Saints v Brum - Post Match Reaction

[Bensfcno1]

I Pitty those who stayed away! One of if not the worst turn outs for a first team game in Years definately at STM. But those who were there witnessed an exciting match played with passion and some amazing simple and some more impressive skill.

The 11k or so who did turn up gave the lads the backing they earned with the performance, When Super Adam Lallana scored to settle the match the Northam errupted into ecstasy.

 

Bring on the season ahead..................................

 

p.s sorry for Spelling and punctuation but im on a high after that game and its gna take a while for me to cum down from and start caring about my english writing skills agen!

[Fowllyd]

First chance I've had to see the new-look team, and god was I impressed. Beautiful passing and movement off the ball, great to see a Saints side keep possession and wait until an opportunity arose to play a proper, dangerous pass forward - practically no hopeful but hopeless balls upfield on display all game.

 

And we never really looked in trouble either. Even when Brum had a fair bit of possession early in the second half they never really threatened - I think Bart made one save around that time, but other than that was hardly troubled.

 

And, if Brum rested a few first-team regulars, so did we - their side was a strong one, not a bunch of reserves and youth players.

[cf saint]

For the first time since the MLT days we are worth watching because something special may happen, only this time it is the team rather than one man. In recent years going to games has been almost a trial of what it means to support Saints, now, even when losing in the last minute as at Cardiff, I feel proud of the team and that means a hell of a lot.

I am not deluded, we will get worked over by a physical team more than once this season and on wet winter days the passing game may be harder, but if JP gets our team to mid table playing like this i will be made up...and just hope we can keep most of the team together for a year or two to get back to the prem.

Anything more is a bonus - the best part is simply feeling good after games again!

[Jason Smithy]

Yoann Folly or Paul Wotton??

[PokingFun]

Just back with a big smile on my face.

 

This team will not be in a relegation fight. It might not make the top 6 this season but if they stick together over the next few seasons this team will restore our position in the Premier league.

 

Well done to Jan, exceeded all expectations in a very short time.

 

Well done Lowe and Wilde for going with someome and something new.

 

I am quite optimistic.

 

Money well spent so far this season (mine I mean).

 

Forget they are young kids, forget opposition to Lowe and Wilde. Get along and watch some fantastic football.

 

Agree totally but we need to exercise a little caution and not pressure the young lads too much with expectation but that was a great performance. It was pass and move football and the lads never stopped trying even when the odd mistake gave away possession.

 

Best of all, we really did not look like conceding. We bossed midfield completely and I have to say that I think Lallana will become a fantastic player for us. I really hope that he gets a new contract now because any more goals like tonight's will have the vultures circling for sure.

 

I was also extremely impressed by Spiderman, Holmes and Cork. Thomas also played exceptionally well.......no nonsense and not so good on the ball but added the steel we needed to come through unscathed.

 

Make no mistake this team is light in years but they are certainly not lightweight and equally fight for every ball as much as they pass and shift it quickly.

 

Finally, hats off to Jan. He has moulded a good team with less resources than Burley or Pearson and I can see him being worth a few apologies from some quarters come the end of the season.

 

Quality display tonight and well worth the £15.

[SaintSparky]

Superb, well done lads!

[saintcrris]

Just back with a big smile on my face.

 

This team will not be in a relegation fight. It might not make the top 6 this season but if they stick together over the next few seasons this team will restore our position in the Premier league.

 

Well done to Jan, exceeded all expectations in a very short time.

 

Well done Lowe and Wilde for going with someome and something new.

 

I am quite optimistic.

 

Money well spent so far this season (mine I mean).

 

Forget they are young kids, forget opposition to Lowe and Wilde. Get along and watch some fantastic football.

 

 

Yep I would agree with this totally.

Im no Lowe fan but I don't give a **** its the team and a game of football I go to watch.

 

Shame so many missed tonight.

[Toadhall Saint]

I'm happy - that's all that matters - thanks "lads"!

[Arizona]

Brilliant result. Sounds like these lads are really starting to deliver. Have to say I'm surprised and delighted.

