sfc4prem

I've already given up hope of keeping Armando. Purchasing a player of his quality is out of our price range and simply doesn't fit in with our approach. We're the ones that scout and bring in unproven/unfulfilled young talent. Broja is now a proven talent of excellent capacity and potential. Enjoy him while we have him, but don't get too attached!

This bunch of players really gave it their all when many of them haven't played for a while. I thought Smallbone had some excellent moments, as did Valery, who was excellent throughout and kept it simple when needed. Many players looked like they really wanted to seize the opportunity to stake their claim. Caballero - an excellent save, but also cost us a goal and nearly two! Not commanding enough but excellent reflexes. Perraud's goal. Phwoar! Scorcher. Hoping for a favourable draw!

Just popped on to NorthStandChat to see what our closest rivals thought of the game. Many still enjoy calling us 'Stains'. Interesting.

Carragher and Neville dropping some realism in with some fair points, actually. They said the teams above us (maybe Wolves aside) have better teams than us overall (West Ham maybe not?), so Europe would be a stretch given their points advantage over us. Didn't like the 'club that size' lark though, hit a raw nerve hearing their condescending view of us.

Is it just me or are the streams toilet tonight?

Which side wants it more? I reckon that's what it'll come down to. Normally we're pretty hot on pressing and going for the jugular - I'm sure Ralph will have us in the same mindset on Friday. Can see us conceding if we're not careful - it would likely come down to complacency/lack of concentration if we do.

Such a shame with Ings. As people have said, he could have gone down in Saints folklore had he stayed and won any form of silverware with us. Instead he's a bit part player for a heavy investing but underwhelming Villa side, and is losing his hair even more rapidly in the process. What could have been. We move.

They only conceded 3 against a scintillating Liverpool?

Do you reckon a draw was fair? Had our chances but so did they... Excellent effort. Well in lads.

I fear our defending from set pieces in this one with their aerial threat. Nonetheless I reckon we can scrape a draw if we play well. It'll be a tough one, though - head says 3-0 to Manchester.

I reckon this'll be the last season we have him. Not the finished product, which is actually scary considering how dangerous he is currently.

You are a Saint and will forever be so. All the best to you in the time you have. Remember that you have blessed the communities and people you have spent time in and with, and have and will leave an indelible imprint on many people's lives. Keep marching on x

Such a shame that his eventual sale is inevitable. Youd have thought us Saints fans would be used to losing our best players by now! His quality is there for all to see. Let's just appreciate him whilst he is here.

I reckon Burnley Watford and Norwich are done and dusted.

Hard not to be frustrated by that. So many what ifs. Both decent teams, they had the rub of the green today.

Own goal. Andersen. 1-1. 87 mins.

Valery sent off but Toney stays on. Really it should be both staying on the pitch. Inconsistency.

Did anyone else hear Tim Sherwood bleating like a disease ridden ewe about how Broja is Chelsea's striker solution and he thinks he will definitely go back? One of the worst pundits I've ever listened to. Great game, bit all over the shop at the end (not sure how we didn't concede a second during that strange spell!) Overall, a brilliant win given the constraints on our defence.

Exactly this. I mean, come on Yan - it's Obafemi. Letting him through clean on goal isn't much risk, particularly when there was little chance he'd catch up with the ball. Also, we showed ourselves more than capable of replying with one or two goals of our own. Silly decision from Valery.

Brighton a really impressive outfit.

Our defence and midfield is simply too porous. 4-0 to Spurs.

What a feckin idiot, moving to Villa. What could have been if he'd stayed here, where he was loved. Such a crying shame.

Agreed.

Quite right. This game could easily have finished 4-2 to Saints.

Really!?! 😱