Southampton 0-5 Tottenham - Match Thread

[LiberalCommunist]

This will be horrid. 

[maysie]

20 hours ago, EssEffCee said:

If everyone with a printer at home printed 20-30 copies of this and handed them out outside the ground then it'd be sure to be picked up by cameras if held up as teams walked out.

It’s a bit small though? Maybe everyone should stick them on their eyes?

[BranfootsLoveChild]

Im resigned to the fact that when we lose to Spurs,  Martin will still be in charge for our next game. I'm sure if SR had any intention of getting rid they would have done by now. I think he's here for the season 

[saintant]

If I was in Russell Martin's shoes I'd be praying for the owners to sack me asap. The longer he stays in a role that he is unqualified for the more damage he does to his reputation. If he stays for the whole season and results continue in the same vein he will have presided over a car crash of a season and have that writ large on his CV. Much better for him if he's sacked now and goes with a huge pay-off and more chance of rebuilding his reputation at another Championship club. Currently he is only wrecking his legacy at Southampton FC and his reputation within the game.

 

[Nordic Saint]

1 hour ago, saintant said:

If I was in Russell Martin's shoes I'd be praying for the owners to sack me asap. The longer he stays in a role that he is unqualified for the more damage he does to his reputation. If he stays for the whole season and results continue in the same vein he will have presided over a car crash of a season and have that writ large on his CV. Much better for him if he's sacked now and goes with a huge pay-off and more chance of rebuilding his reputation at another Championship club. Currently he is only wrecking his legacy at Southampton FC and his reputation within the game.

 

I agree and I expect he does too. He's probably more p!ssed off than we are that he hasn't been sacked yet. Obviously, he won't resign as he would miss out on millions, but he may do and say a few things to try to expedite his sacking.

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

Still 69 (snigger) points to play for this season. Win them all and we would finish high enough to be in the Champions League places (based on last season's table).

COYS!

My prediction, 4-1 loss. Still enough points to play for after that though...

[sandwichsaint]

Away at Saint Mary’s

The easiest game

Brave beard Russell

Always does the same

 

Despite our many passes

We never breakthrough

It really is obvious

He doesn’t have a clue.

[LeG]

1 hour ago, sandwichsaint said:

Away at Saint Mary’s

The easiest game

Brave beard Russell

Always does the same

 

Despite our many passes

We never breakthrough

It really is obvious

He doesn’t have a clue.

Away in a manager?

[Guan 2.0]

10 days before Christmas, and I can't think of anything less cheerful, hopeful, or bright, than the general atmosphere at St. Mary's that will result from Russell Martin still dictating our dreary style of play.

He has become a figure of disdain and ridicule on the touchline, and yet bizzarely presents to the world with the smirk of a 'Hidden genius'. The rest of us just don't get the nuance of his managerial genius.(Inferiority complex masking as a Superiority complex?)

Whatever the case may be, it's anthema to the goodwill spirit of the festive Season, and Sports Republic have missed a trick by not replacing him.

🎶🎵Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy🎵🎶

 

[Convict Colony]

Am predicting very few shots on target if any, at least 5 self inflicted errors in our half by playing out from the back. The word brave will appear post match and our best available players will not be the starting XI.

[saint francis]

Keeper hoofing the ball gets the biggest cheer of the game.  

[Andy Hill]

Having just one shot on target would be a massive improvement. But being serious Spurs will have too much for our lot.

[Saint Fan CaM]

It’s absurdly obvious that Russ is not getting the sack anytime soon. With the results and performances delivered to date, with no indication of future improvement, it’s amazing he’s still in place. He’ll be taking us down and I suspect SR want that shit to stick to him as much as it will the club.

As for the game, we’d struggle to beat Spurs when firing on all cylinders - now, a convincing defeat is inevitable. 0-4…if we’re lucky.

[Sarnia Cherie]

11 hours ago, BranfootsLoveChild said:

Im resigned to the fact that when we lose to Spurs,  Martin will still be in charge for our next game. I'm sure if SR had any intention of getting rid they would have done by now. I think he's here for the season 

SR won't pay him off if they can help it and if by some miracle they do get rid of him, I have very little faith in who they will appoint next considering the 2 previous clowns before RM. It is way beyond depressing. 

[LeBizzier69]

4-1 Saints. Come on Rusty, you can do it. 

[Toussaint]

Spurs have had an iffy run, but they have the weaponry to destroy us. Perhaps that's what it needs to force the board make the required change?

