Saints 2 Chelsea 1

[Pamplemousse]

7 minutes ago, Bad Wolf said:

Was anyone ACTUALLY nervous at the end? May be the drink talking but i saw nothing from Chelsea that I was worried about

I'm nervous if we're 3-0 up in injury time

[Umlaut]

7 minutes ago, Bad Wolf said:

Was anyone ACTUALLY nervous at the end? May be the drink talking but i saw nothing from Chelsea that I was worried about

Yes. No nails left. What a match!

[spyinthesky]

Shame we didnt get the third goal we nearly scored as this would have made things a bit easier.
Chelsea had finesse we had heart, commitment and physicality.
I enjoyed it.

[nta786]

Read somewhere that Lavia’s goal means he is the first PL player to score born in the year 2004… feeling old? 

[SNSUN]

1 minute ago, nta786 said:

Read somewhere that Lavia’s goal means he is the first PL player to score born in the year 2004… feeling old? 

Yup, I've been in my job longer than he's been alive.

[vectraman]

Great effort Saints - fantastic win 🥇 

[Paulwantsapint81]

22 minutes ago, Smirking_Saint said:

Just back from the game….. no not really, I have a 6 day old so watched it on IPTV

What can I say, what a performance from front to back, part of me is glad for the telegraph (or whatever rag it was) leaking about a player rebellion because christ the reaction has been a squad that looks firmly begind Ralph

Salisu/Kotchap looks like they’ve played together at this level for years.. KWP is sensational and what can I say about Romeo Lavia 😍

Tactics we’re absolutely spot on, we went 4231 again but implemented JWP in the No.10 which looked as though was primarily to stop them playing from the back to Jorginho/DLC… AA and Ely tucked in whilst we attacked to allow and overload and they tracked the chelsea WBs in defensive transition.. small changes to our usual but hugely important 

Diallo was integral to winning this midfield too, we all know RLs qualities but Diallo buzzed around and disrupted and made that AA goal

AA/Ely worked hard and AA definitely deserved his goal on his last couple of games form

Lastly… give Che the bloody contract, immense again, he just bullies and causes problems to back lines, he leads the line so so very well

Just fantastic, absolutely fantastic 

1st win for a new born is so special here’s to a lot more for littlun to celebrate 

[The Cat]

Just seen the highlights on SSN and the bit where Adams flicked the ball into Jorginho's face just before half time warrants a new 10 year contract.

[VictiAbNonem]

12 minutes ago, Bad Wolf said:

Was anyone ACTUALLY nervous at the end? May be the drink talking but i saw nothing from Chelsea that I was worried about

I was a bit when Lyanco gave away the freekick

But nothing like I would have been with Bednarek and Vestergaard at the back, or Forster or McCarthy in goal

Bazunu, Salisu and Bella-Kotchapu (and even Lyancu) are making me much calmer

[Diabolus Ex Machina]

Great result, thoroughly deserved as I thought we were the better team for the majority of the match. Everything seems to be clicking at the moment from management, to tactics to motivation and individual player performances. It's going to be hard to maintain that over the season which is where we've come unstuck in the past but hopefully lessons have been learned this time and we can avoid the sort of bad runs that have plagued the last two seasons and follow this up with some wins against the 'lesser' teams.

Adams was my Man of the Match for all the problems he was causing them which took a lot of pressure off us the other end as well I think, though there's plenty of others who i'd have no problem getting it either! Lavia was superb before having to come off and I don't think i'd replace ABK with anyone else in the league on his current form - lad is immense.

We also finally got another win where Stu Armstrong didn't make an appearance which is nice!

