Be'er Sheva vs Saints

[ErwinK1961]

How the full backs play seems to define how good we are going forward.

 

Targett I don't think got in their half all match and Martina was woeful. Stark contrast to last weekend.

[OldNick]

Love how ruthless Puel was for taking off Hesketh, he was having a stinker in the first 32 minutes.

as we now have a policy again of blooding our youngsters we have to get used to under par performances from the rookies. I hope it doesn't effect his progress. RK would not have risked it

[doddisalegend]

How the full backs play seems to define how good we are going forward.

 

Targett I don't think got in their half all match and Martina was woeful. Stark contrast to last weekend.

 

Though arguably not losing this game was more important than winning it so maybe our fullbacks where told not to take any risks and keep it tight over raiding into the opposition half.

[ErwinK1961]

Though arguably not losing this game was more important than winning it so maybe our fullbacks where told not to take any risks and keep it tight over raiding into the opposition half.

 

Yeah you could well be right, though I don't think the tactics were for Martina to be that woeful! Really like Cuco but he was pants today (2 crosses second half aside).

[Saint IQ]

Think we would of won had we taken Austin along.....

 

I would say 3 of our best finishers were not in the squad. Austin, Rodriguez and Boufal.

 

So considering that, good point.

[Bad Wolf]

Think we would of won had we taken Austin along.....

 

I would say 3 of our best finishers were not in the squad. Austin, Rodriguez and Boufal.

 

So considering that, good point.

 

Yes and then if he'd been knackered on Sunday everyone would have been whinging about why he was taken...

[Mowgli]

Love how ruthless Puel was for taking off Hesketh, he was having a stinker in the first 32 minutes.

 

I dont think that is why we took him off. He was getting beaten up but did OK when he found space. But the tactical change turned the game in my view (to an even game from a one sided one...)

[Toon Saint]

Not a terrible result all things considering. Don't know what happened to Cuco who had a shocker. Long and Targett didn't have great games either and I'm still not sure what the point in Clasie is - one of the least imaginative midfielders I have seen play for us for some time. JWP looked bright at least and we regained a bit of control when Tadic came on for Hesketh, who looked completely lost bless him. Still, a hard place to go and hopefully a valuable point.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Saint IQ]

Yes and then if he'd been knackered on Sunday everyone would have been whinging about why he was taken...

 

He's knackered after 35/40 mins even when he's fresh

 

I would of taken him personally even if it was just to come on for 20 mins with Jay and Boufal not available.

[doddisalegend]

Think we would of won had we taken Austin along.....

 

I would say 3 of our best finishers were not in the squad. Austin, Rodriguez and Boufal.

 

So considering that, good point.

 

Considering his recent fitness problems doubt we can play Austin in every game. Plus our other forward players won't get the chance to start scoring if they don't get game time. I'm cool with the squad rotation myself especially if we get a result at Leicester.

[aintforever]

Decent result considering the team we put out. Makes you wish we had invested in a better squad during the summer.

[striker]

I'm fine with a draw. We beat them soundly at home.

[Nordic Saint]

Think we would of won had we taken Austin along.....

 

I would say 3 of our best finishers were not in the squad. Austin, Rodriguez and Boufal.

 

So considering that, good point.

 

I agree with you about Austin. He needs to play at least part of every game we want to win as he is our only reliable goal scorer. Played ss a Saints striker, Redmond looks like a Norwich midfielder. As for Boufal being one of our best finishers, he's a midfielder who's only averaged 4 goals a season in his career in the French 2nd and 1st divisions and he didn't score at all in the 2 games he played for Morocco. We should have kept one out of Pelle and Mane but as we didn't, we'll have to buy another striker in January. Fingers crossed Austin doesn't get injured before then.

[eurosaint]

There have been a few comments about a 'hostile' atmosphere !

I've just had a text from a mate who is there right now and he says that the natives have been really friendly and he ghas had a great trip so far !

[SaintTex]

Though arguably not losing this game was more important than winning it so maybe our fullbacks where told not to take any risks and keep it tight over raiding into the opposition half.

i didn't see the match, but it sounds like a plausible strategy/tactic. Maybe the Cuco and Targett were playing exactly as Puel had instructed them to do. Don't get caught up front and let's take the point.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Good result ordinary performance. Curious about why Martina crossed to no-one. Is the brain washing on the template that strong that he just crossed because that what he has been told to do?

[Saint in NZ]

Said it before and will say it again. We have only one recognised striker and he was left at home. Result no goals. No great surprise there. Long's a willing runner but a regular goalscorer he isn't!