[Turkish]

20 hours ago, sandwichsaint said:

Away at Saint Mary’s

The easiest game

Brave beard Russell

Always does the same

 

Despite our many passes

We never breakthrough

It really is obvious

He doesn’t have a clue.

sing a song of sixpence we pass the ball out wide

instead of going forward we pass it back inside

when we get to half way we turn and pass it back

why wont these dickheads give the clown the sack?

 

Edited December 11 by Turkish

[Toussaint]

Ding dong pass it round the back

That's why we keep conceding

Russ will never get the sack

The arsehole's never leaving

boor oor oor oor oor oor  ring crap

In St Marys stadium(o), 

[Saint Fan CaM]

11 minutes ago, Toussaint said:

Ding dong pass it round the back

That's why we keep conceding

Russ will never get the sack

The arsehole's never leaving

boor oor oor oor oor oor  ring crap

In St Marys stadium(o), 

Best yet…would love to hear this bellowing out from the Northam or better still the entire stadium with the lyrics displayed on the big screens!

[BarberSaint]

They're terrible.

 

Honestly, if we can't go 2-0 down and win 4-3, we're not Chelsea.

[OneMrsWallace]

21 hours ago, saint francis said:

Keeper hoofing the ball gets the biggest cheer of the game.  

We should get Rudolph the red nosed reindeer in to the team. He can 'hoof' the ball. 

[sadoldgit]

Given the form of both teams I am expecting both of the teams to lose.

[Toussaint]

19 minutes ago, sadoldgit said:

Given the form of both teams I am expecting both of the teams to lose.

How long have you been a Saints fan SoG? You must know we are the breakers of winless streaks and goal droughts!

[Osvaldorama]

Russell the bearded wanker

He can only play one way 

He never lets his players 

Play it forward in the game 

 

All of the premier league teams 

Beat Southampton Easily

Then they tell poor old Russell 

He’s the best in history 

Then one foggy Sunday eve

Tottenham came to play 

Russell with his tactics board

Broke the Premier League possession record 

Son Heung-Min scored a hat trick 

Fraser Forster didn’t make a save 

But that doesn’t matter to Russell

He’s won the possession gaaaame
 

[Harry_SFC]

Likely Spurs will only have 1 centre back available on Sunday. Most teams would take advantage but they could have none available and it wouldn't make a blind bit of difference against us. 

[OttawaSaint]

2 hours ago, Osvaldorama said:

Russell the bearded wanker

He can only play one way 

He never lets his players 

Play it forward in the game 

 

All of the premier league teams 

Beat Southampton Easily

Then they tell poor old Russell 

He’s the best in history 

Then one foggy Sunday eve

Tottenham came to play 

Russell with his tactics board

Broke the Premier League possession record 

Son Heung-Min scored a hat trick 

Fraser Forster didn’t make a save 

But that doesn’t matter to Russell

He’s won the possession gaaaame
 

Genius!

[leeham_69]

On 11/12/2024 at 02:35, Nordic Saint said:

I agree and I expect he does too. He's probably more p!ssed off than we are that he hasn't been sacked yet. Obviously, he won't resign as he would miss out on millions, but he may do and say a few things to try to expedite his sacking.

When was the last PL manager to honourably resign due to poor form? "Departed by mutual consent" doesn't count because we all know that's not really mutual it's just the nice way of saying someone's been sacked. I'm sure it used to happen in the old days but I can't remember the last time.

[coalman]

Russell Martin was put out

By a card for Stephens 

For hair pulling it turned out

It's beyond believing

We'd hoped he would get through sack

For his stupid system

Pissing about at the back

Martin wouldn't list-en-n

[coalman]

Whistle blows, are you list'ning

At the back we are pissing

About with the ball

Scoring fuck all

Russell Martin doesn't have a plan

 

In the table we know we're below them

Cos we always give the ball away

Russell Martin's waiting just to show them

He won't change the stupid way we play

 

And up next there is Tottenham 

Hoping we've not forgotten 

To give up a chance

Playing so pants 

Russell Martin doesn't have a plan 

Edited December 11 by coalman

[Saint Fan CaM]

On the 1st day of Christmas, my true love gave to me - a thumping loss nil to three.

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me - 60% possession and a thumping loss nil to three.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me - brave passing backwards, 60% possession and a thumping loss nil to three.

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me - Capt’n Jack shoehorned, brave passing backwards, 60% possession and a thumping loss nil to three.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me - five sold Diblings. Capt’n Jack shoehorned, brave passing backwards, 60% possession and a thumping loss nil to three.

☺️😎 (Feel free to embellish!)

