Southampton 3-1 Leeds - Match Thread

[Southner]

1 hour ago, skintsaint said:

Not really, we lost 4 on the bounce.

More meant that it's mad how disappointing we've been, and how quickly you can fall behind as a consequence. 

[ecuk268]

1 hour ago, Lighthouse said:

First goal he was implying was offside, bemoaning the lack of VAR. The second he said Smallbone should have been sent off a few minutes before and he was also going on about the 30 seconds injury procedure.

Watched it back when I got home and maybe VAR would have given offside but who cares?

[The Kraken]

14 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Weirdly quiet on here after a win. 

Why do people like to moan more than they do celebrate?

It’s always the same and it’s pretty understandable. After a win everyone has a contented glow and there’s not much over analysis needed, just a bit of “boys dun good, happy with that performance” etc. After a defeat, particularly a heavy defeat, there’s often a need to vent and then a bit more in depth as to what went wrong.

[Osvaldorama]

Well done saints. 
 

Good performance. Well done to Martin for mixing it up. I thought Sulemana, Downes & THB had good games. Great to see Alcaraz can finally speak English. 

Was very happy to see everyone working much harder. 
 

Disapponted with Che. Thought he was shocking when he came on. Don’t think he won a single header or completed a pass. I know we didn’t have much of the ball at that time but I thought he could have done a bit better. 

[antialias]

Still 111 points to play for.

Edited 30 September, 2023 by antialias

[Patches O Houlihan]

I was watching the game on a small screen, and it was difficult to tell Bree & Downes apart. Am I right in thinking Bree played right midfield when he came on, to help KWP defend that side?

[warsash saint]

I think it made so much difference changing ends at kick off - if Leeds were playing towards their fans & scored their first i am positive we'd have not not won that!

[Convict Colony]

7 minutes ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

I was watching the game on a small screen, and it was difficult to tell Bree & Downes apart. Am I right in thinking Bree played right midfield when he came on, to help KWP defend that side?

Yeah i had this, was watching it on mute as had visitors but i was like what i though downes was playing when bree came on, must of got a 2 for 1 haircut discount

[kenneth_kenobi]

As usual Bree and Aribo were both a waste of time - why bother putting these 2 on?

[kenneth_kenobi]

Ref was certainly  inconsistent - yellow card for Charles for nothing just after he came on, yet Leeds hacks on Alcaraz and Suli a free at worst - plenty of Leeds players should have had yellows.  

[farawaysaint]

2 hours ago, SNSUN said:

Missed the last 15mins driving home but it sounded like we were comfortable. What a positive way to start my annual leave! 

Curry tonight, Muse gig tomorrow. Great weekend.

Ey! I’m also going to Muse but I don’t get a curry 😔

[spyinthesky]

Just got home random thoughts eg

1. Thought AA was offside when he received the ball for the first goal.
2. Bit concerned that Smallbone would get a second yellow for the tackle in the first half.
3. Otherwise Ref seemed to want to book our players whilst letting Leeds get away unpunished for similar offences.
4. As we had kick off, I guess Leeds won toss and decided to change ends, to our advantage.
5. Thought Baz had a v decent game and looked better than the Leeds keeper.
6. Sulemana made a big difference to us. However he didnt seem at all pleased to be hooked and he and RM ignored one another by the tunnel.
7. More grit and determination by the team but Leeds were the better side in the second half.
8. Bednerak and Taylor Bellis formed a decent central defensive partnership and they seem to have changed which side they are defending since last week and that seemed to help.
9. Would prefer to see Charles replace Smallbone in midfield.
10. AA worked very hard and deserved his goals.
11. Hope Ross Edwards is a 'proper' CF and will offer a something a bit more in the central striker position.
12. Once again, in my eyes, KWP was MOM for Saints.

For once I have enjoyed a Saints performance at SMS.
Let's hope the momentum continues.

