Southampton: Post Match
- Thread starter redhorizon2
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I didn't really feel comfortable until that third goal went in actually 😉
After the last three games we are overdue a game that we are comfortably ahead and in control of.
That will be our next game I expect.
I was dreading this game, and we were very nearly made to pay in between our first and second goals. Southampton are a good side, but bar a couple of nervy moments - all in the first half - we defended really well. I thought we were sloppy in possession at times, but we showed a solidity we haven't all season.
Mignolet - 7 - Didn't have much to do apart from one great save. He even came out with a few important catches and punches which he hasn't shown a willingness to do in the past.
Flanagan - 5 - I was debating giving him a 6, but he didn't have a great game. That was not all his own fault, however, as he was often doubled up on and had a tricky task in dealing with Shaw, Lallana and Rodriguez at different times during the game.
Skrtel - 7 - Didn't do anything wrong at all
Agger - 7 - Likewise with his central defensive partner
Johnson - 6 - One that seems to split the board. I thought he was good defensively, but quite sloppy at times in possession. Not all his own fault though as his teammates gave him some risky passes.
Allen - 6 - I thought he was good in flashes first half, but stepped it up second half. Still too lightweight, though, needs to try and learn from Sterling and handle himself better physically despite a diminutive frame.
Gerrard - 6 - First half struggled at times with the whole midfield being overran. I actually didn't think this formation worked first half, to be honest. Second half made a couple of good interceptions, passes, had a decent shot from range saved, and of course dispatched an expert penalty.
Henderson - 6 - Good running, as always, but outnumbered in midfield, and struggled to deal with Shaw and Lallana first half - as all of our midfield did. Picked it up second half. Should have scored with his chance.
Coutinho - 5 - Poor. Nothing really happened for him. One of those days.
Sturridge - 6 - Ran well, but was isolated a lot. Frustrated with his teammates inability to find him first half. Started the game brightly, however.
Suarez - 8 - MOTM. Was great, a goal and two assists. Can't really expand on his brilliance any more than has been said a thousand times before. Best player in the league. Worryingly looked tired, though.
Sterling - 7 - Rating might be a little harsh, but only played half a game. I thought it was a mistake to start him on the bench to be honest as his strength and defensive work rate would have dealt with Southampton better than Coutinho. Great when he came on though, and really progressing nicely.
Ratings may seem harsh, but Southampton were good for large portions of the game, and 3-0 flatters us a tad, but so what.
Mignolet - 7 - Didn't have much to do apart from one great save. He even came out with a few important catches and punches which he hasn't shown a willingness to do in the past.
Flanagan - 5 - I was debating giving him a 6, but he didn't have a great game. That was not all his own fault, however, as he was often doubled up on and had a tricky task in dealing with Shaw, Lallana and Rodriguez at different times during the game.
Skrtel - 7 - Didn't do anything wrong at all
Agger - 7 - Likewise with his central defensive partner
Johnson - 6 - One that seems to split the board. I thought he was good defensively, but quite sloppy at times in possession. Not all his own fault though as his teammates gave him some risky passes.
Allen - 6 - I thought he was good in flashes first half, but stepped it up second half. Still too lightweight, though, needs to try and learn from Sterling and handle himself better physically despite a diminutive frame.
Gerrard - 6 - First half struggled at times with the whole midfield being overran. I actually didn't think this formation worked first half, to be honest. Second half made a couple of good interceptions, passes, had a decent shot from range saved, and of course dispatched an expert penalty.
Henderson - 6 - Good running, as always, but outnumbered in midfield, and struggled to deal with Shaw and Lallana first half - as all of our midfield did. Picked it up second half. Should have scored with his chance.
Coutinho - 5 - Poor. Nothing really happened for him. One of those days.
Sturridge - 6 - Ran well, but was isolated a lot. Frustrated with his teammates inability to find him first half. Started the game brightly, however.
Suarez - 8 - MOTM. Was great, a goal and two assists. Can't really expand on his brilliance any more than has been said a thousand times before. Best player in the league. Worryingly looked tired, though.
Sterling - 7 - Rating might be a little harsh, but only played half a game. I thought it was a mistake to start him on the bench to be honest as his strength and defensive work rate would have dealt with Southampton better than Coutinho. Great when he came on though, and really progressing nicely.
Ratings may seem harsh, but Southampton were good for large portions of the game, and 3-0 flatters us a tad, but so what.
