austsaint

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.

Calling St Benali, Bexy and Shance - got anything to say about Mane?

Penalty aside, we look a lot more dangerous with Mane on.

They've shredded us through midfield and been allowed time in dangerous positions to pick their spot in the back of the net - how many times have we seen Coutinho and Sturridge score goals like todays. 2-1 would flatter us greatly. Pelle has been abject; Tadic not much better; Clasie all at sea. Martina has shown up offensively but has left acres of space to exploit. We've been thoroughly tonked so far - he has to bring Mane and Wanyama on at H/T but I bet he doesn't.

Pelle and Tadic are lazy and ineffective; Clasie having a mare. The time and space Liverpool have is embarrassing. Has to be Vic and Mane on at H/T.

Are you sure you're not getting Davo and Ward-Prowse mixed up? After all it was Davis' corner which found Pelle's head v Stoke.

Agree with you about Martina. He really isn't a bad player. Highlights of his game yesterday included that inch perfect through ball for Long in the first half and an attacking foray where he stood up Pieters or Shawcross with great skill before whipping in the cross. He has not been a bad buy for 1 Mill. and is certainly a better alternative at right back than Maya or JWP.

Yeah, Costa has one red card and that intimidating stand over man and bully Sadio has two. Puzzling.

The other question about Lukaku is, what was the "special one" thinking in letting him slip away from Chelsea.

Well done to Pelle for his goals but the overall performance of VVD and his command of the air in that last 10 minutes was immense. Nonsense red card and a frustrating display from Tadic.