NewYorkSaint

Comparing this season's results with the equivalent results last year, looks like we're currently 9 points better off (and that ignores the Palace win, since we didn't play them last year.) We've done as well, or better, in every game except Norwich (0-1 loss vs 0-0). Even that disappointing draw with Sunderland to give them 100% of their season's points was better than last year's awful home loss. Last year we drew with Fulham home and away. Another fantastic opportunity to ratchet up the year-on-year comparison.

Really, really happy to see VW storm back and play a hugely powerful game. Him, Morgan, Lallana... dazzling midfield.

We had more possession, more shots, more shots on goal. ...and theirs was offside. We deserved to win that. Away. Against the team most still assume is one of the best in Europe. Believe!

Some absolutely pulsating football. Really proud of the team. For the first 15 we were all over them. There will be more goals in this one. But even if we don't win, I've seen enough to know that our current position not an accident. Wanyama, Lovren, Schneiderlin massive.

Love this line-up... Despite being mocked for it, I think right call to hold Rickie as supersub.

Inspiration from 1969... (but holy cow, the game has speeded up just a tad since then! also the worst internet stream today is better than this..! don't let them tell you there's no such thing as progress)

Inspiration from 1969... (but holy cow, the game has speeded up just a tad since then! also the worst internet stream today is better than this..! don't let them tell you there's no such thing as progress)

Personally, I like that team... with Rickie avail as supersub. (or better yet, move Wanyama to the front sweeper role and reunite Cork with Schneiderlin.) But I can't see Poch switching to this formation. Suspect he might try one extra midfield player, though. Something like: Boruc Clyne Fonte Lovren Shaw Wanyama Schneiderlin JWP Davis Lallana Ossie ...with JRod and Rickie avail to come on if we go behind.

He could easily become one of the most powerful players Saints have ever had. All the talent and strength are there. I'll be excited to track his progress this season. Plus, from everything I've read, he's a wonderful human being.

It's beautiful what Osvaldo did to Denmark at the weekend. One of these please, Dani! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPwNxGiorKA

Personally, love this team. Brings Cork Schneiderlin back together, stunning creative potential with Ramirez Lallana, and save Rickie and JRod as potential supersubs. But does anyone ever play 41221?

Here's the slo-motion replay... R a m i r e z!

Great, great day. We outplayed them pure and simple. The team looked even better with Davis on, and my gut is the way forward is to choose between Osvaldo and Lambert. Probably start with Osvaldo, and use Lambert as supersub. That opens up a midfield place for Davis or Cork or JWP. That's where the pace and creativity come from. Personally, I think Wanyama's a keeper. He won the ball several times through sheer strength. Hate seeing Lallana subbed. But what an awesome performance.

Absolute beaut of a save from Boruc. Wow. And arguably we've been a little lucky with the ref, though I agree it wasn't a penalty. Lallana fantastic. Ossie's big moment is close, surely. The move ending with Clyne's volley back across the area was superb. I thought Wanyama overall strong despite the frustration of some underhit passes. But Cork for Wanyama on the 60th minute would be interesting to see. Our pressing game is driving them crazy. We look strong. Saints goal will be explosive celebration here in New York city (where it's the lead game live on NBC Sports.)

I don't understand why Lallana is always first man off... but I thought second half strong overall, and on another day we'd be 2-0 winners. Morgan had a couple of spectacular strikes, Wanyama a lot better second half and Osvaldo is exciting to watch. I have a hunch we'll surprise Liverpool next week.

I don't fully agree with all the Wanyama dissing. He HAS given the ball away a lot... but usually when under intense pressure. Osvaldo has shown some spectacular touches. I live in hope of a better second half.

...and even more exciting would be to include Boruc in goal!

Personally, I'd love to find a way of getting the Cork/Schneiderlin partnership operating again. I think there's a 4123 set-up that could be powerful, with Wanyama playing just behind Cork/Spider Clyne Fonte/Yoshida Lovren Shaw Wanyama Cork Schneiderlin Lallana Osvaldo Rodriguez Lambert on as super-sub if Osvaldo hasn't delivered by 60th minute. This is the starting team that would excite me most...

We need to keep some perspective. There's a lot of luck in football. The play could have been 100% identical except Lallana's volley is 4 inches to the right and the handball penalty is called. Then we're all talking about a sometimes ugly but effective 2-1 win. Biggest single plus is that Adam Lallana is clearly back to his 100% best... He was our best player first half of last season, and he's showing it again. I'm shocked he was taken off. I don't think Gaston will play ahead of him again any time soon. What I would love to see happen is for MP to go back to the core of what made the team great last year. It was built around Lallana, Cork, Schneiderlin. Start with that engine and then figure out how to add to it. Anyway, I don't think it's likely there will be many afternoons ahead as frustrating as this one.