[hugh]

Just got home and loved every second of that game. Well worth the £10 entry, the pie and a pint for £5.20, programme for £2 and whatever driving there and back cost me ....

 

Happy days are back.

 

All we need now is the JCL's to wake up and start attending again. :smt076

[pez86]

Tonight was the first time I've had a chance to see the new look Saints, and I have to say I enjoyed it, a MASSIVE improvement on the excuse for a football team we saw last year. Some reflections on the game player by player...

 

Bart- Didn't have much to do but did what he had to well. Still looks a bit shaky on decision making, coming off his line etc but was pleased with his performance. Although many would consider his time wasting at the end 'professional' it did annoy me a bit - after a great performance why not keep moving the ball about and demoralise b'ham even further!?

James- Very solid defensively at RB. Got well to support the attack well. Not the most exciting player on the pitch but did his job very solidly.

Surman- For me a disappointment, his touch was poor and I felt he wasn't up to his usual standards, probably giving the ball away more than any other player. As someone else mentioned he looked so much better when moved into the centre of the park, playing more like we would expect. Still can't complain.

Thomas- Solid. Defensively very good, outstanding in the air. Not the greatest footballer ever but Cork alongside him was more than helpful in that respect.

Cork- Excellent on the ball, made a couple of great driving runs. Almost played as our sweeper at times, setting up attacks from the back. Reads the game well and looks like a very good signing. My only concern is that he was beaten to nearly every header by Bent or O'Connor. I think would work better as a DMC or RB. Nonetheless an assured performance.

Schneiderlin- Very good, impressed by his strength and composure on the ball. Didn't shine but I think it was noticeable that Saints did not keep the ball as well after his substitution (likewise with Gillett). Always looking to receive the ball. Think he works better playing deeper rather than higher up the pitch.

Gillett- Showing that he has become the player he has always promised to be. Tigerish, tireless, excellent passing, again he is always looking for the ball. A fans favourite in the making.

Wotton- Very solid. Good tackling, gave good aerial presence in midfield and shielded the defence well. Didn't stop talking and supporting the other players. Didn't play with the same fluidity of some of the younger players but didn't need to. Didn't try to do anything beyond his own ability. Excellent.

Lallana- Excellent second half display in particular I felt. Shone when moved into the centre rather than on the wing, where his instinct led to him not always offering enough width. Great skill and enthusiasm, would love to see him on the ball more, making more direct runs like he did for the goal. Great goal, was desperately unlucky not to score in the first half too.

Holmes- MOTM for me, showed great skill, good positional awareness and good work rate. Hugged the line well and offered a good option on the left. Scored a good opening goal and looks like a good free signing.

McGoldrick- Worked hard, held up the ball well and showed desire. I am a big DMG fan but I was a little concerned at his flat-footedness, his anticipation didn't seem to be great and he wasn't always ready to receive a pass, especially as the game wore on. I think he can be a very good striker for Saints, but I think the team need to use his a bit better. At his best with his back to goal or when given a ball to run on to.

Subs

John- Did ok, didn't work as hard as McGoldrick but clearly that bit more experienced. IMO we looked better without him. Still useful striking experience off the bench.

Mills- Thought he was very good, supported the attack well and solid defensively. Look like a better LB than Surman did. First time I've seen him play (that I remember) and was impressed. Good prospect.

 

General comments: Saints played really well and kept possession well, particularly in the first half when ball retention was quite outstanding. Held their own well when Bham came at them and although not as good in the second half they still did well, restricting the opposition to speculative efforts. Felt that a bit more movement will be necessary in the final third if we are to see the extra goals that JP desires, particularly when DMG drops off. But overall mightily impressive stuff. Here's hoping the lads can keep it up, and I really believe they can!

[Loyal Saint]

Very good summary Pez. Agree with most of that & also think Cork, although did a good job at cb, think he'll be used more at rb.