Edited December 12 by Saint Fan CaM

[StrangelyBrown]

16 hours ago, Toussaint said:

Ding dong pass it round the back

That's why we keep conceding

Russ will never get the sack

The arsehole's never leaving

boor oor oor oor oor oor  ring crap

In St Marys stadium(o), 

Genius!!! This has made my day

If the Northam sung this with a changed last line "We hate Russell Martin" maybe the message might just get through... I can imagine the last 2 lines being sung over and over

[Convict Colony]

It takes some doing but this run has finally killed my optimism, we are trash.

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

We will play quite well and then give a goal away. Play quite well and maybe even score a goal before giving a goal away and then conceding another. Russell Martin then talks about how brave the players have been.

It is not brave it is stupid.

[Dellyears]

15 minutes ago, Sergei Gotsmanov said:

We will play quite well and then give a goal away. Play quite well and maybe even score a goal before giving a goal away and then conceding another. Russell Martin then talks about how brave the players have been.

It is not brave it is stupid.

How did this word 'brave' slip into the football lingo? What does it even mean? Everything has to be brave, its the fashion. The bravest people are the fans who pay their money week in week out, in rain wind storm or tempest for one disappointment after another

[Gloucester Saint]

10 minutes ago, Dellyears said:

How did this word 'brave' slip into the football lingo? What does it even mean? Everything has to be brave, its the fashion. The bravest people are the fans who pay their money week in week out, in rain wind storm or tempest for one disappointment after another

WGS used it a lot but in a very different context eg the bravery to try a through ball or trickery to go past a defender or two to unlock a defence. Something which looks silly if it doesn’t come off but he liked players in the final third to take a risk or two.

He had another phrase oft used - propaganda football. He often criticised the team for repetitive 5-10 yard balls which didn’t create any movement or space. As far as WGS, a superb player himself, was concerned, anyone at top level could do that in their sleep. 💤 

[Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan]

2 hours ago, Gloucester Saint said:

WGS used it a lot but in a very different context eg the bravery to try a through ball or trickery to go past a defender or two to unlock a defence. Something which looks silly if it doesn’t come off but he liked players in the final third to take a risk or two.

He had another phrase oft used - propaganda football. He often criticised the team for repetitive 5-10 yard balls which didn’t create any movement or space. As far as WGS, a superb player himself, was concerned, anyone at top level could do that in their sleep. 💤 

Bravery and risk seem to be separated by a very fine line. I'd like us to be brave, Russ wants us to be risky. The best Saints teams I've seen haven't been risky, but build on better fitness and solid foundations. Under WGS, Poch and Koeman we had a dependable back 4 which didn't change unless necessary, and two solid midfielders in front of them, generally a defensive minded player, and a better passer both who could run all day. The brave players were the front 4 or so, or those bombing beyond them  who could make runs in behind or take on a man, knowing the foundation was behind them. It is a simple tactical suggestion that we don't have. Bridge used to bomb on, knowing Marsden would be there if needed to hold back. In the same way Lallana could take a man on, knowing that if he lost the ball, Schneiderlin would get it back for him. 

We don't have that now, we just play risky football in our own half, there is no foundation of defensive ability or numbers behind the ball to help. KWP should be able to make runs like he did against Chelsea, but there should be someone covering so situations like Chelsea's second don't happen where we lose the ball and instantly give them a 3 on 2 in our defensive third. We should take care of the ball in our half, then take the risks further up the pitch.

Against Spurs, we really need to try and start with some basic foundational play. Play an actual midfield, in front of a back 4, they will have Kulusevski running from deep so we need someone who can run with him and stop him cutting in, rather than a back 5 split wide inviting him in. Use the full backs to progress the ball to the wide players, and move the ball inside further up the pitch.

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 hour ago, Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan said:

Bravery and risk seem to be separated by a very fine line. I'd like us to be brave, Russ wants us to be risky. The best Saints teams I've seen haven't been risky, but build on better fitness and solid foundations. Under WGS, Poch and Koeman we had a dependable back 4 which didn't change unless necessary, and two solid midfielders in front of them, generally a defensive minded player, and a better passer both who could run all day. The brave players were the front 4 or so, or those bombing beyond them  who could make runs in behind or take on a man, knowing the foundation was behind them. It is a simple tactical suggestion that we don't have. Bridge used to bomb on, knowing Marsden would be there if needed to hold back. In the same way Lallana could take a man on, knowing that if he lost the ball, Schneiderlin would get it back for him. 

We don't have that now, we just play risky football in our own half, there is no foundation of defensive ability or numbers behind the ball to help. KWP should be able to make runs like he did against Chelsea, but there should be someone covering so situations like Chelsea's second don't happen where we lose the ball and instantly give them a 3 on 2 in our defensive third. We should take care of the ball in our half, then take the risks further up the pitch.

