austsaint

Mash, that poor clearance was actually Shane Long, not Yoshida.

Mane wasted stuck out on the left.

Much as I love our Kelv, Nordic Saint has nailed it.

He was; but he was better than Dan Harding.

I'm resigned to Vic going; Pelle goes with my best wishes and so would Tadic; I worry about VVD being sniffed out by "big Clubs" but expect he will at least spend a second season with us. The player I hope stays with us is Mane - if there's the slightest chance the Club can keep him they must pull out all stops.

Great read. What makes it even better is both Toby and now VVD are better players and better human beings.

Despite this you can expect JWP to spend time on the pitch against Everton. What I found baffling about his 35 minutes on Saturday was the big slab of time he spent in an advanced midfield role, almost as a second striker???

Your nine days late with that post.

He really does look a good player; get's forward, has a good eye for a pass; is quite fast and has some bottle in defence even if he can get caught out of position now and again.

Good summary, though I thought Mane played well stuck out on the right. Had a hand in all three goals and set up two gilt edged chances for Tadic and Long.

Mane hasn't done much? He's played a part in both goals and set up Long and Tadic with clear goal opportunities.

David, my point is the lad has looked right at home at Prem level when he's been played. I'm not suggesting he should play ahead of Vic or Romeu, maybe even Clasie, but there have been times this season when JWP has been preferred at DM and even if you rate JWP he is not a DM.

I really rate Reed in that DM role. I remember him playing a great game v Everton when Morgan and/or Vic were missing; after the game Ron commented that Harry lacked "technical" skills, and it seems that judgement has worked against much involvement since. It's one of the only gripes I have with RK, since players like Targett and Ward-Prowse have been given so many opportunities to develop, particularly JWP.

Yeah, but we've got JWP.

Have a closer look - Davo is not past his sell-by date.

Roger, I often agree with your opinions but Davo played pretty well yesterday - running aggressively into attacking spaces, penetrating passes and clever with the ball in tight spaces. The weak links yesterday were Targett, Cedric, Clasie and Pelle apart from his pass releasing Mane for the lead up to the penalty which wasn't given.

Yep, Targett's been very poor. Looked a penalty to me - unlucky not to be 1-1 at H/T.

I think you're right about Tadic - he really has failed to sustain the promising start to his Saints career and comes across as a whinger. I don't see how Sadio's a spoilt brat; there seems to be a few different stories circulating about the late note stuff and Ron's continued reluctance to play Mane in the past 6-7 weeks has hurt the side's attacking qualities. The guy is top shelf and is easily up to Man U, Chelsea etc. As for JWP; his confidence levels seem greater than his abilities and if anything he should be thanking Ron for his continued opportunities not criticising him .

Only the second half;)

Also, he applauded the crowd for quite a long time as he left the field. His interviews are always polite, humble and grounded. I just think he's a quiet, introverted sort of bloke and his demeanour reflects that.

The way he's playing lately his Southampton career may be on hold as well.

Having just watched the replay, a second viewing allows an appreciation of how much Vic and Mane changed the game and brought every other Saints player with them. Mane's performance was incredible; quite apart from his goals, his movement around the pitch; first touch and use of the ball was sublime. He also took many passes from Vic, Romeu, VVD etc in the middle of the pitch and ran at and through the Scouse midfield and defence, turning them round and bringing others like Davis, Bertrand, Pelle,Martina and Romeu into play. Wanyama's strength and presence also changed the game; that mazy run to through Can, Lallana, Allen an co ending up near the corner flag was the symbolic "gotcha" moment. Another moment just before F/T caught my attention; Shane Long really committed to a 50/50 ball which snuffed out the last hope of a Pool equaliser. It was just a magic result wasn't it.

The win against Chelsea back in early October was pretty damn good, but this is the most special win of the season, maybe many seasons. To turn around that dismal first half was magnificent and Ron deserves credit for his half time changes. Mane and Wanyama changed everything - Mane igniting our attack and bringing Pelle back into the game after his abject first half. Vic provided the defensive shield and aura Clasie couldn't. So pleased to see Mane turn things round; he's a joy to watch in full flight and provides so much spark to the team. Mane and Wanyama may both go in the Summer, but they are the calibre of player we desperately need to hold on to. Martina had a surprisingly good game; Davis had a lively second half and a special mention for JWP, he really put in an effort in that last 20 minutes and his press high up the field led to the magnificent Pelle strike. What a day.

It truly was.

It's not just the goal - he livens the whole attacking momentum.