 

Loved coming away from the ground at Derby (and Cardiff to some extent) and again tonight, hearing Saints fans happy, proud and talking positively about the young team we've assembled. Long may it continue

[A PaganSaint]

As oliver twist said " please sir can i have some more"

[Saint_clark]

As oliver twist said " please sir can i have some more"

 

Before getting his ass handed to him for the next 500 pages. Poor analogy

[buctootim]

Good match report from a Brummie perspective. Complimentary about Saints and quite funny too.

 

 

"Just got back from soton so thought I would pass on some thoughts...

 

Blues made several changes from Saturday with Doyle coming in for Taylor in goal, Kelly coming in for Taylor in central defence, Augustien made his debut in central midfield and McSheffrey came in on the right side of midfield. Bent and O'Connor started up front.

 

The first half started very much as the previous encounter at St.Mary's - Southampton played the 'Dutch' system to good effect. They were mobile, first to the challenge and moved the ball around effectively. Blues, on the other hand, played the lesser known 'Sunday League' system. This consisted of Blues players constantly passing the ball to the opposition, hardly moving and, when they did attempt a pass to their own player, invariably it was head or chest high at around 40 miles per hour.

 

It was a pretty sorry performance and when southampton scored I doubt anyone was surprised. It was a good finish by Holmes to the bottom right hand corner giving Doyle no chance but I think Blues defence could have done a little better - the ball seemed to bobble around for an age before the actual goal.

 

The goal didn't seem to have any impact on Blues - Blues constantly changed shape and at times, I couldn't actually tell what system, if any, they were supposed to be playing. At times, Quincy was playing in the middle of a front three with Bent on the left and O'Connor on the right, then he was playing central midfield with Augustien on the left. McSheffrey stayed on the right hand side and had a complete mair. And, even the [upto now] efficient Carsley not having the best of games. I suspect that was due to Augustien but more of that later. O'Connor and Bent tried hard up front but they got little, if any, service. The service they did get was head or chest high at 40 miles per hour.

 

The half time whistle went and to a few boos, off trudged Blues with several players moving quicker than they had all of the first half.

 

Changes at half time were inevitable. Jordan Mutch came on for McSheffrey and super Kev came on for O'Connor. And, for five minutes or so, Blues actually played some nice football - we even got a corner.

 

But then, it all seemed to fall apart again. In the first half we played with 8 players, the second half we played with 9. One of them, McSheffrey was taken off at half time but the other two Quincy and Augustien stayed on the pitch and continued to cause us more problems than southampton did.

 

I think Blues eventually had a shot on goal (Quincy in a positive spell) but the ball didn't bounce to our one other player in the box, Philips, choosing instead to bounce to one of the six southampton players. Stern John came on and southampton showed Blues how to play to a lone striker - funnily enough to his feet so he can hold the ball up and bring in other players.

 

Blues seemed to constantly try the other well known tactic of hoofing the ball up to Bent. Now, Bent has his critics but tonight he did all he could. He harried, chased and I think he won every header but he couldn't do any more with how blues were playing.

 

I think this had to do with the complete ineffectiveness of the midfield. If I had been playing in the back four I would have just lumped it forward because I would know that, if I had given it to one of our midfield players they would have given it straight to southampton.

 

Their second goal was a good finish again into the bottom right corner following some nice football. I don't know who scored. I was numb by then.

 

I think of myself as a fairly positive blues fan but tonight was a little mistifying. I am sure McLeish thought he had enough in the team to at least be competitive and probably beat southampton. He certainly tinkered with the system throughout the game but I wonder whether that was to try and see how he could get the team to function...And, although we lost I suspect he learnt some valuable lessons...

 

I suspect McLeish is wondering whether he has been conned by purchasing Augustien. I am not sure he passed the ball to a blues player all night. ok, ok, that's harsh and I am sure it's down to a lack of match practice and the speed of the game but there will be a nagging doubt of that I am sure. My note to Augustien: Blues play in BLUE (the clue is there). On the other hand Jordan Much made not a bad start and was the one positive for me. If it was a choice between him and augustien for a start in the centre of midfield I would pick Larson. Oh, and then Much. He could do a job for us there and is way ahead of Augustien.