He watched the same match as me. If that was Johnson playing well I dread to see him play badly. And I have been a great supporter of Glen
The rating for me begins and ends with 3 points. Everything else is bollocks. If you did these ratings on Utd players in their scratchy wins that led them to endless titles it wouldn't be impressive. We've won away at Southampton, Spurs and Stoke this season. Games we were odds on to lose in years gone by. We're a different prospect now.
Don't happen to have the whole interview do you?
Unfair scoreline for Southampton but we were more clinical with our chances and Rodgers set the team up perfectly. We know they're a good side that plays a high defensive line. We were always going to be under the cosh and I thought we dealt with it (maybe a little too much hoofing since it invited the pressure back). Admittedly, we were sloppy on some of our passes and we didn't seem to press as well as we can. I was wondering if the diamond shape stops that but I'm only guessing.
Saying that: clean sheet, 3 goals, 3 points and this with us not playing to our very best. Stuff of champions.
Saying that: clean sheet, 3 goals, 3 points and this with us not playing to our very best. Stuff of champions.
Check the news section.
Oh, and btw, I did say we would win by at least two in the match thread yesterday
I LOVED Stevie's post match interview line..
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=G4hBlmndHSA#t=24
"If teams want to play 2 vs 2 against these two, Sturridge and Suarez..
... All the best".
Haha! Brilliant.
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=G4hBlmndHSA#t=24
"If teams want to play 2 vs 2 against these two, Sturridge and Suarez..
... All the best".
Haha! Brilliant.
Another massive win, and statement of intent. First half was nip and tuck, but at least we got the breakthrough...lovely finish by Suarez...massive bonus to have him back amongst the goals because it would have been playing on his mind.
2nd half, they came out all guns blazing as you expect, but we seemed to cope ok and the 2nd goal knocked the stuffing out of them, and in the end we were good value for the 3 goals and 3 points.
Impressive stuff. Now, onto the Mancs in 2 weeks.
2nd half, they came out all guns blazing as you expect, but we seemed to cope ok and the 2nd goal knocked the stuffing out of them, and in the end we were good value for the 3 goals and 3 points.
Impressive stuff. Now, onto the Mancs in 2 weeks.
I'm not getting all the praise for Johnson. Am I the only one who thought he was our worst player? Sure, some of the passes made to him were awful, but when he had the ball he was clueless. He couldn't beat his man, he couldn't make a simple pass and even his defending was dodgy as fuck (although he did make one great tackle).
We seriously need a left back. Looking at Shaw today filled me with envy. He his everything a left back should be.
We seriously need a left back. Looking at Shaw today filled me with envy. He his everything a left back should be.
That is a fantastic result today. Could be argued that it was our trickiest game remaining this season. Nevertheless, we were visiting a stadium where we have a history of futility as the first of 3 consecutive away games including Old Trafford - with a 2 week hiatus coming up. If we'd lost there was a possibility that Tottenham would have been level on points next time we kicked a ball, and if United were to beat us then our hold on fourth place would seem tenuous.
This result as well as keeping Tottenham, Everton ....even United at a safe distance, has also pushed us up to second. It feels like a pivotal performance, especially seeing us improve at the back as returning players get a second game under their belt, and with Sakho and Lucas back in full training.
I feel that we are short of where we need to be to challenge, but if we can produce six crazy weeks from mid-March, who knows? We're in the mix and that's special in itself.
This result as well as keeping Tottenham, Everton ....even United at a safe distance, has also pushed us up to second. It feels like a pivotal performance, especially seeing us improve at the back as returning players get a second game under their belt, and with Sakho and Lucas back in full training.
I feel that we are short of where we need to be to challenge, but if we can produce six crazy weeks from mid-March, who knows? We're in the mix and that's special in itself.
SIX CRAZY WEEKS BEGINS!
Believe it or not I said exactly that to the lads whilst watching the match. Could hardly be true. Could it?
We'll never know, I guess. Unless he mentions it in a book 10 years from now.
Kevin Nolan acts a bit iffy when he plays us as well. Got himself sent off last time around. I remember that he once talked the ref out of giving Gerrard a red card after a stupid and dangerous challenge on him.
Ha ha cheeky bastard!
Hey @doctor_mac - I think we are something like 4 for 5.
So many nervous nellies on here. Yes I'm looking at you @Mystic.
Man I'm tired of being right.
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