NewYorkSaint

I'm puzzled by the low valuation on the deal. I get that he had only 1 year left on the contract, but market price for a single asset is usually set by competition between BUYERS. Is it really the case that no club out there values Wanyama more than £11m? If we're going to sell, there has to be a better way to bring more buyers into the ring. Even if the Vic himself wanted to go to Spurs as first choice, there should be still be leverage. I mean we had a year to figure this one out. I'll miss Big Vic a lot. The red cards were troublesome, but I thought he often turned in MoM performances.

Meanwhile, in an alternative universe.... Ring Ring. Hello Ronald, Katrina here. Can we keep this confidential? But I'm curious, how much of this is about the money at Everton, and how much is it frustration with Mr Reed? Ah, I did wonder that. As it happens, I've become quite fond of you. Would love to find a way for you to stay, even at this late hour. Any chance I could persuade you to shut down conversations, go back to your vacation, but just brainstorm with me whether we could work something out here in which you take full charge of all footballing matters. Of course that would mean earning substantially more, and by the way... I actually am extremely ambitious for this club. I know Dad would have wanted that..... Mr Reed has been tremendous at Southampton, of course, but I must confess I'd be so excited at the prospect of you and Erwin committing for the long run.... Oh, and I have a beautiful vacation spot in the Caribbean I can recommend....

Bertrand pulled off a cross from the touchline yesterday that seemed almost superhuman. He seemed to be completely blocked but pushed the ball aggressively to the touchline and somehow delivered it perfectly for Shane (who nodded wide). Commentator was stunned at the cross. I agree he's been key part of our success.

Man U game Tues... that actually really helps us. They can't get fourth now. So with the Final just a few days away, unlikely to have either top team selection or 100% commitment from players. Bournemouth could nick this and give us 5th.

Fantastic team effort. Everyone played their part. We march on!

Just for fun, put a tenner on us overtaking ManU... 10-1. C'mon Bournemouth!

Any one have a spare ticket? I'm in UK this w/e and would love to get back to Southampton. Drinks on me.

Absolutely terrific performance. We outlasted them. The downside of Poch's high energy game is that his teams often fade in the second half. Our boys battled it out and ground them down. Brilliant by Davis, Wanyama, Romeu, and some dogged defending. Pelle looked v sharp for his cameo... made the second goal. Wow... this could turn out best season in decades. Well done, Koemans. Well done, Saints.

For me, a thrilling first half. For 30 mins they edged it, though we've had some exciting counter-attacks. Mane has been incredible, and unlucky not to get a penalty. Seems to me like we're gradually taking over midfield, with Vic and Clasie impressive. Forster a little unlucky w their goal. Kane's presence made the situation incredibly hard to read. We've got a real chance at winning this. But for that, our defense needs to regain a little confidence!

Great team. Great bench. And Pelle an unhappy man, I suspect.

Great piece, Connor. Thanks for writing - and sharing.

If Koeman left, a key question is whether his brother would go too. My friends in the Netherlands always insisted Erwin was the wiser, better manager, and may well be a big part of way things of gone well the last couple years. Just his brother's name recognition and playing record. I dunno how much he's loved being the invisible one here. Could we imagine a scenario where Ronald goes and Erwin stays?!

Exciting half. You can see why Leicester have done so well this season. But honestly, I think we're a better team overall. Wanyama has been superb. Clasie too, apart from the goal. I'm going for 1-1.

Here's a philosophical question. If you knew we were going to win, would you welcome a first half when you're 2 goals down? I would. There's no thrill in football like the thrill of that kind of roy-of-the-rovers comeback. So so happy for Mane. During most of his dry spell, he's still shown brilliant touches. I think he's (mostly) been unlucky and sometimes badly served. The confidence of him and Pelle, plus that of the whole team, going into the final games, is going to be huge for us. For one thing, we now KNOW that we can come back. No need for heads to drop if an early goal goes in. Anyway, a game to lodge in the memory banks for all time.

I think the automatic red-card for last-defender fouls worked against us there. It's a stupid rule, to me. I think refs should have the ability to award a penalty for a clumsy foul and save the red card for deliberate take-downs. It's a tough call (and too big a punishment) to send off someone early in the game AND give the penalty. Dumb rule. And it hurt us today.

Football results hang on the finest of threads. If you have a stone-cold penalty not given, it changes the entire trajectory of the game. So frustrating. Having said that Liverpool have shown incredible pace and skill. overall they certainly deserve a lead. 1-2 wd be a fair reflection of the half... We need Mane on for Tadic.

Pretty exciting team, if they all show up. Tadic Pelle Long Davies capable of real damage on their day....

One of the things I've learned watching Saints past few years is that you cannot know a player's true strengths based on his first 5 or 6 games for us. Shane Long seemed such a disappointing buy for a long time. Clasie seemed lightweight and Romeo over aggressive and clumsy. Now look at them. Absolutely awesome players. You have to give credit to our scouting team. And memo to self. Hold judgement.

FANTASTIC half by Saints. Chelsea looked very sharp for much of the half. But we dealt with them beautifully and look so dangerous going forward. Austin/Long combo v v promising. Bring on Mane as the Chelsea defense tires. VVD, Fonte, Targett, bertrand, Cedric all with great first halves. And as for Romeu/Clasie. Wow! It's going to be a nail-biting second half. Unbelievably great win if we can pull this off.

That was such a beautiful little chip to finish. Ahhhhh!!!!!

YESSSSSSSS. Shane, Shane Shane!!!!

Saints absolutely stunning in midfield. Romeu and Clasie on fire.

We've looked much the more likely to score. Romeu and Clasie adding a lot of fire. But Swansea are a good team. I'd be happy w 1-1, and predict that as the score, with both sides going for it a bit more in second half. Wd love to see Mane on.

Magnificent defensive stand by Saints. That will really boost confidence for next few games. If you can beat the team ahead of you in the league with one less player... that really shows your quality. And I'm getting more and more excited by our newer players. Clasie and Romeu and Cedric are just getting better and better with each passing game. Add in VVD and you can see why we now may be headed to do better than last season. If Austin comes good, and we get JRod back, then even the seeming loss of confidence of Pelle won't hurt us. Europa here we come!

He just barely missed the ball. No way that's a red card. Foolish challenge, perhaps. But I really don't think that's a red. I also think football's rules are crazy. To ruin a game for that makes no sense... There have to be better ways to penalize a player, without wrecking a game.