DuncanRG

I'd take Henderson and Herrera over Cork, especially the latter who is top drawer. Delph and Colback both better than Cork this season though they've had the advantage of game time

No complaints from me. Cork's been crowded out of an incredibly competitive midfield spot and will get far more game time at Swansea, who are still a good side.

Clubs look at more than one player at a time.

Don't think so. Anyone who signs will have the club's structure explained to them. Besides, this chap would only be our third Eredivisie signing out of 10 this season. We've also signed from England, Spain, Germany, Austria, Scotland, Romania and Italy.

There will probably be one from the Saints academy in the next two seasons. Jesus.

I picked it up from my dad, who was born about as far from Southampton as it's possible to be in Britain. He grew up in Mey, a remote village further north than John O' Groats, and supported Aberdeen through stints in Stirling and London until he moved to Andover in his 30s. He then picked his nearest league team and - to my perpetual amazement - managed to completely transfer his support. I can't imagine doing the same if I moved to Scotland but hey, the Dons and the Saints are both doing alright at the moment. I was born in Andover and started going to Saints games with him after moving to Winchester aged 10. My grandfather on my mother's side was also a season ticket holder from the 40s until some time in the 90s.

Looks like Swansea have got some troubles...

Where did you hear that? Hesketh might get a game if we're going to rotate

The media focus on 'incidents' drives me bonkers too. Occasionally you'll get an interesting debate about interpretation of the rules but what's added when Robbie Savage yelps 'I don't care what anyone says, that is a penalty' instead of analysing the football?

I suppose it woudln't be impossible for us to nip ahead of them if they slump while Toure's away, but there's next to no chance of us finishing above them.

They do. Martin Samuel, for example, has written quite a few long pieces on the issue using us as a case study

We learnt that lesson in the Championship as well. That's why title-winning teams are so impressive - the ability to keep winning no matter the circumstances.

Not sure I agree. All the best teams have 8 or 9 rock solid starters and the rest are pretty consistent as well. That's the same with us but you're right that the attacking options - and sometimes the defensive formation - can change based on the opposition and circumstances.

We can't pretend that fans pre-season predictions were much different to those of the pundits.

I'm looking forward to seeing him back. He showed some very good signs last year and could mean we don't have to go in and buy another striker in the summer.

Blind was very good to be fair, played a peach of a ball into Mata which he should have scored from. Gardos has a mistake in him, as we've seen in almost all of his games so far. I was most impressed by Elia's strength and tackling yesterday. He can really put a foot in

His Sunderland comparison illustrates the unaddressed issue: the quality of opposition. We were allowed to play our most thrilling, free-flowing football in the 8-0 because Sunderland offered no resistance whatsoever. On Sunday, United dominated the ball and forced us to defend. We were not in control in the way we often are and in performances that Durham praised, so we adapted and won. Perhaps, given the strength of our midfield and perceived weakness of theirs, we could have done better. But we still played a high line and tried to retain possession - it was an away performance to be sure but far from the backs-to-the-wall, deep-defending efforts you see from some clubs when they go to top grounds.

It would take eye-watering sums and I don't think the likes of Liverpool or Spurs would be so attractive to our players. The best of the best could of course tempt someone away, but that's the joy of succeeding as a team - I don't think many of our players as individuals would improve the top sides. I'd be most worried about interest in Koeman.

Good to hear - I've missed watching him over the last few games though we haven't been any the weaker.

Sick to the stomach.

We heaped enormous pressure on Ipswich for a long spell in each half but they handled it very well and we didn't do enough to create good chances. Nobody could find the moment (or movement) of inspiration to unpick them, though Davis was threatening. Pelle had a lot of good ideas but couldn't execute them for one reason or another. Gardos was shakey and let one of them walk past him into a shooting position in the first half. Ward-Prowse also had a few moments but otherwise we were okay defensively. Most disappointing is how casually we played and passed the ball before Ipswich scored, you could tell we were switched to 80 per cent effort. Luckily the goal woke us up and on another day we'd have won comfortably.

Chambers www actually Pochettino's first choice, Clyne spent a lot of the season on the bench

What makes you say that?

Swansea would be the perfect fit while Bony is away.

1. Fonte 2. Wanyama 3. Pelle 4. Davis