective attackers, though at he is at least partly responsible for bringing them in. Fail to see any reason why we would convert Elia or Djuricic into permanent signings for next season. Without Steve Davis we don't have the pace and energy in AM to make too much happen, not that he would have scored of course, but he does make things happen, assisting the assists so to speak.

[Turkish]

Long worked his socks off as always and was effective early on. Pelle's hold up play started well, but he seemed frustrated by the wondersave and, as usual, getting little from the ref and faded later on.

 

There is a problem in games like these that movement creates chances, and Pelle is very static, relying on Long and Mane to pull defenders away. Everton were well organised in defence and Pelle never got space.

 

That's the thing isn't it, a wonder save from Howard the difference, also how many times has Pelle hit the woodwork, something like 10 isn't it? Hes not in the best of form, clearly lacking a bit of confidence and is frustrated but He's been very unlucky, he certainly hasn't been anywhere near as bad as some are making out.

[Pamplemousse]

Koeman's team has ruined our ability to score. He's had several months to put a decent scoring option in place yet instead of succeeding he's getting deeper and deeper in not being ble to do so. I fear for Rodriguez returning and he'll end up like the others. Any normal manager would have give Ryan Seagar a start by now. Prowsey is streaks better than most he picks yet he takes him off. He removes Toby after waiting weeks for his return. Things were improving with Maya in the team, yet he's not selected. Sick of Koeman continuing with Pelle when the entire team is suffering from Pelle favoritism and sinking to his and Tadic's level. Elia had 2 decfent gamers and has since spent most of his time [promoting his out of football interest. Duretic couldn't even scored in thje Under21's while Seagar can. Koeman and his team are ruining our ability by their inability to select the right players and instruct them accordingly.

 

6/10 WUM effort.

 

I honestly can't believe someone would be that deluded to actually have that opinion.

[Goatboy]

6/10 WUM effort.

 

I honestly can't believe someone would be that deluded to actually have that opinion.

 

It's ART.

[Saint_Tony]

We need a striker who can score 15 goals a season, but how many of them are there?

 

People constantly slate Pelle and Long, but how many players not playing for a top 6 side are scoring that many goals? Lambert was slated on here last season even though he got into double figures for both goals and assists.

I'm sure the club are working hard on bringing in another striker in the summer, but it will be tough. Any proven goalscorer generally gets snapped up by the big boys.

Who does everyone suggest we go for?

[Window Cleaner]

We need a striker who can score 15 goals a season, but how many of them are there?

 

People constantly slate Pelle and Long, but how many players not playing for a top 6 side are scoring that many goals? Lambert was slated on here last season even though he got into double figures for both goals and assists.

I'm sure the club are working hard on bringing in another striker in the summer, but it will be tough. Any proven goalscorer generally gets snapped up by the big boys.

Who does everyone suggest we go for?

 

It's not about needing a 15 goal a season striker per se, it's more about needing a striker who can score goals when you need them against good sides. Pellè's goals have brought us about 2 points I think someone said it was, Kane's goals have brought Spurs 22 points or something like that. Pellè's goalscoring record is against poor sides in the main, Newcastle 2, Sunderland 2 when they'd already managed to score against themselves etc. He's scored a limited number of goals but when it counts he provides absolutely fark all. What we need is the bloke who's going to score when we're O-O against Arsenal at 85 minutes and against West Brom when they're parking the bus because a couple of goals against a shîte Sunderland side mean very little. You don't need to only consider the number of goals but the value of them as well.

[johnnyboy]

It's not about needing a 15 goal a season striker per se, it's more about needing a striker who can score goals when you need them against good sides. Pellè's goals have brought us about 2 points I think someone said it was, Kane's goals have brought Spurs 22 points or something like that. Pellè's goalscoring record is against poor sides in the main, Newcastle 2, Sunderland 2 when they'd already managed to score against themselves etc. He's scored a limited number of goals but when it counts he provides absolutely fark all. What we need is the bloke who's going to score when we're O-O against Arsenal at 85 minutes and against West Brom when they're parking the bus because a couple of goals against a shîte Sunderland side mean very little. You don't need to only consider the number of goals but the value of them as well.

 

Do you actually watch Pelle or is this based on watching on tv ? Just wanted to know what you base your very poorly informed post on ? will you also stop posting when Morgan inevitably leaves us , because from what I can make out you're not a Southampton supporter ? I hope I am wrong

[SaintSteve]

The key decision was having Mane on the bench...if he was fit, then it's a basic error from Koeman...he's the one player we have who can unlock defences. A front four of Pelle, Long, Elia and Ward-Prowse is unlikely to frighten anyone.

[hughieslastminutegoal]

What do you expect him to say? What would you prefer?

 

So you are of the opinion that what he said is all true, or that it's just something he has to say?

If the latter there's not much point saying it or listening to it, it's just noise.

 

I still think he's struggling to find a way to get us scoring again. At the start of the season goals were being spread around the team, now no one is scoring.

