Saints 1-1 Spurs - Match Thread

[Streaky]

20 minutes ago, Chez said:

Forster would have deserved to get murdered on here. What a woeful bit of keeping. He is absolutely shite when coming for crosses. 

Well he came for loads with no problem at all. Hardly Shite. Guess there is always something to moan about.

[The Cat]

17 minutes ago, Chez said:

Thought Broja ought to have been brought on a little earlier. He looked sharp and obviously everyone knows he is our best option. Also thought Romeu should have been on for the last ten minutes. I guess Ralph knows better than I how fit our subs are, but JWP needed to come off and fresh legs brought on. It's a mute point now I suppose.

 

He was called back from warming up just after 60 minutes and was getting ready to come on when Adam Armstrong went down injured.

For whatever reason we then decided not to bring him on at that point. He put his jacket and bib back on, went to warm up again and was brought on a bit later.

[CanadaSaint]

Thinking back to the infamous “Where will we finish?” thread, and the even more depressing Everton post match reaction, there aren’t many of us who would have foreseen us being on twenty points on Boxing Day.

But onwards and upwards we go! 😇

[Billy the Kidd]

51 minutes ago, egg said:

Nice point. Great effort from everyone, and fair play to Bednarek for marshaling that defence through the game. Good subs from Ralph too - Broja gave us something more when we needed it, and Redmond tightened us up down the left. Forster got lucky for the one he dropped, but he did well otherwise and we look more assured with him in the team. 

Nice. 

Yep agree with this. Thought AA did really well filling in at the LB/helping defence considering not his game at all.

Really pleased with the performance overall, I though from the first 5 mins we looked like we had the bit between our gnashers…

[Chez]

Just now, DT said:

I feel that McCarthy wouldn’t have made the saves Forster did. And neither would he have instilled the confidence into his defence just by his presence. But we’ll never agree on this so best to just agree to disagree

I do disagree. 

The saves he made were not super hard. McCarthy makes all of them.

I didn't see the defence's confidence rise when he was glued to his line instead of coming and claiming and over hit through ball that KWP had to hack away for a throw that put us back under pressure.

Forster made a massive fuck up with the dropped cross, but luckily got away with it. Did that instil more confidence?

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Conte: You can lose your identity if you rotate to much.

He had mentioned the 2 games in quick sucession and the choice between stivking with tired players or making large scale rotation. He doesn't seem to trust his squad depth to do the job.

Contrast to the changes Ralph made and their intensity.

[CylonKing]

Not going to criticise as that was an excellent point in the circumstances, especially after the West Ham win. Like having Perraud on the left and KWP on the right, thought we had more balance overall. A. Armstrong was great both offensively and covering at the back. Thought Redmond was also good with the defensive duties when he came on. The last 10 minutes were a nightmare to watch in terms of stress, but very happy with the point as we nearly always get nothing from Spurts.

[The Cat]

31 minutes ago, spyinthesky said:

I would be very annoyed if a similar challenge on Lloris had been ruled out.

However despite the decision and the offside against Kane went in our favour we deserved the result.

Forster would have been murdered on here if the goal had stood but he played well otherwise.

Big up to all the players and also the crowd.

Saints supporters bossed that side of the game.

That said, we do need more of a range of songs.

Listened to Solent on the drive home and they all said Forster was lucky. Or Foster if you listen to Merrington who still can't get his name right!

Crowd were good. I noticed Northam getting a Broja chant going to the old Human League/Jose Fonte tune.

Still have no real songs for the following players:

Adams, both Armstrong's, KWP, Bednarek, Valery, Diallo, Forster. 

It's a bit shit really! Livramento has 2 songs and he's only been here 5 minutes yet some of those above have been here ages yet have nothing.

 

[Chez]

3 minutes ago, Streaky said:

Well he came for loads with no problem at all. Hardly Shite. Guess there is always something to moan about.

When we win, I point out stuff that is not good (and may cost us on another occasion) and when we lose I point out stuff that is good (that may help us win dow the line). 

 

 

[Chez]

7 minutes ago, The Cat said:

He was called back from warming up just after 60 minutes and was getting ready to come on when Adam Armstrong went down injured.

For whatever reason we then decided not to bring him on at that point. He put his jacket and bib back on, went to warm up again and was brought on a bit later.

fair enough. Not sure why he couldn't make both subs. He only made two all game in the end. 