[ErwinK1961]

28 minutes ago, Smirking_Saint said:

Just back from the game….. no not really, I have a 6 day old so watched it on IPTV

What can I say, what a performance from front to back, part of me is glad for the telegraph (or whatever rag it was) leaking about a player rebellion because christ the reaction has been a squad that looks firmly begind Ralph

Salisu/Kotchap looks like they’ve played together at this level for years.. KWP is sensational and what can I say about Romeo Lavia 😍

Tactics we’re absolutely spot on, we went 4231 again but implemented JWP in the No.10 which looked as though was primarily to stop them playing from the back to Jorginho/DLC… AA and Ely tucked in whilst we attacked to allow and overload and they tracked the chelsea WBs in defensive transition.. small changes to our usual but hugely important 

Diallo was integral to winning this midfield too, we all know RLs qualities but Diallo buzzed around and disrupted and made that AA goal

AA/Ely worked hard and AA definitely deserved his goal on his last couple of games form

Lastly… give Che the bloody contract, immense again, he just bullies and causes problems to back lines, he leads the line so so very well

Just fantastic, absolutely fantastic 

Congrats SS! Lovely first win for the little one 😃

[goodymatt]

4 minutes ago, Diabolus Ex Machina said:

Great result, thoroughly deserved as I thought we were the better team for the majority of the match. Everything seems to be clicking at the moment from management, to tactics to motivation and individual player performances. It's going to be hard to maintain that over the season which is where we've come unstuck in the past but hopefully lessons have been learned this time and we can avoid the sort of bad runs that have plagued the last two seasons and follow this up with some wins against the 'lesser' teams.

Adams was my Man of the Match for all the problems he was causing them which took a lot of pressure off us the other end as well I think, though there's plenty of others who i'd have no problem getting it either! Lavia was superb before having to come off and I don't think i'd replace ABK with anyone else in the league on his current form - lad is immense.

We also finally got another win where Stu Armstrong didn't make an appearance which is nice!

It’s nice having a keeper with distribution good enough to use Adams to relieve pressure. Worked really well tonight.

Fantastic win, ABK and Lavia are just so good. Really hope Lavia isn’t out long. Gutted I won’t see him at Wolves away this weekend.

@Smirking_Saint Congratulations, what a first win for our newest Saints fan!

[jemanson]

Brilliant performances all round. Special mention for the PA team with Money for Nothing and Money, Money, Money played to the departing Chelsea fans at the end ... After the half-time Oasis fest against Man U too.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

1 hour ago, croydonsaint said:

Wondering will every one stop slagging off our manager now  Great win and unusually good start to the season Enjoyed that 

Well now he has finally learnt to stop fannying around with stupid team selections and tactics we have suddenly put in some decent performances. Let’s hope he has finally wised up 

[Bob76]

Whoever in the coaching team decided that Adam Armstrong would be good just behind the striker got it spot on, looks so much better with the ball in front of him, he has had two really good performances this week.

[Midfield_General]

Adam Armstrong, Elyounoussi and Adams all left everything on the pitch. Gave it all, just brilliant to see. Delighted for AA finally getting his goal, and Adams bullied them all night, his hold-up was unplayable. 

Lavia was a further cut above. Wishing him a speedy recovery. 

But ABK... damn. Absolutely different class. We have got a serious player there. Has transformed the defence, not just by oozing quality himself, but also by making Salisu a better player by playing alongside him. 

[S-Clarke]

I had a feeling we'd do Chelsea tonight, I've not been impressed with them this season and their entire approach feels scattergun with a manger constantly throwing excuses in - so I really fancied us tonight, and we didn't disappoint.

I think it took us the goal to settle into the game, Chelsea were just playing around us for the first 25 and the midfield struggled to impose themselves. Once they scored, Chelsea visibility stepped off which gave us a route in and we took it. Great equaliser from Lavia, best goal was Armstrong's though - the build up, the touch, the finish. A really, really good goal all around.

The second half was a little easier than I thought it would be and I came away from that slightly disappointed that it was only 2-1! We were easily good for a 3-1 win there, it was genuinely that comfortable for the entirety of that second half.

We genuinely look like a very physically imposing team, quick, strong, powerful, tall. We look athletic and are full of players who suit the style Ralph wants to employ, at f****ing last. I've always known the way we want to play, we've always had the philosophy but the players just haven't been there.