 

[HarvSFC]

Get in! First half was very good. The players were playing without shackles and showed what they could do. The first goal, especially, some quick forward passes and Armstrong was in to chip over Meslier as we caught the Leeds defence out. Exactly what we have all been asking for. The second half was more of the same regarding what we've been seeing over the last few weeks, but we were 3-0 up. We definitely lost something in our attack when Sulemana went off. I'm surprised that Edozie never came on, would have brought him on ahead of Fraser, Aribo and Bree as we didn't really offer much in attack once Sulemana was taken off.

Now, last season was full of false dawns. Please don't let this be one and please don't tinker with that starting eleven too much. That's the best eleven with arguments for Edozie and Charles coming in. No inverted full-backs. All good.

KWP was my man of the match. He doesn't seem to do too well defensively these days in that the opposition keep getting crosses in down his side, but he setup the first goal and most of our good attacks came from him running forward with the ball. Sulemana a close second.

Ref was shit, every Saints foul was a yellow and not the same the other way.

Up the Saints!

[Kenilworthy]

John Brooks is an utterly dreadful referee. He is Mike Dean's heir apparent

[Hodgey]

Really enjoyed that, we looked solid and dangerous attacking. The big question for me is has Martin abandoned his oft quoted never will I change principles ?. The inverted fullbacks seem to have gone, and 2 games in a row we have had less possession. My hope is he is adapting to what he has, and being pragmatic to his approach - after all Rome wasn’t built in a day and keeping that as the goal but acknowledging we need smaller steps to get there seems a better way to go.

I’m really hoping that he doesn’t revert back to type - we’d been figured out. I reckon half the reason for the win today is that Farke simply wouldn’t have expected that.

Back to the game, extremely impressed by A Armstrong - frankly I didn’t think he was capable of those sort of calm finishes, amazing bonus if he can start doing that more often. Bednerak definitely adds something - he helped H-B perform much better. The squad was much more balanced today - more players in midfield and a better mix. Second half we did lose our way, and the subs made no sense.

So let’s see what happens at Stoke, but optimistic RM is seeing a different way with this group of players.

[The Cat]

Agree about the ends we shoot towards. Much better when the away team play towards the Chapel in the second half while we attack the Northam.

[JRM]

10 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Agree about the ends we shoot towards. Much better when the away team play towards the Chapel in the second half while we attack the Northam.

Always scratched my head why we choose to do it the other way, did Leeds do us a favour winning the toss? I didn't see that so not sure whose choice it was 

[Chez]

3 hours ago, LGTL said:

There was a notable change in style today which seemed to help. Far more aggressive, much quicker in possession, particularly first half. Hopefully Martin doesn’t revert to type. 

Maybe that's what Martin has wanted all along and it's the team that needs to take some blame? The manager isn't the guy kicking the round thing after all. Let's hope the team doesn't revert.

[Wade Garrett]

Excellent first half performance.  Played to our strengths.

Thought we went a bit too tippy tappy second half.  

Excellent win, need to build on it.

[LGTL]

1 minute ago, JRM said:

Always scratched my head why we choose to do it the other way, did Leeds do us a favour winning the toss? I didn't see that so not sure whose choice it was 

Not sure who it was but it needs to be a permanent change. Our home form is woeful so time to try anything, and it seemed to work ok today. 

[Chez]

1 hour ago, The Kraken said:

It’s always the same and it’s pretty understandable. After a win everyone has a contented glow and there’s not much over analysis needed, just a bit of “boys dun good, happy with that performance” etc. After a defeat, particularly a heavy defeat, there’s often a need to vent and then a bit more in depth as to what went wrong.

I always think it's important to look at all the things that could have gone wrong and might have shaped a different result. Mistakes can be glossed over when we win. Missed today's game, so have nothing to offer other than being very happy.

[Greedyfly]

As glad as I am for the win, especially as an attendee, we still weren't great. Having Alcaraz in the middle gave us a better passing outlet, at least in the first half, but Smallbone, who I don't dislike, unlike many others on here, still wouldn't have been my first choice over Charles. Sulemana was a good start (weird substitute) and should have stayed on, but yeah. Good result, but an average but improved performance. 