 

There is no doubt that Quincy is quick and skillful. I don't know whether he is trying to hard but, for me, he needs to gel in to the team quickly or he will turn in to a luxury. Too many times, he played impossible balls to team mates and whilst Southampton doubled up on him a lot but too many times tried to beat all the players rather than play the simple ball.

 

That's about it. I am sure tomorrow it won't seem as bad but at this second I am so glad this game only cost a tenner and only took me 30 minutes to get there/back - otherwise I would have been really depressed".

Edited 27 August, 2008 by buctootim

[St Landrew]

I like that Brummie's writing style and humour. For example:

 

Southampton played the 'Dutch' system to good effect. They were mobile, first to the challenge and moved the ball around effectively. Blues, on the other hand, played the lesser known 'Sunday League' system. This consisted of Blues players constantly passing the ball to the opposition, hardly moving and, when they did attempt a pass to their own player, invariably it was head or chest high at around 40 miles per hour.

 

and:

 

The half time whistle went and to a few boos, off trudged Blues with several players moving quicker than they had all of the first half.

 

Tbh, our Brummie friend's Sunday League description of his team reminded me a lot about Saints of the last few seasons. Thankfully, not this one.

[SaintDonkey]

There's nothing more pleasurable than hearing opposition fans being complimentary about the way Southampton have played - especially when the opposition fans are doing so in defeat

 

Good find Butootim!

[saint1977]

Gutted I couldn't make it last night, hope I'm not a jinx against Blackpool and the terrific football stops! Looking forward to it and seeing how Jermaine Wright copes with pace and movement at him. Awful really that relics like that kept Gillett out of the side, a player Blackpool know well. Have always rated Gillett ever since I saw him in his early reserve appearances. Lallana too was very unlucky not to play last season, hope we can get him to sign a new deal.

 

Home draw V Rotherham and then a big one at home would do the bank balance a power of good. When's the last time S4E/TSF/TSW was uniformly positive like this?

[Minsk]

Despite listening to the match I didn't have chance to post last night, but I just felt I had to say:

 

Fantastic! Back to back wins, and clean sheets, against teams who were plying their trade in the Premiership last season!

 

I am really looking forward to watching the game on Saturday, and to coming over there for the Norwich game next month!!

[Minsk]

Yoann Folly or Paul Wotton??

 

IMO, and especially in this Saints side, Paul Wotton!!

[Causer]

Get done to st marys sit back and be entertained

fans were fantastic

 

Bart- 7 not much to do one sharp save and looked far more comfortable than doyle in the birmingham goal

James -7 looked better defensively than usual less good going forward

Cork -9 oozes class great signing

Thomas-7 thought he played well but a few very misguided headers and passes put us under pressure

Surman- 8 won the ball and got forward but did fade in midfield

Holmes -10 deceptvely quick great goal good crossing fiesty tackler

Gilett - 10 was every where edje of the area blocking shots and a fantastic passer where was he last season

Lallana -9 good goal looked wasted on the right looked better in the hole

Wooton - 8 kept it simple the glue which held the team together

Schneiderlin - 6 didnt effect the game

mcgoaldrick -8 held the ball up well and was lively

 

mills 6 looked ok

john 7 held the ball up well

 

jan 10 fantastic football knew when to bring john on

[BridgnorthSaint]

Roll on Blackpool!!!!

 

Would love to see our young team vs the Arsenal in the next round.

 

There's optimisim but... and personally I'd like to see some more CCC points on the board before that

[DT]

I haven't enjoyed a game at St Mary's so much for about five years. Now convinced we are on the right track. Hooray! Really good football, really good pass and move and we totally walloped them.

A few points: I watched that berk Wright Phillips when we scored (he was warming up) and he did not even flicker. No emotion there, no happiness that we had scored, he just carried on stretching. We do not need players like him, Euell, Syer, Skacel at the club. The players who did play played like a team, and this is a massive, refreshing change. Long may it continue and well done Jan.