If you're looking for evidence this will be a great season, there was plenty to be had here. First and foremost... another big step up for JWP. Killer set piece delivery. And a lot more. Friends, we have ourselves another big star in the making. Second... Adam Lallana is back. He had an awesome game. Maybe Chambers somewhat to blame for the goal, but overall he is gold. Lovren and Wanyama continue to rock and roll. You know something big is happening when Morgan gets outshone. Ossie: some incredible touches and a real sense of how good a player he is... but wow, MP will have to find a way to cool him down. Rickie: mixed day. Quite a few botched passes, and free kicks, but also a couple of great headers, a blistering strike and some pleasing knock downs. I don't buy the anti JayRod comments. Yes, he lost the ball a few times... but his pace, turning, and ambition for the breakthrough play were all there. Overall, this was one of those days where we deserved to win and didn't. That's football. But I watched the game against Sunderland last season at St Mary's ...and there was no comparison. We're a vastly better team now. I'm sticking with top half prediction....

Some exciting moments. Luke showed a couple of fantastic bursts of pace. Lovren awesome. Chambers whipping the ball in beautifully. Wanyama passing sweetly. Getting very excited for the new season.

When you go player by player and compare this year with last, there's every reason to think we will do a lot better. Goalkeeper: last year we were at 6's and 7's half the season. This year... Boruc is proven. L and R backs: Shaw and Clyne can only have gained in experience and strength. Shaw only came in part way thru. And we now have great backup for Clyne in Chambers. Center backs: last year, a v inexperienced and nervy Jos and Jose. This year they're experienced - and still only make backup. Holding midfield: Schneiderlin and Cork. Awesome last year... this year shd only be better. They're both young and gained amazing experience last time round. And they're now aided and abetted by the thrilling prospect of Wanyama. Attacking midfield: Gaston, Adam, Punch, Davis. Slight concern about Adam. He started last season as team's best player and lost his way after the injury. Will be back 100%? Gaston wildcard but shd be better. Lots of options. Strikers: Rickie is key question. He's gained premiership experience. But also another year of age. JayRod came on by leaps and bounds and shd be primed for action. Then there's exciting prospects of Mayuka, Isgrove. And if none of this works: Guly. All in all, the overall quality and depth of the squad is massively better than last time. If Rickie and Adam show up we could be amazing, even without another purchase. Though it will depend on Poch finding the right combo. I could see us trying a super-flexible 451 with the killer midfield of cork, spider, wanyama, Punch and Adam (+ Davis/Gaston/Isgrove as amazing backup). Upfront Rickie or JayRod. I predict 8th place. Can't wait.

When you go player by player and compare this year with last, there's every reason to think we will do a lot better. Goalkeeper: last year we were at 6's and 7's half the season. This year... Boruc is proven. L and R backs: Shaw and Clyne can only have gained in experience and strength. Shaw only came in part way thru. And we now have great backup for Clyne in Chambers. Center backs: last year, a v inexperienced and nervy Jos and Jose. This year they're experienced - and still only make backup. Holding midfield: Schneiderlin and Cork. Awesome last year... this year shd only be better. They're both young and gained amazing experience last time round. And they're now aided and abetted by the thrilling prospect of Wanyama. Attacking midfield: Gaston, Adam, Punch, Davis. Slight concern about Adam. He started last season as team's best player and lost his way after the injury. Will be back 100%? Gaston wildcard but shd be better. Lots of options. Strikers: Rickie is key question. He's gained premiership experience. But also another year of age. JayRod came on by leaps and bounds and shd be primed for action. Then there's exciting prospects of Mayuka, Isgrove. And if none of this works: Guly. All in all, the overall quality and depth of the squad is massively better than last time. If Rickie and Adam show up we could be amazing, even without another purchase. Though it will depend on Poch finding the right combo. I could see us trying a super-flexible 451 with the killer midfield of cork, spider, wanyama, Punch and Adam (+ Davis/Gaston/Isgrove as amazing backup). Upfront Rickie or JayRod. I predict 8th place. Can't wait.

Excited by Wanyama. Won possession 3 or 4 times, then instant, accurate distribution.

Striped socks enough!