Graffito

I would describe the method as their being democratically elected as MPs to represent their constituents and then being selected as Cabinet Ministers by the Prime Minsiter.

At risk of appearing pedantic but they weren't democratically elected as Ministers nor were they democratically elected to the Cabinet.

We are a little dark horse.

Even if they are, no matter. Sunderland have a tough fixture away to City on Wednesday night and therefore less recovery time. It's all relative.

Agree. The fullbacks are so important to how we play. Tie them down with improved contracts as we'd struggle to replace them no matter what price they might go for. Plus, they are young and there's more to come from all three.

Out of interest which right footers have done well at left back? It's something I don't like. Whereas there are positives in right sided forwards playing on the left and vice versa, I see only negatives with full backs playing on the opposite side. They can't all be Philip Lahm.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/feb/09/southampton-mauricio-pochettino-stoke-city "Southampton must aim for the World Cup not Europe says Pochettino", and by implication, not the FA Cup.

You weren't around then and you are able to say what you've said. You're right that the cup isn't what it was but why p1ss on the parade? We all want to win the cup and it should be given priority, which is basically what the OP is saying, despite what the literal minded (not you) think he said.

You stayed up. Good effort.

Let's not bother then?

Oh and if somebody called Gloria, surname Osman or Osmond I think, or anyone that knows her reads this forum, I found your season ticket in St Mary's St before the match. Assume you were on your way to SMS so you are probably £25 lighter by now but should you need your original ST back, I handed it into the Ticket Office.

Stoke deserved their draw. Same old problem for Saints. Can't break down teams that defend deep and in numbers. Possession football is the way to play but it comes down to quality on the ball and we didn't have it today. Lallana wasn't on his game (they did a job on him) and without Ramirez or any pace to call on we looked very predictable.

I think the players are up for the cup, the English ones anyway. I'm not too sure how much importance MP gives it. He delegates to his assistant, of course, at least some of his duties on cup match days and he said this week he doesn't rate the Europa League. I desperately want us to win it, beating Everton in the semi finals.

Thought this was ironic from Fat Bloke in the London Evening Standard tonight, considering Caroll's flouncing and flopping about against us last season: "I will also say that, despite everything, I will not be advising my players to roll around on the floor tomorrow. My players are far too honest."

Something wrong with the rules if that's a red card. And Flores' play acting. It's pathetic.

West Ham's a good fixture so I don't want them to go down and I think they won't. Likewise Palace and Fulham, but I fear both may go down. I wouldn't miss Hull, they were poor at SMS, but they have competion in Cardiff.

No I don't think I have contradicted myself. Whether now or a few months down the line isn't especially relevant to the point I'm making. However, I suspect Pochettino has been given certain assurances to the end of the season at least. I'm not saying she will sell either. How would I know. Just that there is a strong economic argument for sale.

Morgan Schneiderlin is exceptional whoever he plays with. E.g. take a look at his performance stats on Saturday. And before you dismiss stats, not saying you will but just in case like, these back up what I saw with my own eyes. http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/02/03/83-tackle-success-the-real-star-behind-southamptons-dismantling-of-fulham/2014020364271?

Does the 90 minute rule still apply? If so, then Chelsea can infiltrate our catchment area but the North London clubs shouldn't be able to.

In games where the back four needs protecting play Wanyama. In games where we need to move the ball quickly play Cork. Vic was rusty and as my brother said after the match, Fulham let him have the ball because he either passed it sideways or lost possession. Fulham's central pair are no mugs but having Cork on second half was like having an extra man in midfield.

Pochettino. Everything could unravel if he goes. From a business perspective there are compelling reasons to sell in the summer. Even if this should happen the club would surely be a more valuable asset with Pochettino and the better players in place.

Good luck with the campaign.

The uncertainty surrounding RL's position probably has had an impact on his form. In WC year what he really needs is certainty about where he's playing, to feel valued (he is certainly valued by his team mates and the fans) and to stay fit. He appears, also, to have been carrying an injury. When he went down off the ball on Saturday I thought he wasn't going to get back up so he probably still isn't 100%. Nonethelss, he did us proud again.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2550574/Mauricio-Pochettino-Adam-Lallana-good-play-Brazil-HAS-World-Cup.html