[adrian lord]

Good result ordinary performance. Curious about why Martina crossed to no-one. Is the brain washing on the template that strong that he just crossed because that what he has been told to do?

 

Curious wasn't it - almost like we were deliberately screwing up the final ball.

[Shroppie]

There have been a few comments about a 'hostile' atmosphere !

I've just had a text from a mate who is there right now and he says that the natives have been really friendly and he ghas had a great trip so far !

I was there and the atmosphere in the stadium was loud and intimidating. We 300 Saints got great satisfaction from making enough noise to cause whistles and frustration.

 

Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

[Shroppie]

Good result ordinary performance. Curious about why Martina crossed to no-one. Is the brain washing on the template that strong that he just crossed because that what he has been told to do?

I'd say good result, good performance. Long trip, not our strongest team, massive home crowd noise, very intimidating. Yes I'm in Beer Sheva.

 

We matched them and could have won, especially if Virgil had buried the header.

 

There were some weaker performances, yes. Martina didn't have the best of games, Targett wasted chances to get to the byline, Yoshida almost had his moment, but it was the best I've seen JWP in a Saints shirt, Virgil was immense (except for the miss) and the team worked hard.

 

If I'm correct, Beer Sheva had a 100% home win record in Europe at this ground before tonight. That makes it a great result.

 

Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Edited 29 September, 2016 by Shroppie

[Whitey Grandad]

Never complain about a clean sheet.

[New Forest Steve]

Evening both (Dutchie/NFS)

 

 

1/Pedant. Disagree about the 'need' for proper grammar, etc, but will leave it at that as I'm right on this one; you both demonstrate my point by your good use of language.

 

Off to the pub.

 

There should be a full stop after etc., as it's an abbreviation. Also, I was always taught that a comma was not required before the word 'but'.

 

Personally, I take pride in using good grammar. I do not however, see the need to be condescending to someone who has inadvertently, or unknowingly, made a grammatical error, particularly when you're not perfect yourself.

 

I think this was Dutchies' point in his original post and is why I agreed with him.

 

 

btw. Did you like like my 'clever clogs' quip, to Dutchie ?

Edited 29 September, 2016 by New Forest Steve

[Le Timmier]

I agree with you about Austin. He needs to play at least part of every game we want to win as he is our only reliable goal scorer. Played ss a Saints striker, Redmond looks like a Norwich midfielder. As for Boufal being one of our best finishers, he's a midfielder who's only averaged 4 goals a season in his career in the French 2nd and 1st divisions and he didn't score at all in the 2 games he played for Morocco. We should have kept one out of Pelle and Mane but as we didn't, we'll have to buy another striker in January. Fingers crossed Austin doesn't get injured before then.

Christ put a lid on it. Pelle & Mane have gone. Get over it. Austin can't play every game. And if you think Redmond looks like a Championship midfielder then you're seeing a different Redmond to the majority of us.

 

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[Charlie Wayman]

I reckon Puel will have acknowledged that this would be a gruelling game with such a long trip and a hot stadium with a very hostile crowd. He put out a side with the intention of not getting beaten while saving as much energy as possible, and it worked. A point and a clean sheet away at such a place is really not a bad result at all.

 

I think you are right, the guy has been around the Champions League and Europa League for years and knows exactly how to play it. Win at home, draw away leaves us with 12 points and into the knock-out stages.

[HKsaint]

Solution: stop asking Austin to run and Redmond to shoot again.

[Saint_clark]

Good result ordinary performance. Curious about why Martina crossed to no-one. Is the brain washing on the template that strong that he just crossed because that what he has been told to do?

 

They were great crosses in an otherwise poor performance from Martina, with those in the box standing still rather than making runs.

[david in sweden]

Never complain about a clean sheet.

 

...it's only the bed-wetters who'd find fault with that statement.......

[david in sweden]

They were great crosses in an otherwise poor performance from Martina, with those in the box standing still rather than making runs.

 

the point made several times by the TV commentators.

Two good crosses into the box (Austin "scored " from similar efforts at SMS) but last night those in the box were ball-watching and had no striker's instinct to go for it.

 

If we continue to use that ploy, it'll only work if there is someone at the far post.

[Convict Colony]

I keep forgetting we have boufal to come

[Minsk]

A decent result, despite the poor performance. I feel sorry for Hesketh, but he did need taking off. Martina and Long had a mare. VvD solid but missed our best chance early on. I thought Romeu and JWP but in decent performances.

