jasonbenali

I can see why Martin played him in this game - he clearly thinks he's better than he is, should be in a 'top' league and therefore will be wanting to turn it on against Liverpool as he did last season. And to be fair to him, he caused Liverpool a lot of problems early on being given the space he doesn't get in the Championship until the familiar failings of not knowing what to do with the ball, not being able to shoot and then the sulky body language when it's not working out. So frustrating as I was really looking forward to seeing him this season. Seems to have gone backwards.

I was looking at the goals per games stats on BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/southampton/top-scorers) and am seriously impressed that we have no less than 6 players who are averaging better than a goal every two games in all comps (arguably the benchmark for a decent striker). I can't remember a time that we've ever had that many and am struggling to think of another team that has. (OK, Rothwell doesn't have a 'representative sample' but he's allowed in on the strength of that ridiculously good volley...) Adam Armstrong - 15 goals at 174m/goal Che Adams - 10 at 159m Ryan Fraser - 7 at 174 Sekou Mara - 6 at 98 Sam Edozie - 6 at 163 Joe Rothwell - 2 at 114

My favourite is Mara's goal v Sheff Weds (4-0) with Fraser's reverse pass - a move of real beauty

Really need to increase the tempo again - when we do we look so much better. Good job we have a 2 goal cushion as you could see them getting a lucky equaliser like the home leg.

Bit of a sweaty second half but you can't fault the classy 1st. I think it was a mix of some complacency, trying to over manage the game and Swansea's press was very effective even if their shooting was poor - can't remember the last time I saw us unable to pass the ball around in the way we usually like to end games. I do feel we had another gear or two in the locker though. 21 unbeaten and 2nd - that's a good day whichever way you look at it!

Alcaraz looking up for this - tackles, runs and what should have been an assist for Mara if he could shoot properly

Also interesting that Saints are bottom of the league for aerial duels won which helps explain some of the long ball tactics we face

Was a bit worried when we scored so early but turned out to be the winner...

Dominant win despite KWP gifting them a goal to even up our offside one - Birmingham were pretty poor bar a 5 minute spell after the goal when we lost our shape. Pleasantly surprised by Aribo's impact as a sub - won the ball back several times and really looked up for it. I continue to be baffled by how calm Arma looks in front of goal, just can't believe it's the same player that panicked in front of goal in the Prem, but long may it continue. Maybe it's just the extra time you get at this level? Good choice of MOTM in Downes who looked class - has really come on since he's been able to hold his food down. Fraser also looked lively with some excellent runs and half an assist, but really should have got that chip on target.

Fair play to Martin for playing a more pragmatic style that better suits the limitations and strengths of the team - we seem to have lost the ability to outpass teams since JWP left. Both sides gave the ball away repeatedly and got away with it when they would have got destroyed in the Prem, but hopefully I can worry about that next season! Multiple times Sully made a good run and we couldn't pick him out with the right pass which was a waste of his ability. One moment of real quality won it from Stu although he messed up the other one with Arma's perfect cross. Great to see Smallbone getting stuck in more and making some important interceptions covering back and likewise Bednarek was up for the challenge and won a lot of headers when Stoke reverted to type and went route one. Downes also looked better, although Xavi he is not. Not a great game, but I'll take a win all day long, particularly on a (dry) Tuesday night in Stoke!

Takes a brave person to pick this result with our form, could be just about anything. That said, given we don't do draws and have goals guaranteed in every game, it's a nailed on 0-0. I can't see him keeping the same 11 given the short gap between games and would expect to see Charles in to strengthen midfield and maybe Adams up front.

That just about gets the 3-4 v Leeds out of my system... Saints almost unrecognisable from the first game where it was all about possession - we could have done with some of that towards the end to see out time but Leeds are better at pressing than Sheff Weds and we don't seem to have been able to play that way since Ward-Prowse left. Much more akin to 'Championship' football with more directness, some decent quality up front and clinical finishing - just baffled at how bad A Armstrong was in the Prem when he looks so calm in front of goal at this level. It seems he needs the extra time you get at this level. Harwood-Bellis looks a decent signing alongside Bednarek although I still think we're too passive at the back particularly on crosses and second balls. Sulemana is going to frustrate a lot when he gives the ball away so regularly, but he has something special and is only going to improve. After 4 losses on the bounce I'll take that incredible start and win, just so Saintsy!

Phew. After all the losses it’s just great to get a win even against such limited opposition. Much bigger tests ahead but a win’s a win. Being able to bring on Che and Stu says it all. Just hope we can hang onto most of them. That last 9 mins was like watching Man City.

The one that really irritates me is "We're by far the greatest team the world has ever seen". I mean, obviously we're not and neither is any other team bar the actual greatest team and who are they - Brazil 70? Every club seems to sing it as well. No one bar arguably Oil City should be singing this and even then they should add "arguably/perhaps" 😂

Saints defenders putting themselves in the shop window there. Unfortunately the shop in question is Poundland.