PS K Phillips is a tit - loved the songs about his missus last night

[DT]

Get done to st marys sit back and be entertained

fans were fantastic

 

Bart- 7 not much to do one sharp save and looked far more comfortable than doyle in the birmingham goal

James -7 looked better defensively than usual less good going forward

Cork -9 oozes class great signing

Thomas-7 thought he played well but a few very misguided headers and passes put us under pressure

Surman- 8 won the ball and got forward but did fade in midfield

Holmes -10 deceptvely quick great goal good crossing fiesty tackler

Gilett - 10 was every where edje of the area blocking shots and a fantastic passer where was he last season

Lallana -9 good goal looked wasted on the right looked better in the hole

Wooton - 8 kept it simple the glue which held the team together

Schneiderlin - 6 didnt effect the game

mcgoaldrick -8 held the ball up well and was lively

 

mills 6 looked ok

john 7 held the ball up well

 

jan 10 fantastic football knew when to bring john on

 

6 for Schneiderlin? Specsavers is that way. Excellent, and taken off to save him for future games. He bossed it and I'm only scared someone will come in for him, even this early. Surman was poor.

[pedg]

6 for Schneiderlin? Specsavers is that way. Excellent, and taken off to save him for future games. He bossed it and I'm only scared someone will come in for him, even this early. Surman was poor.

 

Are there not rules about how many times someone can move clubs in a season?

[sidthesquid]

Personally I would give every player 8.5 out of 10 for last night, even Wayne Thomas, but 4 out of 10 for the fans for such a dismal turnout. Big turnout equals more money equals less need to sell of our young stars to appease the bank. Duh!

[OldNick]

Personally I would give every player 8.5 out of 10 for last night, even Wayne Thomas, but 4 out of 10 for the fans for such a dismal turnout. Big turnout equals more money equals less need to sell of our young stars to appease the bank. Duh!

I think you should qualify that by the ones who didnt go.

I have to hold my hand up as I didnt but that is consistant as I never went to League cup games when we in the PL.

[itchen]

Excellent performance by Saints. Bart only had one save to make (apart from his rather risky header outside the box). One of the most impressive things was that Phillips never seemed to be able to get the ball for long enough to be a threat. Our defence made him look very ordinary indeed.

 

It wasn't all positive - Thomas's first few hoofs went straight to the opposition but he managed to get better and either passed to our players or kicked it out. And Surman kept trying to do too much on his own when a pass would have been better - but, again, he got over it. These are just minor quibbles.

 

 

I couldn't get to the first Birmingham game so this is the first competitive game for me this season and I'll definitely be back for more. There's something special going on.

[rpb]

Surman was poor.

 

First half he defended well but when he went forward he seemed to be playing for himself instead of the team - ignoring Holmes and running into blind alleys in an effort to show what he could do; when he moved into centre midfield he was much more effective.

[Charlie Wayman]

Excellent. I think Birmingham were up for it, who knows but the best aspect was of our ability to keep defending right thorughout the game. Paul Wooton was a good rabble rouser and played quite well. Thomas was good but he must cure his long ball habit

[The one and only]

Wahey get in!! Another great result, lets keep this up!!!

[saintwarwick]

when did we last win 3 on the bounce?

 

2006/2007 before we lost to southend me thinks

 

Last three games of our play off season,

 

Leeds 1-0

Norwich 1-0

Southend 4-1

 

Before the southend away game we won four on the trot.

 

Bring on blackpool and hopefully another three points, play like they have been and we should win.

[70's Mike]

Last three games of our play off season,

 

Leeds 1-0

Norwich 1-0

Southend 4-1

 

Before the southend away game we won four on the trot.

 

Bring on blackpool and hopefully another three points, play like they have been and we should win.

 

agreed it should be really interesting because it will be the first game against a team who will put 11 behind the ball, patience will be the key if he do not get an early goal.