 

If we concede first we will lose. The opposition drop deep and pack the defence, and we haven't a clue how to counter that, as we just have no one who can shoot, and we don't break quickly enough from defence.

 

I just don't understand why a manager who was famous for his shooting and great goals from distance can't get any of his players to do it with any likelihood of success.

[SaintTex]

It's a game of fine margins; we are only a top class striker away from being in 3rd/4th, but unfortunately they are hard to come by for a club like us. I'm sure we have someone lined up for the summer. I don't blame Pelle or the club, it's just one of those things.

Yep. I don't blame the club at all. Sure, it would be nice to have, but they don't grow on trees. Wasn't a lot of transfer movement for most clubs last January. It's not like there were 15 goals a season strikers out there for the taking.

 

And if we had champions league quality players we'd be in the top four.

ya think?

 

Koeman/Krueger have done more with less than these other clubs with huge bankrolls and international quality all over the pitch. That's how Southampton has to play it - Be smarter, develop young players, have quality scouting, emphasize team, and have some luck.

 

we have done most of all these this season and we got close to Top 4, but we ran out of luck.

[Dalek2003]

I would say we are very much a mid table team that had a good start to the season. Our play reflects this.

[Sour Mash]

So you are of the opinion that what he said is all true, or that it's just something he has to say?

If the latter there's not much point saying it or listening to it, it's just noise.

 

I still think he's struggling to find a way to get us scoring again. At the start of the season goals were being spread around the team, now no one is scoring.

 

If we concede first we will lose. The opposition drop deep and pack the defence, and we haven't a clue how to counter that, as we just have no one who can shoot, and we don't break quickly enough from defence.

 

I just don't understand why a manager who was famous for his shooting and great goals from distance can't get any of his players to do it with any likelihood of success.

Yes, I'd say his quotes are pretty much right. Again, what would you rather he say?

[Kaiser Soze]

Quick summary for what it's worth.

 

Big Vic was immense

JWP was awful

Not at all convinced by Elia

Sound defensivvely (aside from the goal), but lack real quality in the final third

Nil points and no goals from Burnley, West Brom & Everton away tells its own story unfortunately

[Saint86]

Quick summary for what it's worth.

 

Big Vic was immense

JWP was awful

Not at all convinced by Elia

Sound defensivvely (aside from the goal), but lack real quality in the final third

Nil points and no goals from Burnley, West Brom & Everton away tells its own story unfortunately

 

Similar can maybe be said for Man City and Tottenham...

 

And west brom under Pulis are normally pretty damn solid.

 

Also, lets be fair, Everton suffered from europa league, but are actually as good if not better than us based on last seasons team and their finish, hardly a disgrace to lose away to them...

 

Do you know what else tells its own story... the fact that we are on course for the best ever prem finish and points total and that we have the best defense in england....

 

Got some right ****ing emo **** on here today as usual. Jokers the lot of you

[Kaiser Soze]

Similar can maybe be said for Man City and Tottenham...

 

And west brom under Pulis are normally pretty damn solid.

 

Also, lets be fair, Everton suffered from europa league, but are actually as good if not better than us based on last seasons team and their finish, hardly a disgrace to lose away to them...

 

Do you know what else tells its own story... the fact that we are on course for the best ever prem finish and points total and that we have the best defense in england....

 

Got some right ****ing emo **** on here today as usual. Jokers the lot of you

 

You go to the game?

 

Nah didn't think so. I'm fully entitled to an opinion whereas I doubt you are. C**t.

[LGTL]

Regardless of the game is was a cracking weekend in Liverpool.

[Saint86]

You go to the game?

 

Nah didn't think so. I'm fully entitled to an opinion whereas I doubt you are. C**t.

 

Hmm, yes I did actually. Thank you for calling me a vagine though... though, surely that is worth an infraction on here? .... As for your concern over my "uber fan status" I would be surprised if you rack up more mileage than me my friend. I have a season ticket in Bristol and go to every single home game plus a good few aways.... fair play if you do though, I'm sure quite a few can. Besides that though, I've been going since we got relegated from the prem and in fact long before that... I've played footy at the dell and been on sms pitch many a time, not least the Sheffield united game. Were you there for occasions like Papa Waigo's adopted kid I wonder? I doubt it or you wouldn't be moaning about our best ever season in the prem, the best defense in england and being on target for our highest points total.

 

It is beyond me why our fans feel the need to slam the team atm... what exactly did they expect? A team being rebuilt, the spine ripped out and despite the rebuild, a limited squad depth. We have had a fantastic season whether we finish top 4 or 7th...

 

I can't understand fans like you who slam the team and attack other fans over a season like this. We have no need of "fair weather" fans, or their poor attitude. That path leads to premier mediocrity, poor atmospheres and all the things we didnt miss about the prem. No thanks, better off without that kind fan.

[St Chalet]

Ah the classic I am a better fan debate never gets old.

 

Please have an opinion, debate the merits and keep it civil.

[Saint86]

Ah the classic I am a better fan debate never gets old.

 

Please have an opinion, debate the merits and keep it civil.

 

Sorry, I believe i have a point and was called a **** for it