 

Shout to Armstrong who was very proactive for his goal and good throughout (one will definitely be chalked to an own goal).

Edited 30 September, 2023 by Greedyfly

[ErwinK1961]

Maybe in the minority, but understood the Sulemana sub - they had doubled up on Manning and KS wasn’t going to give him the protection needed. Fraser did nowt going forward but defended and tracked back.

First half the best I’ve seen there for a long time. Second half felt like they struggled to get back the intensity they had and passes were sloppy. Che was garbage after he came on, don’t recall a pass making it to a teammate and just bounced off him. 

Leeds were trash. 

Charles in for Smallbone and Stewart in for CA or SA when fit and that’s a very nice team. 

[S-Clarke]

I thought the first half was as good as we've played this season, we caught them cold and they were half asleep - we weren't. Sharp, snappy and clinical is how I'd describe that first half. We could have potentially had another goal in there as well, I thought Charly should have done better with the header. I really enjoyed Sullemana's performance, he's not all about pace - he's got great vision and ability when he's on the ball as well, as shown by his two assists. He had their RB for toast and he will do that to a lot this season if we play him.

The second half was as conservative as we've been all season in my opinion. Leeds were always going to come out and try, but we defended so well and closed off all the channels. I've been critical of how open we've been against the likes of Leicester and Sunderland, but today we got the distances right and there weren't huge holes everywhere. We didn't sacrifice football for it, as we still played some good stuff.

Overall it was a much more measured performance, we played when we could but we were careful and took calculated risks rather than risks at every moment. It was more of a conservative effort I'd say. Defensively outstanding and that is the THB we were getting - he was unreal, the ball was a magnet to him. 

Onto the proverbial cold, wet and windy Tuesday night in Stoke. Get a win there, get a win against Rotherham next week and in the space of a week we'd have turned it around.

[Baz Fl]

All in all a much improved performance. Better balance of playing out of the back while also retaining a good direct threat with pace.  Possibly our strongest lineup with maybe Charles for Smallbone. He took his goal well but his lack of pace is concerning, always pulling shirts to try and recover.

[StrangelyBrown]

Good game especially considering the last few weeks.

Certainly some things to build on:

- Adam Armstrong seems to be responding to a good run in the side and looks confident and composed (things I never thought I'd say)

- sulemana was decent and his pace was a constant threat

- formation seemed to help us

- baz had a good game particularly with distribution 

- the defense looked a lot more solid

There are still some areas that need work:

- the second half wasn't particularly great we seemed to lose our way a bit

- Smallbone can't tackle and didn't have a particularly good game other than his goal which was exceptional

- Bednarek moved his body out of the way of their goal

- Bree and Aribo are a complete waste of time

- Adams offers very little energy

- Charles' passing is a bit suspect

- Frazer's positioning meant we were forced back more than we should have been

All in all a good day to be a saint!

[ErwinK1961]

1 minute ago, Baz Fl said:

All in all a much improved performance. Better balance of playing out of the back while also retaining a good direct threat with pace.  Possibly our strongest lineup with maybe Charles for Smallbone. He took his goal well but his lack of pace is concerning, always pulling shirts to try and recover.

My favourite bit was when he tried to clean out the Leeds player but was too weak to even make a dent in him, so he had to resort to the shirt pull instead.

[JohnS]

Well.  Football is a funny game!
Didn’t expect that result today whatsoever - 100 % expected the worst! 

Blown away by the first 15-20mins -direct, fast, positive, penetrative - just bloody excellent!  everything we have been clearly missing & desperately in need of for far too long! - I was Sat in my seat with a big smile on my face & everyone around me positive & smiling - thought I was in the wrong stadium! 
Beyond the first 20mins or so, we seemed to regress into our normal play though & for the rest of the game it seemed we were riding our luck - 2nd best to everything & sitting back too much encouraging lots of attacks - quite a few narrow escapes for us in the box - where our defence was all over the place in another mess! - yet again - could’ve been a much different score! 