[mcjwills]

From the Express and Star (Birmingham Daily)

 

Alex McLeish saw his side’s 100 per cent start to the season come to a disappointing end as Blues were humbled by a youthful Southampton outfit.

 

Impressive strikes from Lee Holmes and Adam Lallana avenged Saints’ 2-1 Championship defeat to Birmingham at St Mary’s, 10 days previous to this Carling Cup tie.

 

McLeish confessed after that game, in which Kevin Phillips claimed a late winner, his team had struggled to cope with Saints’ unorthodox ‘Dutch’ style.

 

It seems little was learned as they fell behind in the 17th minute. A floated cross from right-back Lloyd James saw an off-balance David McGoldrick evade Blues captain Liam Ridgewell to head the ball back to the edge of the penalty area.

 

Former Derby prodigy Holmes took one touch to control the ball and a second to smash an unstoppable half-volley past Colin Doyle.

 

That wake up call failed to lift Blues from their slumber and they were almost two down as a Holmes free-kick found its way to Lallana, who struck the crossbar and the post with two separate shots, before the ball was frantically cleared.

 

Phillips was introduced at half-time to predictable vitriol from the home support but he could do little to influence proceedings, as McLeish’s men were pegged back at the other end.

 

Newly-crowned terrace hero Quincy Owusu-Abeyie did finally force Bartosz Bialkowski into a save on 74 minutes with a sharp low drive, but 12 minutes later the game was up.

 

Lallana received the ball in a threatening position just outside the box, ghosted past Ridgewell and then slammed a finish into the far corner to end Blues’ League Cup participation in convincing fashion.

 

McLeish was scathing about his side, who have started their Championship campaign with three straight victories, and claimed they deserved what they got.

 

He said: “We didn’t start the game well and I can’t say we got on any better as the game went on. We were really poor and couldn’t even find another player in the same shirt.

 

“That’s to take nothing away from Southampton because they played well and deserved their victory.

 

“I’d like to say we deserved something out of the game but we got exactly what we deserved. We lost to the better side on the night.”

[derry]

Bloody unorthodox, what rubbish, it's the football mainly played by English teams below the top 4 in the Premier that is unorthodox.

 

The rest of the world with the probable exception of Italy play this way. For example the best is Brazil.

[lordswoodsaints]

we deserved the win,we worked hard to play the game in the right way and at our pace,dictating most of the play.

we rarely looked like conceding but always looked threatening when coming forward.

keep up the good work.

[waggy]

[suewhistle]

I'd seen the link before Waggy, but thanks again as I just had another look!:-) Just look at how many players we had in the box for the second goal, and the knock-back for Holmes didn't give him just a tap in as I assumed from the first report I saw.

[alpine_saint]

Been away for a few days - but this was helluva result.

[notnowcato]

I've been looping the Lallana goal from the you choob link (thanks for posting waggy), poetry.

[eelpie]

Roll on Blackpool!!!!

 

Would love to see our young team vs the Arsenal in the next round.

 

or Pompey

[Big Poppa]

Sky Sports CC match highlights plus interview with Jan after

 

[tisspahars]

I thought i'd bring this up - it's from less than a month ago. There are several people who gushed about Saints on this thread who now claim we are the worst team ever with the worst manager who must go. How sad.....

[Foxy]

I thought i'd bring this up - it's from less than a month ago. There are several people who gushed about Saints on this thread who now claim we are the worst team ever with the worst manager who must go. How sad.....

 

Yep, and if we win the next two the majority will swing back again. Fickle buggers, us fans.

 

OF course there will always be the minority at either end of the bell curve who will be unbudged due to their miopic hatred or admiration of some of the personalities. And even one or two reasonable ones who are a bit more measured in their approach - but those last are probably a statistical anomaly and can be ignored )

[Weston Super Saint]

I thought i'd bring this up - it's from less than a month ago. There are several people who gushed about Saints on this thread who now claim we are the worst team ever with the worst manager who must go. How sad.....

 

To be fair, it's over a month old, and even the most ardent Lowe supporter - except scabby and sundunce - admit that performances have not been up to par lately