ABK - epic. He's a slightly different sort of player than VVD for me, he reminds me of a guy Ralph had at RB - Dyot Upemenco. He is going to be a superstar.

Lavia - equally epic. I thought he struggled in the first 20 or so mins (As most did) but once we got into the game and he got onto the ball, he controlled it. He reads the game well, snaps into tackles well, intercepts well - and can score a goal! I hope his injury isn't too bad, he was walking around normally at the end - so hopefully a week or two at most.

Adam Armstrong enjoys that left side playing as an inverted winger. He seems to play that role well. He's not physically imposing enough to do a job up top in this league, but as an option to stretch and cut in from the left it seems to work.

Adams was my MOTM though. All of his best work was outside of the box, weirdly. His hold up play and intelligence to win fouls has been something missing from our game for a while. I can't remember Che having as good a 'focal point' game as he did tonight, he bullied Chelsea's CB's and they couldn't handle him.

Every other player was excellent as well, but they were just my stand out picks. Overall a very enjoyable evening, as comfortable as we've had for some time against a 'decent' side (although Chelsea looked far away from being an actual team tonight).

If we can get ourselves some extra in attack and midfield before Thursday then we are set. Given the success of our scouting this summer, I'm excited by who we will get.

[SambaMaverick]

I'm too beat to type out a proper summary but just want to apologise to Ralph. I thought it was curtains for you pal but with these new signings and some more help on the sidelines you have got this team playing for you (and your way) again. Bravo chap.

A couple of signings and we may well be alright.

[saintant]

11 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

Adam Armstrong, Elyounoussi and Adams all left everything on the pitch. Gave it all, just brilliant to see. Delighted for AA finally getting his goal, and Adams bullied them all night, his hold-up was unplayable. 

Lavia was a further cut above. Wishing him a speedy recovery. 

But ABK... damn. Absolutely different class. We have got a serious player there. Has transformed the defence, not just by oozing quality himself, but also by making Salisu a better player by playing alongside him. 

Said on the ABK thread that he actually comes across as the senior player in his partnership with Salisu - how good will these two be together after a dozen games. I think they have the potential to become one of the strongest centre back pairings in the league.

[Vancouver Saint]

On 29/08/2022 at 09:49, Vancouver Saint said:

1-1 if we turn up and play like we did against Man Utd.

2-1 if we 'do a Leeds or a Brighton' and show them no respect whatsoever and play with belief and energy.

0-3 If we revert to 5 at the back and try to contain them.

We did a Leeds -yay! What a great team performance. So glad we kept fighting and going forward in the second half. Genuinely the better team. So happy.

Hats of to Moi and Diallo...confess I was questioning their inclusion in the first 20 minutes but they were both like Energizer bunnies the whole game and played their part in a great victory - everyone did.

[HarvSFC]

Great win, up the Saints. Stark contrast from the side that let Chelsea run past them at ease just four months ago. The cult of Ralph lives on, although he has made it difficult at times. We've seemingly learned from the mistakes we were making at the beginning of this season, addressed them quickly and now we're beating Chelsea.

Lavia and ABK are stars. I hadn't heard of either before they were linked and then signed, but they're far too good for their age. They're going right to the top, enjoy them while we can and hopefully we get plenty of millions for them.

7th and we haven't had that favourable a fixture list with Spurs, United and Chelsea within our first five. We're staying up again, lets go for Europe.

[Saint Billy]

At last, after watching garbage for such a long time we are finally witnessing some passion, fight and spirit. 

The news guys have transformed us and as a result the other players ie A Armstrong, Che Adams etc are now showing their potential. 

Credit to Ralph as well, great passion from him at the end of the game BTW. 

I'm also thinking that the new coaches etc have something to do with this turnaround as well. 

[Wade Garrett]

Brilliant to have a decent defence.

Che Adams was outstanding.  Thought Diallo really stepped up after Lavia went off.

Thought the team were outstanding tonight.  

[SaintBobby]

That was brilliant. As others have said, Lavia and ABK look incredible.

