NewYorkSaint

MP on NBC. "Before being players, they're humans. Of course the events have an impact on them. ....It's clear we need to leave those things aside, and be professional to get a positive result from this game."

Adam Lallana on NBC just now: "The mood in the camp is as good as ever. We've had a great couple of days of training."

You could make a theory that one of the subplots of last few weeks was: NC losing faith in RL. Starting to negotiate with West Ham on his sale. RL reacting badly. MP no real choice in the matter. KL gets to hear of it, asks hard questions. NC leaves and negotiations terminate. Now MP plays RL without a striker sub on the bench, as a show of faith. Not sure I believe it's quite like that... but will interesting to see how Rickie plays today.

Like this team. A lot. On 60 mins, if we're not winning, a little Gaston for new creativity. Otherwise, on 80 mins a little JWP for fresh legs. 0-2 pls Saints!!

That was a very cagey press conference he gave, and included contradictions. "I heard the news just as you did." "I pre-alerted the players to what was going to happen." "My contract is for 17 months." '"I'm committed to the end of season and that's it." His statement that he'd had no detailed conversation with NC is not credible. Nor that he'd only spoke with KL for 5 mins. Obviously trying to juggle a lot. My take: - he's made an informal commitment to stay for rest of season - that NC almost certainly is going to be out there preparing a bid - both MP and NC hope that the outcome will be a sale of the club to NC's new consortium - ...but obviously it will depend on them outbidding whoever else comes in. 50/50 at best, although the *do* have one huge advantage: any other buyer will likely face a much more turbulent situation with MP and players leaving. But in the short term, it's good news.

Dear MP... in case you're still looking for words... try these. (In English!!) "I have enormous respect for Nicola and am terribly sad to see him leave. But he has encouraged me to continue to the work that I have begun here, and the owners have also given me a significant vote of confidence. Over the past year I have built deep relationships with an incredible group of players. I cannot leave them at this time. My only focus for now and the rest of the season is to see Southampton do as well as possible. I will be fighting hard to win every game and for this group of players to continue to work together as one of the greatest teams in the Premiership. Thank you. No questions. I need to get back to training. We have an important match on Saturday."

I predict: MP stays for rest of season. 2 players are sold (prob Shaw, Lambert) but rest stay. Dispute turns out to be primarily over NC's desire to manage with absolute power. No consultation on player purchases and sales, etc. The club is sold in the summer. NC leads consortium as one of the bidders, but loses. We hammer Sunderland.

Also... this is kind of amazing: Spread from us (9th) to Hull (10th): 7 pts Spread from 10th to 20th: 6 pts Today dramatically reduced our already tiny chance of relegation. But no club below us can remotely feel safe.

Yup. Main disappointment today was Rickie. A few great hold-ups, but gave the ball away far too often. Apart from that, a fabulous team performance. We really need Osvaldo to come good big time (or Rickie to regain form) and you can see us totally destroying teams. Lallana is incredible, and real signs that Ramirez is capable of being breakthrough player. He's frustrating but amazing when he gets it right. We have really, really powerful first-choice defense, fantastic ball-winning midfield... and real creativity upfront with Adam (and maybe Gaston). One more little missing piece, and kapow!! My MoM was Morgan. He's a huge, huge contributor to our overwhelming possession stats and was looking dangerous going fwd second half.

Absolutely awesome flick by Ramirez to set up the goal. Wow.

Best positives from first half: Morgan has been playing brilliantly. Must have regained possession 4-5 times with sharp tackles. Luke is looking sharper than in recent games. Cork also, apart from one bad pass, is looking strong. 70% possession, and they have all of one goal attempt. If there's any justice, we'll win this. But Poch needs to work a little halftime magic.

Oh Adam! You really haven't changed after all...!

Exciting game. Wish I was there live! Wd love to see a goal by JWP or Luke or Cork.

phew. Lambert injury, blow to the hip, not too serious.

Anyone at the game? It sounds like Ramirez has had a pretty good half?

We may need different formation for next couple of league games. J-Rod sole striker? Hope nothing too serious for Rickie, but it doesn't sound good.

So happy to have Lambert score. He needed that!

Clyne..!! Hopefully first of many...

Hard to have a thread when there's no stream or TV Coverage. Can't see those at the game spending the time to update us. So basically we get to comment on the Saints Player commentary + tweets. Great tweeting, Saints!! Also. Apparently the Burnley players look big. Gosh!

Ah, age-riddled brain. And weird that three-syllable names containing Y and ending in A are filed in the same mental folder.

Calculation must be: in the league, little chance of Champions League, little chance of relegation. So why not go for it? A good cup run could be good for morale, supporters, finances.... Happy to see Mayuka play. Personally, think he's pretty strong. There were times last season when he was match-saver. With no Jay Rod or Osvaldo, this is Rickie's chance to shine again.

Well beaten by a better team, though that lucky first goal helped. Main positive was Chambers. Ramirez had a great chance to shine and blew it. Lovren seemed really off his game today too. The appalling conditions, and scary first 10 minutes can have done nothing for confidence. They came back well in first half, and then... ouch!! We really, really need Wanwayma back and Osvaldo to come good. Meanwhile, Chelsea look a good bet for champions.

Shocking conditions. Chambers has played a blinder. And thank god for Kelvin Davis. Showed his years of experience on more than one occasion. Ramirez mixed half. Lallana, Cork, Davis fantastic.

Fingers crossed for Lovren. What a terrible start.

I like the team. Going with 2-1 Saints. Wd love to see Ramirez have a blinder. Rickie on in 80th minute for winner.