[The Cat]

25 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I teally hope so too. He was someone I was really hoping would break through to be a regular. We've 2 good RBs in front of him, but perhaps his versatility can open up other options.

He might have to play at RB against Newcastle as Walker Peters is suspended and Livramento may still be out.

[The Cat]

11 minutes ago, Streaky said:

Well he came for loads with no problem at all. Hardly Shite. Guess there is always something to moan about.

If there's anything to moan at Forster about today it was him repeatedly shanking kicks out of play in the second half and conceding possession. He has a weird technique which causes the ball to slice to the right quite often. 

At one point he kicked one straight, we picked up the second ball and everyone cheered. 

[Chez]

20 minutes ago, DT said:

I think so. Thought he showed good composure and fight

Fight yes, but that's a bare minimum expected really, its the lack of real quality I am concerned about. He ain't terribly quick, which is a worry. Not sure his first touch, dribbling or crossing is Premier League level. I did see one or two nice balls down the line for the winger to run on to. That is encouraging. Maybe he just needs time to find his feet. Ralph clearly ain't been impressed either, hence he cant get a game. I'd love him to shine as a left footed is needed, but I just don't see a top quality player there at the moment.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

6 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Still have no real songs for the following players:

Adams, both Armstrong's, KWP, Bednarek, Valery, Diallo, Forster.

 

Steve Winwood's Valerie seems a no brainer for Valery.

Valerieeeeee, pass to me.... 🙂

[The Cat]

7 minutes ago, Chez said:

fair enough. Not sure why he couldn't make both subs. He only made two all game in the end. 

Romeu was waiting to come on in injury time but we never made the sub before the final whistle.

[Fan The Flames]

1 minute ago, Chez said:

Fight yes, but that's a bare minimum expected really, its the lack of real quality I am concerned about. He ain't terribly quick, which is a worry. Not sure his first touch, dribbling or crossing is Premier League level. I did see one or two nice balls down the line for the winger to run on to. That is encouraging. Maybe he just needs time to find his feet. Ralph clearly ain't been impressed either, hence he cant get a game. I'd love him to shine as a left footed is needed, but I just don't see a top quality player there at the moment.

He did a lovely bit of skill down the line in the first half, but then took on another player and lost it. Promising, I hope.

[Matthew Le God]

4 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

Steve Winwood's Valerie seems a no brainer for Valery.

Valerieeeeee, pass to me.... 🙂

 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

2 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

 

So, Steve Winwood's classic Valerie seems like a no brainer to me for Valery. 😀

Thanks MLG 🙂

[Chez]

8 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Romeu was waiting to come on in injury time but we never made the sub before the final whistle.

Good that Romeu is fit to go. I'd of sacrificed the time wasting sub for some fresh legs earlier. 

[cloggy saint]

Just now, Chez said:

Good that Romeu is fit to go. I'd of sacrificed the time wasting sub for some fresh legs earlier. 

Doesn't the time taken for bringing on a sub get added on?

[kyle04]

Good spirit from the lads, when we might have folded 2nd half. Had a bit of luck I suppose with the Kane O/S goal and Forsters spill, although both correct decisions, just. Spurs have some world class players, but they're no Man City. Annoyed the ref blew just when Broja looked to be away for a one on one chance, perhaps that's why he did, not often games end on the dot of stoppage time but no complaints, would have taken a draw post match. Well done boys, 3 tough games unbeaten and 5 points. Lets not undo it all by fucking up v Newcastle, if the game goes ahead.

[Billy the Kidd]

59 minutes ago, egg said:

I'd still prefer KWP at LB than Perraud...but on today's performance, I'd prefer KWP to Livra at RB!! Something has to give. 

Yep it will give. Tino on the left when he is back 😅

[Kingsland Codger]

1 hour ago, hans gruber said:

I understand it was a little soft by Forster but it’s a foul 100% of the time.

spurs are a horrible team and in my opinion didn’t deserve the win.

well played by the lads. Super super effort

A little like our disallowed goal in the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea a few years ago. As you say, a foul every time.