Against Spurs, we really need to try and start with some basic foundational play. Play an actual midfield, in front of a back 4, they will have Kulusevski running from deep so we need someone who can run with him and stop him cutting in, rather than a back 5 split wide inviting him in. Use the full backs to progress the ball to the wide players, and move the ball inside further up the pitch.

Absolutely and that’s the essence of Russball - high risk, no reward. It’s as clear as day that he doesn’t have the coaching skill to know how to get his team at peak fitness, set up his team to allow consistent partnerships to form and crucially, coach a four man defence to hold when appropriate and utilise a defensive midfield pairing.

The main reason behind his inability to setup his team is his blind obsession with utilising his mates Manning and Stephens in a back five, rather than playing the strongest players in their best positions to ensure a balanced side. Russ seems to think an extra man in defence will stop goals and bringing on 2-3 strikers on at 70+ minutes when we’re 2-0 down will get us enough goals to win a game (which never seems to work strangely).

The guy is an absolute liability in this league and is just sowing the seeds of a prolonged period of Championship mediocrity (or worse). What I detest the most though is the football for much of the game is boring despite us having some decent players and there’s so little hope that we might actually get some points. If we total 10 points by the end of the season I’ll be shocked.

[skintsaint]

Shittest derby name award goes to :

[coalman]

• Martin addressed Southampton's league position, saying: "It is incredibly hurtful and embarrassing to be on five points."

• He also insisted Saints should have won more points.

• On how he hopes to turn around Saints' fortunes: "We are not far away and we have to just keep working, keep concentrating on the process and ourselves and just keep trying to be better."

• On why Southampton have not done as well as he hoped: "There have been a few too many mistakes and a few too many moments that we haven't managed well" but his side "are growing and getting better."

• On helping to restore players' confidence: "The biggest job is to eliminate the external noise - it is so difficult. Maybe at times we are the only voices telling them that they are good enough. It is about being able to switch that off and zoom in and focus on what is really important."

• Martin has a lot of respect for Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou's brave aggressive tactics and his refusal to compromise: "I get criticised for the same thing, about being stubborn and all that stuff, but if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy."

• More on his shared style of play with Postecoglou: "People only criticise the ones who are a little bit different from the norm. So if we all believe the same thing that would be pretty boring, but we would be less open to criticism."

I see that the problem is that the only people who love the players and believe in them are Martin and co. which sounds like a really toxic way of looking at the world. Extra bonus points for jumping on Gio's "they only criticise because we're different" schtick. The good news is it's going to click any week now. We just have to do more of the same.

[Wade Garrett]

Silent night

Holy night

Russell Martin you’re a cunt

I wish you would fuck off.

 

 

[LeG]

"but if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy"

I have a lot of issues with this. Life changes and you have to adapt. A good manager in any walk of life will do that. He is representing the players, the staff, the fans. Start putting those people before yourself and your principles. For a stats led club, i'm shocked that they haven't sat him down and presented him with the problem (a mirror). There is nothing wrong with ditching the messing around at the back and just trying to stay in the league for a season (See T. Frank at Brentford) - I think we would all accept that. If we manage to stay up (and i think its too late) we could then spread £120m over 4 quality players instead of on 10 or however many we had to in the summer...then we would have better players to try and play out from the back. We are the laughing stock of the league. Fans have been conditioned to a losing mentality. Have we just settled for that?

 

   

 

[OneMrsWallace]

25 minutes ago, LeG said:

"but if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy"

I have a lot of issues with this. Life changes and you have to adapt. A good manager in any walk of life will do that. He is representing the players, the staff, the fans. Start putting those people before yourself and your principles. For a stats led club, i'm shocked that they haven't sat him down and presented him with the problem (a mirror). There is nothing wrong with ditching the messing around at the back and just trying to stay in the league for a season (See T. Frank at Brentford) - I think we would all accept that. If we manage to stay up (and i think its too late) we could then spread £120m over 4 quality players instead of on 10 or however many we had to in the summer...then we would have better players to try and play out from the back. We are the laughing stock of the league. Fans have been conditioned to a losing mentality. Have we just settled for that?

 

   

 

Bottom line is that his plan/style is not producing results and probably never will with this squad. His failure to accept that and then move on to an alternative that might suit his squad, even if it's temporary to try and keep us up, is a sign of arrogance and irrationality. Neither are good characteristics in a leader. All we can do is witness the slow motion car crash. Anyone got another comedy carol to cheer us up? 

[Lord Duckhunter]

1 hour ago, coalman said:

People only criticise the ones who are a little bit different from the norm.

No they fucking don’t. 
 