What’s really pleasing is that our new signings aren’t just blending in - they look like the core of the team already.

Not too sure about starting JWP at no. 10 and I’m still a bit underwhelmed by Elynouusi & Diallo. But that’s splitting hairs.

[austsaint]

1 hour ago, VictiAbNonem said:

I think the hardest thing tonight would be to pick our worst player. Nobody had a bad game and everybody worked their arses off. I can't remember such a good Saints' performance, and I was at Spurs when we beat them them last season. This was better; we could have had four or five tonight

We seem to have had our best transfer window in a few years, and it's not over yet. Ralph has promised us a new striker and who knows what else might happen tomorrow.. We also have Tino to come back. I'm getting quite excited for this season.

Yes, there wasn't a bad Saints player on the pitch tonight.    A win built on hard work and a collective commitment, compared to Chelsea's disjointed, petulant bunch of "stars".      Fair play to Elyounoussi tonight - I've been critical of him but he ran, pressed and got involved for the full 97 minutes.   LIkewise, Perraud showed the benefit of a specialist LB playing even if Djenepo was unlucky to miss out.   So pleased for AA; he's suited to the wide left role and his speed and stamina are crucial in tracking back defensively - he also has a very good left foot and his goal richly deserved.     Che Adams was immense up front - a constant physical presence combined with excellent hold up play.

As many others have noted the quality of the new arrivals has transformed this side.    Lavia and ABK superb; let's hope we get a second season to enjoy them before they are snapped up by the elite outfits.    In Bazanu, we finally have a keeper you can trust and rely upon.   The other notable quality Bazunu, ABK and Lavia share is a sense of quiet confidence and strong temperament; they look like they belong at this level immediately.

Thought JWP looked much better when he reverted to a true CM role with Diallo, whose second half was excellent.   Just don't think WP has the game to play as a 10 - he can still get forward from CM and whip in those crosses or use his technical skill for strikes from a deeper midfield role - Aribo looked the better choice at 10 when he came on.

So good was that performance you nearly forget to mention another sublime performance from KWP.    His speed and movement; willingness to get forward but also to commit to the defensive back 4 is hugely impressive.  A couple of quality incomings and this side is going to be a lot of fun to watch this season.

 

[Monkeyboy]

Weirdest moment of the night was feeling completely unfazed that Moussa was coming on in defence to replace Perraud. 

[skintsaint]

Great result to wake up to! Sounds like it was a good performance also which is promising rather than a backs to the wall job.

 

[Nordic Saint]

1 hour ago, austsaint said:

Yes, there wasn't a bad Saints player on the pitch tonight.    A win built on hard work and a collective commitment, compared to Chelsea's disjointed, petulant bunch of "stars".      Fair play to Elyounoussi tonight - I've been critical of him but he ran, pressed and got involved for the full 97 minutes.   LIkewise, Perraud showed the benefit of a specialist LB playing even if Djenepo was unlucky to miss out.   So pleased for AA; he's suited to the wide left role and his speed and stamina are crucial in tracking back defensively - he also has a very good left foot and his goal richly deserved.     Che Adams was immense up front - a constant physical presence combined with excellent hold up play.

As many others have noted the quality of the new arrivals has transformed this side.    Lavia and ABK superb; let's hope we get a second season to enjoy them before they are snapped up by the elite outfits.    In Bazanu, we finally have a keeper you can trust and rely upon.   The other notable quality Bazunu, ABK and Lavia share is a sense of quiet confidence and strong temperament; they look like they belong at this level immediately.

Thought JWP looked much better when he reverted to a true CM role with Diallo, whose second half was excellent.   Just don't think WP has the game to play as a 10 - he can still get forward from CM and whip in those crosses or use his technical skill for strikes from a deeper midfield role - Aribo looked the better choice at 10 when he came on.

So good was that performance you nearly forget to mention another sublime performance from KWP.    His speed and movement; willingness to get forward but also to commit to the defensive back 4 is hugely impressive.  A couple of quality incomings and this side is going to be a lot of fun to watch this season.