From 3:05 - Chelsea v Saints FA Cup semifinal

[Chez]

7 minutes ago, Fan The Flames said:

He did a lovely bit of skill down the line in the first half, but then took on another player and lost it. Promising, I hope.

in contrast, there was a nice move in the second half down the left and he turned in one of the worst crosses I've seen in a long while when we had players in the box. A right footer kicking with his swinger would have done better. 

[Toadhall Saint]

1 minute ago, Chez said:

in contrast, there was a nice move in the second half down the left and he turned in one of the worst crosses I've seen in a long while when we had players in the box. A right footer kicking with his swinger would have done better. 

Player of the match please chez

[striker]

30 minutes ago, Chez said:

I do disagree. 

The saves he made were not super hard. McCarthy makes all of them.

I didn't see the defence's confidence rise when he was glued to his line instead of coming and claiming and over hit through ball that KWP had to hack away for a throw that put us back under pressure.

Forster made a massive fuck up with the dropped cross, but luckily got away with it. Did that instil more confidence?

I agree too, Forster sits on his line way too much for me. McCarthy makes all those save no problem.

[Billy the Kidd]

45 minutes ago, Chez said:

in what way? I saw a `championship at best' type player out there today. He battled hard, as did them all, but he's not particularly great at any facet of the game. Am I being too harsh?

I think a little harsh, he is taking a little time to settle, and our forward line hasn’t been stable or great this season, and our No 10s are also a bit shit. I like him, think he will be ok. Although I’m also looking forward to Small getting game time, hopefully in the cup.

[Teddeer]

If offered in advance would have taken a point against Spurs as we rarely get much off them. Feared the worst when the team was announced but didn't they play superbly up until Salisu got sent off. In hindsight he'd have been better off accepting Son was away and hoping he'd either cock it up or Fraser would pull off a save. It left us having to concentrate on keeping two banks of four and what a great effort from the whole team to limit Spurs and hold out for the point. Would have loved to see Broja's effort fly in but I guess that would have been asking too much. He certainly put the fear of God into Dier when he came on. Shout outs to Long and Valery who did a great job having played very little this season. I'm trying to decide whether Diallo played well or not because I didn't notice him at all - sometimes that is the sign of an accomplished performance. Great goal from JWP and nice to see him score a cracker from open play - like to see more of that from him.

Edited 28 December, 2021 by Teddeer

[Saint Keef]

Can anyone help me please? I am trying to find the resident "Ralph Bashers" that come on here, week in - week out. They didn't seem to be around on Boxing Day evening and they are very quiet again this evening. Has something happened to them? I do hope the're alright. Must be a tough time for them. 

Enjoy it - 4 points from the two, potentially very tough "festive" games so far. I would have taken that at the start. Great second half defensive display today. Well done to the whole team......Oh, and Ralph too.

 

[Fan The Flames]

5 minutes ago, Kingsland Codger said:

A little like our disallowed goal in the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea a few years ago. As you say, a foul every time.

From 3:05 - Chelsea v Saints FA Cup semifinal

Our one above was a lot softer that the one today. I think the ref gives the foul today because Doherty ? leaps at Forster and turns his back, so he's not really trying to get the ball, his back then clashes with Forsters arms. If Doherty stays facing the right way and makes a proper attempt at the ball then the goal would have stood.

Austin just stands his ground in the semi and WC drops it, poor decision imo.

[Chez]

18 minutes ago, cloggy saint said:

Doesn't the time taken for bringing on a sub get added on?

Yes you are right. I guess it interrupts the flow of things, but fresh legs for last ten minutes makes much more sense to me.

[Chez]

13 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

Player of the match please chez

Thought KWP had a great second half. He'd be my MOTM. Thought everyone put in an excellent shift. It was a good team performance. We hung in there, forced them to cross a lot of balls in that we dealt with well.  

[doc oli]

23 minutes ago, kyle04 said:

Good spirit from the lads, when we might have folded 2nd half. Had a bit of luck I suppose with the Kane O/S goal and Forsters spill, although both correct decisions, just. Spurs have some world class players, but they're no Man City. Annoyed the ref blew just when Broja looked to be away for a one on one chance, perhaps that's why he did, not often games end on the dot of stoppage time but no complaints, would have taken a draw post match. Well done boys, 3 tough games unbeaten and 5 points. Lets not undo it all by fucking up v Newcastle, if the game goes ahead.

Have always thought football should copy rugby and stop the game when all time has elapsed and then the ball goes dead/out of play. Removes any annoyances of preventing an attack by blowing up. 
 

