SaintTex

He seems like a real genuine players manager. Players love him. two points: 01) Pelle leading the charge to hoist Koeman up 02) Clasie seen wiping tears from his eyes twice with his jersey would love to have Clasie on this team. I know there were rumours last summer. I wonder if there was anything to them.

I am already tired of that narrative: "Sure, Southampton is doing well, but wait until December. They'll come crashing down to reality." The folks pushing this narrative are the ones who slated us for relegation and are now trying to find some way to save face. I hope to god the team comes out of December smelling like roses, and we can shut all the naysayers up. Personally. I am ok with the summer narrative. I think that it makes a good story - juxtapositioning the perceived health of the club in the summer to the health it is in now.

right? Look around the League.. 5 goals given after 9 games! Yes, a lot of the credit can be given to the back 4, but still, 5 goals given in 9 League games. Davis, Cropper, Gazzaniga are not going to be upgrades. On the second goal last night, I am more critical of the Saint player(s) who allowed the Stoke defender to cut in front of them on the corner, and head it to the back post. That is poor defending. You don't let your opponent to get easy position like that. (Sorry, the highlights I saw were pretty fuzzy, not sure who the players were involved on that corner).

Hopefully Mane will be fit. Tadic sitting this one out? General consensus seems to be that he needs a break. Was surprised to see him play tonight. Forster Clyne Fonte Alderweireld Bertrand Cork Schneiderlin Davis Long Pelle Mane would be nice if JWP was back to give our MF a bit of a rest.

What the hell? Forster better be playing tonight. I can see resting a few players, but "resting" our GK or not playing him to avoid the .00001% chance of injury is pretty shortsided.

yeah. I notice that too. He is too young to be walking off the pitch like that. Now a 40 year old... sure. and JWP reminding everyone that he is still only 19 - still so young. Oh, He'll be 20 on Saturday. Happy Birthday JWP!

This. The less I notice our CBs the better. Look how noticed Lovren has been at Liverpool.

of course Citeh would have to drop points to QPR, West Ham or ManU. I think we are getting ahead of ourselves, but the dream is a nice one.

OK, I just saw the first re-play after the goal (the camera angle from behind the net), and I will concede it does look like the Sunderland defender poked it in. but still, come on.

This. You have got to be kidding me? This is a joke, right? The Sunderland defender didn't even touch it. Are my eyes deceiving me?

It's an interesting match for sure. I am curious to see who he starts and how the game is played, considering we have to turn right back around and play them again 4 days later. I am wondering how Koeman manages the Cup strategy as it pertains to the League game and visa versa. have to imagine it is all related to one another.

Sunderland had given up 7 goals this season coming into the game.

I think this on point is pretty good, however, Long's ball into Pelle was not exactly good... it went long and wide, Tadic backtracked and headed it back in to Pelle. But I am in agreement with 99% of your points in regards to Long and I don't see the point of continuing to bash the guy. He isn't being negative or hanging his head. When he is in, you can see the effort. Not going to blame the guy for what he cost or what he gets paid. What do you expect him to do about it?

I feel like Tadic has had his best games on the left. Mane, I believe, prefers the left. Do we have anyone who wants to be on the right?

Lovren, Lallana, and Lambert left a team that has zero losses in their last 7 games to a team that has 4 losses in their last 8. (nearly 5 losses if you count the Middlesbrough debacle)

Indeed some cable providers don't provide the ExtraTime TV Channels and only offer the ExtraTime Streaming. NBCSN does show two to three games a week on the boob tube, but it is often the big clubs. Trust me, most Americans find the FoxSports TV "soccer" coverage awful and derided their "expert analysis" (namely, Eric Wynalda). NBCSN's all around EPL coverage and their in studio talent with Rebecca Lowe, Robbie Mustoe, and Robbie Earle have been excellent and a serious upgrade since taking over broadcasting rights last season.

I think the above are our best starting 11 if healthy. I guess the question would be what is the best formation for them. Another one to consider below, as I like the link up play we have been getting at each side between our backs and wingers. If you want to cultivate that relationship, where to place JRod is a question (paired with Pelle?) ----------FF---------- NC---JF-------TA---RB ---------VW---------- DT-------MS-------SM ------GP----JR-------- but I know Koeman seems to prefer a 4-3-3. So, maybe.. ----------FF---------- NC----JF-----TA----RB ----DT---VW---MS---- SM-------GP--------JR It seems both Mane and Tadic seem to both favor the left.

I think t-shirts and jersey are effective advertisements here in the States. I have a ringer t-shirt with the Southampton logo. Can't remember where online I found it. It was not easy. Try going onto any kit or jersey website and try finding Southampton gear. Pretty much barren. Plenty of Arsenal, United, City, Chelsea gear for sure. Also, in the states, it would be nice to get Southampton on TV now and again, but they haven't been on TV since week one with Liverpool. I thought this week it would happen for sure, being it's a Sunday game and an "attractive" opponent, but... guess what? Chelsea v Arsenal is schedule at the same time. Guess what American TV is going to show? You can still get every Southampton game streaming here in the States, it just takes effort and is not as "visible".

David, I don't believe anyone is making fun of him. I think most find it endearing. I will never fault anyone who is genuinely attempting to master a second language. It's admirable. And I like him and his personal style as well. He definitely has a calming, confident presence without a hint of arrogance. Perfect for this club.

I think what the chart shows a few things. 1) Despite the dire summer predictions, we are as good, if not better, than we were last year. 2) We have had the fortune of playing weaker teams to start off our season. 3) We won't know what exactly we have with this team until we have played all 19 teams. 4) And screw all the analysis, handwringing and caution of points #2 and #3. It is glorious being a Saints fan right now.