S-Clarke

We're in a good place at the moment, performance levels have picked up significantly and we are back to the side which shocked teams at the start of the year. Maybe we're not quite getting the results we should have, but all we have to do is continue as we have been doing and it will turn. Fulham's defence is utterly, utterly, utterly dog ****e. As long as we're solid, we should cause them all sorts of issues. Maybe we'll have a debutant too...

Exquisite performance, bar a 30 min spell where they upped the tempo significantly, we were magnificent. We still lack the killer touch in and around the area (on tonight's showing, Sam isn't quite ready). And we're prone to making real sloppy errors at the back.....(bloody Yoshida, giving me heart attacks!) But generally, that was as well as we've played for months. We were on the front foot from the off and we didn't let them into the match at all in that first half, it was pure brilliance from us. You can say Arsenal were poor, but they had some class out there tonight and we tactically shut them out for the majority of that game. Morgan, as he always seems to be against Arsenal, was magnificent. Cork was also quality, and Davis did his usual harrying/hustling and niggling game in the support area of the midfield. We won that midfield battle without a doubt. I'd have to give MOTM to Shaw tonight though, that's why the big clubs want him. It was bale-esque at times how the game kept coming down the left hand side, and he seems to be seriously bulking up - which is ominous for everyone. A pure class act. On the note of Sam....very clever movement, does all the right things, but was lacking that final bit of quality today. His touch wasn't great and that chance he had was a pretty poor miss, overall he's a good prospect...but not someone who is ready to be thrown in as yet in my opinion. Attribute wise he's quite handy though. Overall, we were class. Lots and lots to be positive about. We really seem to be picking up some form again after our tricky December period. Onwards and upwards...

4 academy players start, with 2 academy players on the bench. Interesting to see Isgrove back.

Interesting that it seems Chambers is first choice in the league...

Calm down. Ever heard of giving someone an opportunity? I've not seen anything from him to suggest he's not good enough, so what's to lose?

I tried to buy him on FM as well! But his club wanted £45 million squid.....!

Pretty much looking forward to it, as unknown Sam is to us...he's even more unknown to Arsenal, their coaches, their players and fans. We've got every chance to catch them off guard.

Easily the best CB we've had at the club in my lifetime. A proper champions league level player in my eyes.

It was very hard for any of the squad players to move previously, simply as Cortese put stupid prices on their heads which clubs wouldn't meet. At least we're being fair to these players now, we may make a bit of a loss but in the grand scheme of things it's not too bad.

He's the definition of 'purple patch' ! Looked good during that spell, but teams seem to have got the hang of him now. Looks pretty average to say the least, and when Ameobi is ahead of you....you know you've got issues!

I have no worries about starting Sam either. I've seen him a couple of times now and he looks pretty classy for a big man, with a good touch (cliche city..!). The bonus is that not many will know about him, so he could surprise a few defences this year. By looking at him, you wouldn't assume he's as quick and skillfull as he actually is.

I didn't say he would? Just relaying what I heard!

Fully agreed, but to be fair our options may be limited and we do need additions.

On Sam Gallagher… “No, no fear at all (of starting him in the Premier League). Nothing’s changed. Sam’s position is still the same. We are very calm with the young, talented players. We want to give them the chance step by step.” Read more at http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/talking-points-mauricio-pochettino-27012013-1320513.aspx#o6fzGZqKdYXk9Xy9.99

“What we are assessing is the balance of the squad. Obviously, we have had people working with this and maybe we will see something in the next few days. “We are assessing several possibilities. We are working here in England, as well as abroad, and we will see if we have to make a decision.” Read more at http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/talking-points-mauricio-pochettino-27012013-1320513.aspx#o6fzGZqKdYXk9Xy9.99

“Southampton have no interest in selling Luke Shaw, not in the summer either. Southampton have got a lot of expectation put in Luke’s future and we have no intention of selling him. “He’s dealing with [the speculation] very well. He has matured very quickly – when we got here he was a kid, now he’s a man. These things do not affect him at all.” Read more at http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/talking-points-mauricio-pochettino-27012013-1320513.aspx#o6fzGZqKdYXk9Xy9.99

Something I heard on Saturday, but didn't take it as gospel to be honest. But it's a realistic option I guess, Fulham are open to it in this window as Berbatov has requested it.

What are Valencia playing at? Utter nutters, no wonder they're in the ****.

Berbatov apparently. Wouldn't say no, available for a couple of million. Don't think he's a serious option though. Reckon we've weighed up priorities...and it could well be that Lovren's injury is worst than first though?

I think, whatever happens between now and Friday....he's no longer our player. We'll try and get our money back or some sort of loan fee, but if that doesn't happen then I reckon we'll tear up his contract. Last resort though, obviously. But I just cannot see a way back for him, rumour has it...now this is just rumour...that this wasn't the 1st training ground bust up he's had here, it's actually his 3rd. This was the reason he wasn't around over Christmas...now that could be tosh, but just putting it out there.

Would be an interesting move. In my opinion, we need 2 (especially if Osvaldo is off, as it seems). But having a defence of Astori and Lovren (when fit, obviously) would be pretty epic to say the least.

Replacement for Osvaldo I Imagine.

The oblig. youtube video incoming...