Soton post match

[peekay]

Very much so.

You could visibly see Southampton push forward to stop us playing out from the back knowing that we had no long ball (or at least an out ball that would stick) and we were surrendering possession in our own half. Rodgers addressed this, we held our shape and our counter-attack was swift and in numbers. Rodgers had confidence in our ability to defend and shows he's not all about scoring more than the opposition.

[Chazza]

[McDermotX]

Surprisingly a high number of smiles among the Saint's fans today...........it's like they appreciate being beaten by a great side like ourselves.
Even in that pic, there's at least 3 who think it's a great laugh.

[Ams12]

We didnt have it all our own way compared to how good we can control a game & attack but it was nice to get 2 goals from our 2 main shots on target instead of 20 wasted opportunities! More importantly it is a massive 3 points considering man utd lost yesterday, spurs got lucky today salvaging a point. Happy Sunday!

[Chris]

Jermaine Jenas is an utter bellend isn't he?

[BigChief]

Jermaine Jenas is an utter bellend isn't he?

Liked his analysis before but what the actual feck was he going on about?

It wasn't the system, no not at all, it wasn't Brendan's system that Coutinho found acres to take that shot. Change the fcking record, even Noel effing Gallagher had had enough and had to shut him up.

There were four, yes count them four Southampton players on the far left hand side of the pitch when Markovic was about to roll the ball to Coutinho. That's 2 defenders and 2 midfielders all caught out of position with their pants down once Coutinho had the ball at his feet.

What caused that to happen Genius Jenas? He's just another thicko analyst from now on for me.

[Redspin]

My impression of Southampton is they play semi louis van hoofball

My view exactly. I was really surprised how much of their attacking play relied upon a chipped ball from deep towards our back line or crosses from free-kicks and corners towards the big men at the far post.

It caused us a few nervous moments but the defenders generally coped well.

I definitely hadn't been expecting such a long ball assault from them. They created very little playing the ball on the deck considering they were the home team. In fact I see that they only had one more effort on target than us over the ninety minutes

[Assassin]

My view exactly. I was really surprised how much of their attacking play relied upon a chipped ball from deep towards our back line or crosses from free-kicks and corners towards the big men at the far post.

It caused us a few nervous moments but the defenders generally coped well.

I definitely hadn't been expecting such a long ball assault from them. They created very little playing the ball on the deck considering they were the home team. In fact I see that they only had one more effort on target than us over the ninety minutes

I liked the way we were set up for the closer inswinging free kicks. The defenders set themselves up about 1.5 mteres deeper than the attackers. It is much easier to attack the ball

[BigChief]

I liked the way we were set up for the closer inswinging free kicks. The defenders set themselves up about 1.5 mteres deeper than the attackers. It is much easier to attack the ball

New defensive coach.

[Lecter]

Good result but thought the performance was miles off

Yeah it was dogged and gritty but we really did ride our luck and created very little ourselves

2 games we have played below par and pulled results out of the hat. We need to step it up if we are to get a result v City

[RichC]

It wasn't the best of performances but the conditions were dreadful and we had to shuffle the back line which doesn't help.

I think we're going to have to consider who we put out as starters on Thursday as with teh City game after this it's going to be a real strain on the squad.

[Shaggy]

Such a nightmare balancing the next two games - I'd say now we've a better chance of getting back in the CL via the league rather than the Europa, but there's not a lot in it and we can't afford to write one off or really prioritise one over the other.

Trip to Turkey on Thursday and a 12pm kick off on Sunday v the champions is ****e.

[danperkins]

It really has been a poxy run of fixtures... we've had few key injuries too, playing against a good side in Besiktas away (which will be like a cauldron) & then few days later playing City who have all their best players back and fit right on time....typical!

We've done so well recently but getting through the tie & beating City really is a tough ask.

[Vermilion]

Tough few days.

[The Birdman]

Such a nightmare balancing the next two games - I'd say now we've a better chance of getting back in the CL via the league rather than the Europa, but there's not a lot in it and we can't afford to write one off or really prioritise one over the other.

Trip to Turkey on Thursday and a 12pm kick off on Sunday v the champions is ****e.

That's why winning the 1st leg with a clean sheet was perfect, don't have to go over there and play with a high press, sit in with the 5 and then counter attack.
1 away goal and it's game over as they won't score 3.

Sturridge up front for 60 mins with Sterling in behind, bring Balotelli on for Sturridge.

Sakho, Moreno, Markovic, Sturridge all benefited from a rest (of different sorts)
It's only Skrtel, Hendo, Coutinho and maybe Can who have played a lot of football in the last 2 months, everyone else has had little bits of rest through injury or rotation.