 

Most points won from losing positions? Has to be Southampton's Fightback Kids. They are the best team we've had since 2016.

[Picard]

Excellent result!

[FarehamSaintJames]

Has anyone sent any kind messages to Mason Mount in the last eight hours or so? 😅

Edited 31 August, 2022 by FarehamSaintJames

[steve green]

8 hours ago, wadesmith said:

Starting to wonder if Dave Merrington was the problem.

What we don't want to do now Adam, is let a goal in.

[Saint Mikey]

Nice to see Ralph celebrate with the coaching team at the end. Don’t think that aspect can be overlooked, we were desperate for a shake up in that area. New methods, tactics and ideas are obviously contributing to our performances, along with the new players. 

[SaintBitterne]

Already been said but ABK is a monster and Salisu is definitely getting back to his best. Crazy when you have a good partner next to you...

Lavia is 18 and playing like that against Chelsea

Honourable mentions to AA, Che and Perraud.

Nothing beats a win

The only thing that slightly annoys me is Ralph is always very quick to come over after a win, but he disappears without a trace when we lose. No matter the performance you should be showing a little appreciation for the fans for their efforts.

[Sarnia Cherie]

My Chelsea loving son was gracious in defeat and said Saints have some undiscovered diamonds in the making. Let's hope he's right. Thoroughly enjoyed the game. Full of fight and promise and with the exception of Cucurella, made the Chelsea team look average. More of the same please Ralph. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

Unfortunately for me this was one of those nights where I had other plans and so missed the entire game. Came in late and was elated to see the score, but disappointed to find out there was no MOTD to watch. I’ve now seen both goals - Lavia’s was excellently taken and a result of his individual skill. Delighted for AA - his goal came about because of Perraud’s searching cut back pass and AA’s good positioning, something I’ve criticised him for lacking in the past. With the right transfers and a bit of luck injury-wise and this season could be a huge success.

[JRM]

Brilliant win last night, proper battling performance turning over one of the "big" teams, thought the atmosphere was superb best it's been for a while and was definitely noticed by Ralph. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

38 minutes ago, SaintBitterne said:

The only thing that slightly annoys me is Ralph is always very quick to come over after a win, but he disappears without a trace when we lose. No matter the performance you should be showing a little appreciation for the fans for their efforts.

Why would he come over and receive the foul abuse some ‘supporters’ dish out? Especially when he’s hurting from a defeat himself.

[saintwbu]

46 minutes ago, SaintBitterne said:

Already been said but ABK is a monster and Salisu is definitely getting back to his best. Crazy when you have a good partner next to you...

Lavia is 18 and playing like that against Chelsea

Honourable mentions to AA, Che and Perraud.

Nothing beats a win

The only thing that slightly annoys me is Ralph is always very quick to come over after a win, but he disappears without a trace when we lose. No matter the performance you should be showing a little appreciation for the fans for their efforts.

He gets booed and told he’s getting sacked in the morning when we’re losing games so i’m not sure what he’d achieve by going to applaud those ‘fans’ after a defeat…

[david in sweden]

Now let's be fair fellas. We have to show some sympathy for Tuchel.. I mean he had to field a side that only cost £250 million (haha)

..... although I'm not sure that even his strongest side would have done better against a rampant Saints side who took over  

from where they failed so valiantly on Saturday.  

 

Anyone who has been away for a while would have problems recognising the Saints " new look " side who looked as though 

they had been playing together for a year... rather than a month.  Let's hope we can keep up the momentum and stay injury free. 

Good return to fitness from Perraud  (with a great assist for Adam. A )...who must be relieved to finally get on the scoresheet,

and a debut goal from Lavia (hope he's not out injured for too long), and a good all-round show from all concerned, but really 

need a special mention for Bella-Kotchap who has looked world-class in the last few games. 

Onwards to Wolves on Saturday.