 

Tadic aside, we had no attacking threat from the bench. (I don't count an untried youngster who looks good in some U21 matches and misses numerous sitters in others.) I still wish we had bought one more striker in the summer; one available from the start of the season.

[John B]

I think you are right, the guy has been around the Champions League and Europa League for years and knows exactly how to play it. Win at home, draw away leaves us with 12 points and into the knock-out stages.

 

Quite right Charlie this was an excellent result probably one of the best ones the club has had away from home in Europe it is not the performance which counts it is the result.

 

Some on here have little idea what is needed to get further in the Europa League but obviously Puel does

[benjii]

There have been a few comments about a 'hostile' atmosphere !

I've just had a text from a mate who is there right now and he says that the natives have been really friendly and he ghas had a great trip so far !

 

Yeah, it wasnt remotely hostile in the sense of being menacing. It was loud but all good natured.

[tajjuk]

Solid result IMO, long trip, a lot of the team not very experienced in Europe, rotated the squad and we got a clean sheet against a team that is clearly better than their league suggests and beat Inter Milan away.

 

Plus we are top of the group, home wins against Inter and Beer Sheva and that is probably qualification.

[John Boy Saint]

Does make me smile on here, all the moaning at certain players, invariably the usual suspects, it's as if we are Real Madrid and have found ourselves in the lesser waters of the Europa league and just played against some backwater end of the earth team. When in reality we are Southampton who have not really experienced European football for a good few years l, yes we had a dabble last year, and a sniff in 2003. But in reality we are novices, just about every player on the pitch is a novice to European football, so to walk away with a draw, especially when VVD alluded to having a difficult journey getting to Israel, and he is a man with probably the most European experience in the squad, against a well organised team is nothing to be upset about. The only players who were disapointing were Long (who looks to be in dark place right now) Redmond (who needs to buy a lottery ticket around the box) and Clasie who I thought was the invisible man. He was right to take off Hesketh as at the time we had 2 inert players in the middle, Clasie having more experience was the right one toleave on. Most of the slaggers opinion on Martinas game seem based on the early period of the game, once he found his feet he was much better, as always he cracked in some good balls into postions you know he will time and time again, you could see his frustration that no one was up for getting on the end of them. Matty Targett could score a hat trick and there would be people moaning. As for moaning about JWP those still banging the same drum to the same tune about him they were 2 seasons ago, really should go and watch another sport, as he is much improved this season.

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Does make me smile on here, all the moaning at certain players, invariably the usual suspects, it's as if we are Real Madrid and have found ourselves in the lesser waters of the Europa league and just played against some backwater end of the earth team. When in reality we are Southampton who have not really experienced European football for a good few years l, yes we had a dabble last year, and a sniff in 2003. But in reality we are novices, just about every player on the pitch is a novice to European football, so to walk away with a draw, especially when VVD alluded to having a difficult journey getting to Israel, and he is a man with probably the most European experience in the squad, against a well organised team is nothing to be upset about. The only players who were disapointing were Long (who looks to be in dark place right now) Redmond (who needs to buy a lottery ticket around the box) and Clasie who I thought was the invisible man. He was right to take off Hesketh as at the time we had 2 inert players in the middle, Clasie having more experience was the right one toleave on. Most of the slaggers opinion on Martinas game seem based on the early period of the game, once he found his feet he was much better, as always he cracked in some good balls into postions you know he will time and time again, you could see his frustration that no one was up for getting on the end of them. Matty Targett could score a hat trick and there would be people moaning. As for moaning about JWP those still banging the same drum to the same tune about him they were 2 seasons ago, really should go and watch another sport, as he is much improved this season.

 

Very good post John boy

[Colinjb]

Does make me smile on here, all the moaning at certain players, invariably the usual suspects, it's as if we are Real Madrid and have found ourselves in the lesser waters of the Europa league and just played against some backwater end of the earth team. When in reality we are Southampton who have not really experienced European football for a good few years l, yes we had a dabble last year, and a sniff in 2003. But in reality we are novices, just about every player on the pitch is a novice to European football, so to walk away with a draw, especially when VVD alluded to having a difficult journey getting to Israel, and he is a man with probably the most European experience in the squad, against a well organised team is nothing to be upset about. The only players who were disapointing were Long (who looks to be in dark place right now) Redmond (who needs to buy a lottery ticket around the box) and Clasie who I thought was the invisible man. He was right to take off Hesketh as at the time we had 2 inert players in the middle, Clasie having more experience was the right one toleave on. Most of the slaggers opinion on Martinas game seem based on the early period of the game, once he found his feet he was much better, as always he cracked in some good balls into postions you know he will time and time again, you could see his frustration that no one was up for getting on the end of them. Matty Targett could score a hat trick and there would be people moaning. As for moaning about JWP those still banging the same drum to the same tune about him they were 2 seasons ago, really should go and watch another sport, as he is much improved this season.