Referee was not great for us today.

pretty solid all round team performance - thought Bednarek was immense, KWP great game - Still felt our midfield was far too empty at times - not convinced by Downes or Smallbome 

So nice to be leaning the stadium with 3 points though - such a more enjoyable weekend 

 

 

[SNSUN]

1 hour ago, farawaysaint said:

Ey! I’m also going to Muse but I don’t get a curry 😔

I've got Bottomless brunch in the afternoon so how much of the gig I remember is debatable but they put on a hell of a spectacle! A Saints win has definitely put me in the mood for it though!

[Convict Colony]

2 hours ago, The Cat said:

Weirdly quiet on here after a win. 

Why do people like to moan more than they do celebrate?

Bro hate to tell you your being left out but the rest of us are banging supermodels after a win, the only moaning we want to hear is from them.

[waylander]

looked like a totally different side to the Ipswich game

[Lighthouse]

4 minutes ago, waylander said:

looked like a totally different side to the Ipswich game

Correct, it was Leeds.

[St Steve]

 

[macca155]

Thought that was great, went grimly expecting a draw at best, and they served up a comprehensive win..... lovely.

Takes the pressure off a little, now the winter grind begins. The games will come relentlessly and the team have to keep sparking.

Sulemana showed his class, true MOTM performance. He'll probably be gone in January but he can cause some damage before that.

Thought Bendarek and THB really started to forge a partnership today. Downes looked comfortable and a lot fitter.

In addition the tactics looked way better. Maybe RM has realised that you need to adapt.

Much better no moaning, Stoke and Rotherham next is it OK to be tad optimistic.

[Saint Since '51]

3 hours ago, The Cat said:

Those sort of goal kicks are done by loads of teams. It's to draw players towards the ball so you can then play it into the gaps they have left.

It relies on CB's and GK with good passing ability and midfielders finding the space. When it works it's very effective. When it doesn't it can get a bit worrying.

Launching the ball towards the striker or winger from every goal kick seems a bit outdated now.

Wow! Somebody talking sense. What's The Cat doing here?

Cat, please write something sensible about patience and probing before breaking through the opposition press. (Our goals today are good evidence). My seat is surrounded by people who shout "Forward!" every time a Saints player has the ball. They don't seem to notice that whacking it forward just gives away possession and puts you back under pressure again. Do these people every watch football as it's played by the rest of the world?

[Oldandtired]

Did not see that coming. I was a bit nervous in the second half when we reverted to type or rather reverted to the type of football that has badly let us  down on occasion this season. I thought Bednarek was excellent, perhaps the championship is his level. And I also thought that Stuart Armstrong had a really good solid game although no one else seems to agree as I haven't seen his name mentioned yet.

All in all I enjoyed it, and a good solid base to build on. Let's hope RM adds to it from here on in.

I also agree that the referee had an off day but for me one thing I enjoy about the championship is quite simply no VAR. 

Edited 30 September, 2023 by Oldandtired

[Sunglasses Ron]

Lovely first goal that, not at all dissimilar to the one we scored against Leeds at home last season (Mara to KWP).

[SambaMaverick]

What a useless cunt that ref was.

Onwards and upwards, let's build from this

[Saint86]

5 hours ago, SNSUN said:

Missed the last 15mins driving home but it sounded like we were comfortable. What a positive way to start my annual leave! 

Curry tonight, Muse gig tomorrow. Great weekend.

I also missed the game - opted to take the wrong kids birthday party duties because i got the kick offs wrong...Bit of a fail to say the least !!! Pleasantly surprised with the result though so i'll take missing it!

3 hours ago, farawaysaint said:

Ey! I’m also going to Muse but I don’t get a curry 😔

Going to be a few Southampton MUSE fans at the O2 tomorrow night then 🤘

Edited 30 September, 2023 by Saint86

[SambaMaverick]

3 hours ago, The Cat said:

Weirdly quiet on here after a win. 

Why do people like to moan more than they do celebrate?

It's because we're on the piss mush! 

Somewhat ran out of steam now though

[The Cat]

15 minutes ago, Saint Since '51 said:

Wow! Somebody talking sense. What's The Cat doing here?