Edited 31 August, 2022 by david in sweden

[Bad Wolf]

My favourite comment on the Saints Facebook posts from last night:

"I would not swap Ralph for anyone at the moment except for Guly"

[Sarnia Cherie]

1 hour ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Unfortunately for me this was one of those nights where I had other plans and so missed the entire game. Came in late and was elated to see the score, but disappointed to find out there was no MOTD to watch. I’ve now seen both goals - Lavia’s was excellently taken and a result of his individual skill. Delighted for AA - his goal came about because of Perraud’s searching cut back pass and AA’s good positioning, something I’ve criticised him for lacking in the past. With the right transfers and a bit of luck injury-wise and this season could be a huge success.

I think MOTD is on this evening. Hopefully they will show Saints goals. Worth watching them again.

[Sarnia Cherie]

51 minutes ago, david in sweden said:

Now let's be fair fellas. We have to show some sympathy for Tuchel.. I mean he had to field a side that only cost £250 million (haha)

..... although I'm not sure that even his strongest side would have done better against a rampant Saints side who took over  

from where they failed so valiantly on Saturday.  

 

Anyone who has been away for a while would have problems recognising the Saints " new look " side who looked as though 

they had been playing together for a year... rather than a month.  Let's hope we can keep up the momentum and stay injury free. 

Good return to fitness from Perraud  (with a great assist for Adam. A )...who must be relieved to finally get on the scoresheet,

and a debut goal from Lavia (hope he's not out injured for too long), and a good all-round show from all concerned, but really 

need a special mention for Bella-Kotchap who has looked world-class in the last few games. 

Onwards to Wolves on Saturday.

Tuchel had a face like a slapped arse. I wondered if Ralph might get a clout around the ear from him at full time. 

[saintant]

10 hours ago, Pamplemousse said:

I'm nervous if we're 3-0 up in injury time

I was only nervous in terms of the chance that Chelsea might fluke an equaliser which would not have been deserved. It was the concern that a hard earned 3 points would become just a single point due to a lucky bounce. A draw would have flattered Chelsea.

[saintant]

3 hours ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

Has anyone sent any kind messages to Mason Mount in the last eight hours or so? 😅

Have always thought he's a bit of a fancy dan - a poser footballer if you will, all shit and no substance. Much over-rated for me.

[saintant]

2 hours ago, steve green said:

What we don't want to do now Adam, is let a goal in.

Or, 'there's only one team gonna win this Adam'

[whelk]

3 minutes ago, saintant said:

Have always thought he's a bit of a fancy dan - a poser footballer if you will, all shit and no substance. Much over-rated for me.

He is actually a decent bloke

[West end Saints]

12 hours ago, washsaint said:

Awful performance so far.  Absolutely terrible - not sure what the hell Diallo is doing starting or what the point of Moi is

 

12 hours ago, The Juice said:

I'm sorry - but it's back to terrible team selection. Moi doing nothing, Diallo off the pace, Adams not able to trouble that high back line with lack of pace. Stewie, Aribo and (I cant believe I am saying this) Djenepo should start. 

 

12 hours ago, northam soul said:

Diallo, Armstrong and Ely, we cannot compete with those three playing.

Moi was superb last night, his work off the ball, the pressure he put on Chelsea players etc really made the difference and you could see Chelsea players getting frustrated and making mistakes. 

His was not the flashy mom performance others are rightly getting praise for, but was vital last night. 

There is no way Stuart Armstrong would have been as effective or hard working. 

Easy to criticise a managers selection when it goes wrong but he was spot on last night. 

[whelk]

14 minutes ago, Sarnia Cherie said:

Tuchel had a face like a slapped arse. I wondered if Ralph might get a clout around the ear from him at full time. 

That skinny fucker cant weigh more than 9 stone. Ralph woudl batter him

[East Kent Saint]

The Guardian had a large picture of Lavia celebrating his goal with a caption Adam Armstrong celebrates what proved the winner for Southampton in first half added time !

unfortunately I can’t see how to paste a photo of it on an ipad

[saintant]

3 minutes ago, whelk said:

He is actually a decent bloke

I don't doubt that, I was commenting on how I see him as a footballer.