(this is the only way in which football should copy rugby btw) 

[Toadhall Saint]

1 minute ago, Chez said:

Thought KWP had a great second half. He'd be my MOTM. Thought everyone put in an excellent shift. It was a good team performance. We hung in there, forced them to cross a lot of balls in that we dealt with well.  

👍 mine to 

[Dr Who?]

Well what a strange first home game for my son that was. 

In control and the only team in it up until we scored and then Spurs turned the screw a bit and make it more of an even contest, but one we looked in control of with no real scares. 

Then in a split second that all changed with a stupid challenge, penalty and the sending off. At this point I thought that was game over. 

The Spurs disallowed goal was a huge turning point (and very funny after they celebrated with flare as well). After this we seemed to dig in even more and I found it a really good game of defence v attack with the odd flicker of a chance and then a big chance at the end. My son did not take his eyes off the second half and I have never seen that at a game. 

I thought every player played out of their skins. FF was brilliant and seemed to be revelling in it and having fun. Long deserved his standing ovation off the pitch as he was kept on to do a job to 70 minutes and did it perfectly. 

Some of the comments on here were comical having just read through the thread. Thank god it is not toxic in the ground as the support stayed with the team (even though people were leaving in the last 5 minutes. Why stay for that long and think, that will do)? 🤷🏻 

I made my boy not just leave the ground as everyone of those players deserved to be clapped as they walked around the pitch. If you cannot stay and do that with that kind of performance then when can you. Tactics spot on! 

great point, got to love the Saints. 🍻 

Edited 28 December, 2021 by Dr Who?
FF was not revealing but revelling

[Harry_SFC]

31 minutes ago, striker said:

I agree too, Forster sits on his line way too much for me. McCarthy makes all those save no problem.

Have you watched McCarthy this season? Most stuff hit straight at him or slightly to either side of him has gone in.

[Hodgey]

So after the last few weeks with 2 goals and an assist is JWP still useless and cant even take set pieces anymore, or are we accepting that he is one of our best players ?.  Fair play to the whole team - like everyone I’ve accused them of being bottlers but the last 2 games they have 2 monkeys off their backs - playing with 10 men and coming back in the 2nd half. Very pleasing

[davefizzy14]

Fantastic team performance from us today. Every single player played out of their skin. Prowsey - what a strike and captains performance KWP - my MOTM he was sensational today, the header to clear away and that follow up block was something else Valery - was brilliant, after the Chelsea cup game where he was very good at CB I thought he could play there and Ralph has turned him into one Fraser - total commanding presence - made two great stops including one at his near post in 2nd half Long - ran his socks off and was constant menace to their back line, deserved his standing ovation when he came off

ref was utterly attrocious today - gave them all the 50/50s and should have sent their left back off for two bookable offences. Our red card was harsh, 1st booking was never a yellow.

The support today was magnificent from us all COYR

Edited 28 December, 2021 by davefizzy14

[TWar]

Depth is so important and ours is miles better than last season. So a number of changes between the two games and yet still 4 points from west ham and spurs. And all with our first choice keeper and two of our cbs out. Incredible.

Very happy! I think the red was a tad harsh, why was that a second yellow and no yellow for the west ham lad on the weekend?!

Also JWP is incredible, absolutely motm for me.

Edited 28 December, 2021 by TWar

[Lord Duckhunter]

That’s the way to play against 10 men, better than the mincing around we’ve seen the last couple of years we’ve gone down to 10. 2 banks of 4, with someone up top who puts themselves about a bit. Plus players defending properly and putting their bodies on the line. Proper performance. 
 

KWP motm for me, highlight a fantastic saving header when Kane looked odds on to nod it in. Valery deserves a special mention, to play like that at centre half after hardly playing was impressive. Left back played w really well too. Rode our luck when lurch dropped a bollock, but deserved that. Salisu owes his teammates a big thank you. He needed to calm down, dived in 2 or 3 times before his first booking. When are professional players going to use their brains and stop tackling in situations that he found himself in. What’s the worst that happens, they score but it’s 11v11. 

[markr27]

A team reduced to 10 men, that contained a makeshift centre half that is not considered by many to be good enough in his natural position, plus a left back and midfielder that had both played little football recently. Added to that, a striker playing a wide left defensive midfield role, and a striker that should be nowhere near the squad let alone starting...

