Southampton (H) Post-Match Thread

[grim up north]

I’m sure my first post was AFTER they scored and mentioned a parked bus. I did however post that I didn’t think we would win yesterday as they were defending in numbers after they scored. Never said we wouldn’t win the league, it’s up to Victimpool to lose it. We will NEVER be given the decisions they get, so we are going to have to do it all by ourselves.

Sorry if I don’t see everything through Blue Tinted Specs. I never expect to be 5-0 up, that’s ridiculous.
Our game yesterday is what we will see more of unfortunately. Teams will now just pack the box and attempt to ‘pinch’ a goal.

We moved the Ball well, but were stifled by anti football & 8 defenders in the box as soon as we got near it.

think you just need “specs” no tint required

 

[OB1]

Great win yesterday but surely Pep isn’t sending them out to cross the ball aimlessly into the box every time we get near the opponents box. We probably need to get back to being a lot more patient on the ball.

Pep's explained the amount of crosses; it is deliberate. The quality of the balls in would not always be what he was looking for but it's done because Saints were fairly narrow and deep, filling their box with players. That makes it very hard to play through and of course hard for our players to get on the end of crosses but the space is there to cross. However, what Pep is very much looking for is the second ball, where the opponent stops the cross but doesn't clear it properly, particularly where the ball is fizzed in and then bounces about and the defenders lose their orientation. Basically, it's a case of playing the odds i.e. eventually the ball will break kindly for us (e.g. Walker's goal) or the cross actually finds it's mark (Sergio's goal).

 

[OB1]

it wasn’t a criticism of your post more tongue in cheek I thought they were further forward

I wasn't offended :-)

 

[levets]

Strange, I thought he was our best player.

Strange as you say...
I thought he was bloody awful, as was Sterling.

 

[sir baconface]

Surprised really that so many of the posters on this thread are in my opinion clueless.
Yesterday Southampton defended not on the 18 yard line like most teams , until they tire, what they did was defend on 13 to 15 yards, this lessens the space behind the line. So playing one twos behind that line is almost impossible. Southampton hoofed it forward every time and then set up in their defensive formation.
This thread is 90% negative, full of banality. I cannot really understand it.
Do those spouting such dross believe it is the shortcomings of our managers decisions and tactics, or poor play from treble winning team.
Well I am off for a positive 10 mile walk, beautiful Peak district, fresh air, a nice coffee and croissant, I need to breathe out all this negativity..-)

I hope that I am not the only one who came away from yesterday's match buoyed by our great comeback.

We are indeed fortunate to have you on the forum.

 

[OB1]

Agree by and large. However, I did see several snap shots and almost every one was blocked, usually by the first man. It’s so difficult against mass defences but - like you - I’d like to see a few more speculative attempts.

Undoubtedly it was frustrating at times that we didn't shoot but it wasn't about trying to walk it in: the main plan was to get the ball into crossing positions and look for the second ball. And, it worked, eventually.

 

[dronefromsector7G]

Pep's explained the amount of crosses; it is deliberate. The quality of the balls in would not always be what he was looking for but it's done because Saints were fairly narrow and deep, filling their box with players. That makes it very hard to play through and of course hard for our players to get on the end of crosses but the space is there to cross. However, what Pep is very much looking for is the second ball, where the opponent stops the cross but doesn't clear it properly, particularly where the ball is fizzed in and then bounces about and the defenders lose their orientation. Basically, it's a case of playing the odds i.e. eventually the ball will break kindly for us (e.g. Walker's goal) or the cross actually finds it's mark (Sergio's goal).

Maybe hitting a load of low crosses would be better? I know there’s a lower success rate in terms of getting the ball past the first defender but once it’s in the centre of the box there’s more chance of picking up the ball off a knee/thigh etc. High balls in that reach a defender usually hit the head meaning the ball then goes well clear of the danger zone and mean further need to cross it back in

 

[sir baconface]

I know it will have been said multiple times already but Lee Mason was an absolute disgrace.

Pretty sure you’re the first to mention it.

 

[sir baconface]

We were quite wasteful again against a team that were intent on always having 8 in the box when we got near it. It’s a shame Sterling was like his former self from 3 years ago. Greedy, blinkered and running down blind alleys. His selfish streak came out again yesterday, he could have slipped in Gabby for a tap in but decided to royally fcuk it up.
Dreading it against the dipper vermin, he will retreat into his shell as they constantly boo him for leaving their deluded klan. Please prove me wrong at Candlefield.

No doubt he’ll respond to your motivational talk :)

 

[levets]

Problem today is we were trying to walk the ball into their net , Gundogan , KDB , Merlin and others all had loads of chances to pull the trigger from 20 yards and opted to pass sideways , we are always trying to score the perfect goal when just maybe a lucky deflection or goalkeeper error from a shot from distance turns the game. Sometimes you need a little look against bus parkers , so lets buy a ticket for the raffle and have a few more pot shots

Agree... sometimes goalies do what Ederson did today.