You arrogant cock, you’re being criticised because “your” style of play has left us with one of the worst starts ever. You’re being criticised because “your” players are making the same mistakes over and over again. You are not being criticised because you’re some sort of maverick or a misunderstood genius. This isn’t Bob Dylan going electric, it’s fucking Pinky & Perky singing the hits of Cliff Richard…..Lego twat. 

[trousers]

1 hour ago, Wade Garrett said:

Silent night

Holy night

Russell Martin you’re a cunt

I wish you would fuck off.

 

 

Best one yet IMHO 😁

[trousers]

1 hour ago, coalman said:

• Martin addressed Southampton's league position, saying: "It is incredibly hurtful and embarrassing to be on five points."

• He also insisted Saints should have won more points.

• On how he hopes to turn around Saints' fortunes: "We are not far away and we have to just keep working, keep concentrating on the process and ourselves and just keep trying to be better."

• On why Southampton have not done as well as he hoped: "There have been a few too many mistakes and a few too many moments that we haven't managed well" but his side "are growing and getting better."

• On helping to restore players' confidence: "The biggest job is to eliminate the external noise - it is so difficult. Maybe at times we are the only voices telling them that they are good enough. It is about being able to switch that off and zoom in and focus on what is really important."

• Martin has a lot of respect for Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou's brave aggressive tactics and his refusal to compromise: "I get criticised for the same thing, about being stubborn and all that stuff, but if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy."

• More on his shared style of play with Postecoglou: "People only criticise the ones who are a little bit different from the norm. So if we all believe the same thing that would be pretty boring, but we would be less open to criticism."

 

[Patrick Bateman]

1 hour ago, coalman said:

• Martin addressed Southampton's league position, saying: "It is incredibly hurtful and embarrassing to be on five points."

• He also insisted Saints should have won more points.

• On how he hopes to turn around Saints' fortunes: "We are not far away and we have to just keep working, keep concentrating on the process and ourselves and just keep trying to be better."

• On why Southampton have not done as well as he hoped: "There have been a few too many mistakes and a few too many moments that we haven't managed well" but his side "are growing and getting better."

• On helping to restore players' confidence: "The biggest job is to eliminate the external noise - it is so difficult. Maybe at times we are the only voices telling them that they are good enough. It is about being able to switch that off and zoom in and focus on what is really important."

• Martin has a lot of respect for Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou's brave aggressive tactics and his refusal to compromise: "I get criticised for the same thing, about being stubborn and all that stuff, but if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy."

• More on his shared style of play with Postecoglou: "People only criticise the ones who are a little bit different from the norm. So if we all believe the same thing that would be pretty boring, but we would be less open to criticism."

I see that the problem is that the only people who love the players and believe in them are Martin and co. which sounds like a really toxic way of looking at the world. Extra bonus points for jumping on Gio's "they only criticise because we're different" schtick. The good news is it's going to click any week now. We just have to do more of the same.

This is the most arrogant, self-obsessed tripe I've ever read, genuinely.  

1. Yes it IS embarrassing to be on 5 points, that's down to YOU

2. I should have a million quid in the bank. I should be CEO of Deloitte. I should have 30 acres of land and 57 chickens in my petting zoo.

3. The. Same. Thing. Before. Every. Match.  The common denominator is your tactics

4. Mistakes, LOADS of them, every single one related to playing out from the back, your tactics

5. Confidence comes with wins, not being best mates with them all. Win, at all costs, whatever the tactics, the confidence will flow through them

6. Respect for someone who IS stubborn.  Stubbornness is not a good trait, it's the opposite, it shows a complete lack of willingness to watch, adapt, iterate, watch, adapt, iterate. Try something different.  No, it is not a godo trait.

7. It's not about believing the same thing and what you are doing is NOT UNIQUE and NOT DIFFERENT. It just doesn't work with these players, your instructions and tactics. WATCH, ADAPT, ITERATE. 

Ugh! 

[CB Fry]

2 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

Silent night

Holy night

Russell Martin you’re a cunt

I wish you would fuck off.

 

 

Perfection 👌 

[Harry_SFC]

So basically emotion took over and they fucked off the plan to dig in like they should do every week. Us going up was in spite of Martin, not because of him!

[Gloucester Saint]

The media are very openly taking the piss out of and exposing Martin now for the bullshit merchant he js.

Newspapers, Sky, BBC website are all hammering him weekly and increasingly daily.

The more SR cling onto him the more pressure they will come under to sell the club to someone who can have a decent go at making it an established top flight club. Need to egg the media on to ridicule SR as well.

Edited December 12 by Gloucester Saint

[coalman]

Reckon the full Nathan meltdown is happening any day now. Brave.