 

Yeah, they did OK.

Edited 28 December, 2021 by markr27

[stknowle]

1 hour ago, Chez said:

in what way? I saw a `championship at best' type player out there today. He battled hard, as did them all, but he's not particularly great at any facet of the game. Am I being too harsh?

Yes, Chez, I think you are being too harsh. Plenty on show there from Perraud to suggest he can be a very handy left back for us, which - let’s face it - is what we bought him for. I hear your “well Ralph see’s him in training everyday and doesn’t deem him worth a place in front of an out of position KWP” and before today I haven’t really had cause to disagree but he looked decent imho and likely to handle the prem. I think maybe we have a ‘Salisu lite’ situation going on, easing him in but from a stronger starting point. 

[VictiAbNonem]

12 minutes ago, Hodgey said:

So after the last few weeks with 2 goals and an assist is JWP still useless and cant even take set pieces anymore, or are we accepting that he is one of our best players ?.  Fair play to the whole team - like everyone I’ve accused them of being bottlers but the last 2 games they have 2 monkeys off their backs - playing with 10 men and coming back in the 2nd half. Very pleasing

On JWP, I thought he was superb today. This from the BBC write up says it all - 

"But with the likes of the impressive Ward-Prowse winning all of his duels on the day, Southampton kept a solid shape to force Spurs wide."

[davefizzy14]

1 minute ago, VictiAbNonem said:

On JWP, I thought he was superb today. This from the BBC write up says it all - 

"But with the likes of the impressive Ward-Prowse winning all of his duels on the day, Southampton kept a solid shape to force Spurs wide."

Prowsey was exceptional today

[Chez]

1 minute ago, stknowle said:

Yes, Chez, I think you are being too harsh. Plenty on show there from Perraud to suggest he can be a very handy left back for us, which - let’s face it - is what we bought him for. I hear your “well Ralph see’s him in training everyday and doesn’t deem him worth a place in front of an out of position KWP” and before today I haven’t really had cause to disagree but he looked decent imho and likely to handle the prem. I think maybe we have a ‘Salisu lite’ situation going on, easing him in but from a stronger starting point. 

if he comes good and starts to tear up the league next season, you won't find a happier person than me. I want to see us with four quality fullbacks that the big sides all want to sign.

[Suhari]

2 minutes ago, davefizzy14 said:

Prowsey was exceptional today

I'm not a fan.

But he was superb today. 

[Whitey Grandad]

10 minutes ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

That’s the way to play against 10 men, better than the mincing around we’ve seen the last couple of years we’ve gone down to 10. 2 banks of 4, with someone up top who puts themselves about a bit. Plus players defending properly and putting their bodies on the line. Proper performance. 
 

KWP motm for me, highlight a fantastic saving header when Kane looked odds on to nod it in. Valery deserves a special mention, to play like that at centre half after hardly playing was impressive. Left back played w really well too. Rode our luck when lurch dropped a bollock, but deserved that. Salisu owes his teammates a big thank you. He needed to calm down, dived in 2 or 3 times before his first booking. When are professional players going to use their brains and stop tackling in situations that he found himself in. What’s the worst that happens, they score but it’s 11v11. 

Against? Surely you mean ‘with 10 men’ ?

And in general I agree with you but I find it difficult to pick out one player above the others.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

2 minutes ago, Suhari said:

I'm not a fan.

But he was superb today. 

I think the biggest compliment I can give JWP is that I didn't even realise PEH was playing.

[mickn]

1 hour ago, Kingsland Codger said:

A little like our disallowed goal in the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea a few years ago. As you say, a foul every time.

From 3:05 - Chelsea v Saints FA Cup semifinal

The Forster one today was never a foul in a million years, he got out of jail with that one.  The one above wasn't either btw

[Lord Duckhunter]

8 minutes ago, Whitey Grandad said:

Against? Surely you mean ‘with 10 men’ ?

And in general I agree with you but I find it difficult to pick out one player above the others.

Yeah, my mistake. With 10 men.

Longy was fantastic today, even when 11v11. Saturday with Broja, and Long  today is why I like a 9 up top. Gives us so much more flexibility around them. I don’t see why long term Che couldn’t fulfil that role.