Cat, please write something sensible about patience and probing before breaking through the opposition press. (Our goals today are good evidence). My seat is surrounded by people who shout "Forward!" every time a Saints player has the ball. They don't seem to notice that whacking it forward just gives away possession and puts you back under pressure again. Do these people every watch football as it's played by the rest of the world?

It seems quite obvious really although as you say some people still want the ball hammered forward to no one in particular. 

What we need to do better is adapt when teams press us high at that point. It means midfielders making different movements or creating an angle for the pass rather than remaining static. We were poor against Leicester at that which is why we gave the ball away in dangerous positions too often. 

Today however we worked through it when Leeds pushed up against our defenders. Had a couple of dicey moments but then sorted it out and made it work. Presumably this was something they worked on since then.

[The Cat]

3 minutes ago, SambaMaverick said:

What a useless cunt that ref was.

Onwards and upwards, let's build from this

He was crap. Seemed to allow them to get away with clattering players but as soon as we touched them it was an instant yellow.

Worst one was the second half when one of our players got kicked in the air, advantage played and then at the next break in play he wandered up to their player and just had a quiet word.

[SambaMaverick]

Just now, The Cat said:

He was crap. Seemed to allow them to get away with clattering players but as soon as we touched them it was an instant yellow.

Worst one was the second half when one of our players got kicked in the air, advantage played and then at the next break in play he wandered up to their player and just had a quiet word.

Comes with the Championship territory I guess.

I'm just thankful VAR aren't involved after watching that Liverpool game

[Saint Billy]

I must admit that I have been pretty scathing of RM but I did enjoy the passionate way he applauded the fans after the game.

A good three points and played well first half but concerned how we deteriorated second half with subs also having little impact.

[Turkish]

First 45 minute was pretty much perfect. Outclassed Leeds, never gave them a sniff and clinical with our chances. We looked a really good side for the first time since Koeman days. Second half a bit tougher and despite the “scar tissue” of throwing away leads in hindsight we kept them at arms length, aside from the obvious sinking feeling of here we go again after their first goal felt we were the better team. Good to see the players stop dicking about with it and get it out of harms way, defended well for once, good tactics and subs from Martin. A good day all round. Now we need to get a win at Stoke and hopefully Saturday at home to Rotherham should Be a formality and we’re back on track 

 

oh yeah and the ref was awful

Edited 30 September, 2023 by Turkish

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

4 hours ago, Osvaldorama said:

Well done saints. 
 

Good performance. Well done to Martin for mixing it up. I thought Sulemana, Downes & THB had good games. Great to see Alcaraz can finally speak English. 

Was very happy to see everyone working much harder. 
 

Disapponted with Che. Thought he was shocking when he came on. Don’t think he won a single header or completed a pass. I know we didn’t have much of the ball at that time but I thought he could have done a bit better. 

Agree. The effort was there today. Was disappointed that Shea and Edozie were left on the bench, but when Shea came on, he didn't seem to make much difference. THB and Bednerek are forming a good partnership. KWP seems up for it again. Happy days.

Che needs to take his head out of his arse. 

[Turkish]

5 minutes ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

Agree. The effort was there today. Was disappointed that Shea and Edozie were left on the bench, but when Shea came on, he didn't seem to make much difference. THB and Bednerek are forming a good partnership. KWP seems up for it again. Happy days.

Che needs to take his head out of his arse. 

In Ches defence he came on when Leeds were well on top and didn’t really get much of the ball at all. Anyway pretty sure he’ll be gone in January and Stewart will come in as our main man

[woodsaint1]

8 hours ago, Saint NL said:

Fuck, nearly clean through.

 

This is not going to end 3-1 

It did

[woodsaint1]

For those constantly fuckin negative

Any thoughts?

[Andrew Watson]

First half as well as we have played in ages,need to win a few on the bounce now.Lets hope we turn up at Stoke on tuesday night,in what could be a cold,wet evening.Charles apart that has to be best starting eleven,with perhaps Stephens to come in for Manning.