 

Hear hear!!!!

[Saint Garrett]

Whole team wasn't great but specifically Long, Martina, Clasie and Hesketh had shockers.

 

Long is really struggling in this system, however last night, he wasn't even doing his usual hassling and hurrying. Whether that's team instruction not to press i'm not sure, but he looks absolutely terrible at the moment. He desperately needs a goal.

 

We got a point away from home in a difficult game, agree with John Boy Saint too. The experience will help us, Inter away next, hopefully we'll stick in a better performance at the San Siro.

[niceandfriendly]

As for moaning about JWP those still banging the same drum to the same tune about him they were 2 seasons ago, really should go and watch another sport, as he is much improved this season.

 

The bar has been set so low for JWP that your last point is probably true. Unfortunately his "much improved" is still so disappointing. He's not a youngster anymore, he really needs to start controlling games and actually playing well. Because he makes one successful pass a game people who are desperate to love him come out and say "LOOK LOOK he's improving he's improving" but looked at without rose tinted spectacles he is still horribly average.

 

Not a moan either, not everyone coming through our academy can be class. But let's not pretend that just because he is one of "ours" it means he's a decent player. Well to be fair he might be, he has just never shown it, ever.

 

Like him as a bloke though, and very much hoping one day he does actually step up. Handsome too.

Edited 30 September, 2016 by niceandfriendly

[Greenridge]

Whole team wasn't great but specifically Long, Martina, Clasie and Hesketh had shockers.

 

Long is really struggling in this system, however last night, he wasn't even doing his usual hassling and hurrying. Whether that's team instruction not to press i'm not sure, but he looks absolutely terrible at the moment. He desperately needs a goal.

 

We got a point away from home in a difficult game, agree with John Boy Saint too. The experience will help us, Inter away next, hopefully we'll stick in a better performance at the San Siro.

 

You can add Redmond to that and a few other possibles. Still, job done and a point earned. Puel however will no doubt be concerned about several individual performances and the struggle of many to play the system. Long and Redmond didn't seem to have any idea of what their roles where.

[New Forest Steve]

...it's only the bed-wetters who'd find fault with that statement.......

 

[New Forest Steve]

Does make me smile on here, all the moaning at certain players, invariably the usual suspects, it's as if we are Real Madrid and have found ourselves in the lesser waters of the Europa league and just played against some backwater end of the earth team. When in reality we are Southampton who have not really experienced European football for a good few years l, yes we had a dabble last year, and a sniff in 2003. But in reality we are novices, just about every player on the pitch is a novice to European football, so to walk away with a draw, especially when VVD alluded to having a difficult journey getting to Israel, and he is a man with probably the most European experience in the squad, against a well organised team is nothing to be upset about. The only players who were disapointing were Long (who looks to be in dark place right now) Redmond (who needs to buy a lottery ticket around the box) and Clasie who I thought was the invisible man. He was right to take off Hesketh as at the time we had 2 inert players in the middle, Clasie having more experience was the right one toleave on. Most of the slaggers opinion on Martinas game seem based on the early period of the game, once he found his feet he was much better, as always he cracked in some good balls into postions you know he will time and time again, you could see his frustration that no one was up for getting on the end of them. Matty Targett could score a hat trick and there would be people moaning. As for moaning about JWP those still banging the same drum to the same tune about him they were 2 seasons ago, really should go and watch another sport, as he is much improved this season.

Good post John Boy. We came away with a good point and a clean sheet, in difficult conditions after a grueling journey.

 

....... it does make me smile tho', when people contradict themselves

[derry]

Long has to be played to his strengths not shoehorned into a system that doesn't suit him if we are to get the best out of him. His and Redmond's game needs to be worked on as their anticipation in the penalty area is on a par with spectators. They have to get off their heels and make runs on the off chance not wait for the ball to eventually drop in front of them pretty much like Redmond's only goal, it hasn't happened since and he hasn't scored and worse still hasn't looked like scoring. The only two who are prepared to move are Austin and Rodriguez, it's no coincidence that they have both got goals..

[rick1976.4.38]

i cant believe the moaning on here

ffs a draw away and a clean sheet,against a team who haven't lost at home for 23 games,

it was a dire game to be fair but we top the group,virgil should of buried his header

roll on to milan and i'd take another point from them

enjoy the European ride while it lasts

UTS

[Pancake]

Martina makes team of the week [emoji23][emoji23]

 

[Cabrone]

Martina getting a few negative comments, I thought he was fine and put some decent balls in. It wasn't his fault that the centre forwards weren't on the end of them - he did his job.

 

We never looked overrun at a ground where plenty have come away with their tails between their legs. 2nd half we were the better team without really cutting through them.

 

Draw away and win at home will see us comfortably through - I'm happy with that.

[Mallagroth]

Martina makes team of the week [emoji23][emoji23]

 

 

Surely that was for the last game... Well if he was it goes to show I know **** all, I thought he was utter ****e (for the first time this season).

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Sitting in Tel Aviv airport reading the reports in the Jerusalem Post where their manager is claiming the result against a big club to be a very good one so it seems both sides would have settled for a point. Saints were incredibly light weight upfront which was disappointing after last Sunday, how we could have used a fit JayRod.

I don't think I have ever been in a noisier stadium, everyone and I mean every one in the crowd joined in with singing and clapping and the acoustics meant the atmosphere was intimidating but never hostile. There was a little street bar on the corner outside and both sets of fans mingled just fine. Unfortunately it seems the vendor didn't have a liquor license because the law arrived and told him no more beer sales! Just as Steve Grant was about to get a drink too.

[New Forest Steve]

You can add Redmond to that and a few other possibles. Still, job done and a point earned. Puel however will no doubt be concerned about several individual performances and the struggle of many to play the system. Long and Redmond didn't seem to have any idea of what their roles where.

 

It was hard for Redmond and Long last night but think it would of been for whoever was playing up front.

 

Our game plan was primarily to keep things tight with a high defensive line and deep midfield, then hit them on the counter. The problem was, they never really pressed us as you'd expect a home team to do. They played it quite smart really by always leaving two strikers up the pitch, even when defending their goal. This resulted in both teams defending deep, with a stretched midfield and precious little opportunity for strikers to break free from their shackles.

 

Without being particularly creative, Be'er Sheeva are a good team. They had obviously done their homework and showed us a lot of respect. They were well aware how difficult our defence would be to crack and how dominant we can be in midfield. I don't think they really fancied their chances going toe to toe with us and played for the draw........ and tbf, a draw against arguably the strongest team in the group, is a good result for them even at home. I think they will be just as happy with the point as we are.

Edited 30 September, 2016 by New Forest Steve

[Foxstone]

Does make me smile on here, all the moaning at certain players, invariably the usual suspects, it's as if we are Real Madrid and have found ourselves in the lesser waters of the Europa league and just played against some backwater end of the earth team. When in reality we are Southampton who have not really experienced European football for a good few years l, yes we had a dabble last year, and a sniff in 2003. But in reality we are novices, just about every player on the pitch is a novice to European football, so to walk away with a draw, especially when VVD alluded to having a difficult journey getting to Israel, and he is a man with probably the most European experience in the squad, against a well organised team is nothing to be upset about. The only players who were disapointing were Long (who looks to be in dark place right now) Redmond (who needs to buy a lottery ticket around the box) and Clasie who I thought was the invisible man. He was right to take off Hesketh as at the time we had 2 inert players in the middle, Clasie having more experience was the right one toleave on. Most of the slaggers opinion on Martinas game seem based on the early period of the game, once he found his feet he was much better, as always he cracked in some good balls into postions you know he will time and time again, you could see his frustration that no one was up for getting on the end of them. Matty Targett could score a hat trick and there would be people moaning. As for moaning about JWP those still banging the same drum to the same tune about him they were 2 seasons ago, really should go and watch another sport, as he is much improved this season.

 

Good man... Agree

[Foxstone]

Sitting in Tel Aviv airport reading the reports in the Jerusalem Post where their manager is claiming the result against a big club to be a very good one so it seems both sides would have settled for a point. Saints were incredibly light weight upfront which was disappointing after last Sunday, how we could have used a fit JayRod.

I don't think I have ever been in a noisier stadium, everyone and I mean every one in the crowd joined in with singing and clapping and the acoustics meant the atmosphere was intimidating but never hostile. There was a little street bar on the corner outside and both sets of fans mingled just fine. Unfortunately it seems the vendor didn't have a liquor license because the law arrived and told him no more beer sales! Just as Steve Grant was about to get a drink too.

 

It sounds as though you are never too old to enjoy a new experience...

 

Games like this is why we worked so hard to qualify for this competition in the first place, and to give the supporters trips to remember.

 

I would have loved to have been there to experience it myself.