For perhaps the first time in my memory a defeat seemed almost like a win, as Saints gave a good account of themselves up at Manchester City.

Saints were lambs to the slaughter when they arrived in Manchester for the televised return to the Premier League, it was hard to predict anything other than a City rout and the only question was how many it would be, secretly I think most Saints fans feared the worse and everyone I talked to seemed to feel the same way, if we had been offered a 3-1 defeat pre mtach we would have taken it and all gone home.

There can be no doubt that City dominated this game, 64% possession is a big number, 20 shots of which 15 were on target compared to our 9 with 6 hitting the mark, meant that we spent much of the game with our backs to the wall, although this worked greatly in our favour.

Firstly it meant that with us sitting so deep it gave the home side little chance to truly use their pace against us and secondly it enabled us to use our passing game to full effect when playing out of defence and countering.

But perhaps our biggest asset last season was our team spirit and luckily it showed no sign of having gone away during the summer and our willingness to keep going even at stages when it did look like City might put their foot on the accelerator mean that we dug in and in the end were unlucky not to come away with at least a point and maybe more.

Nigel Adkins seems to have learned a few things in the summer as well, one of those things being that he needed to be more flexible than the rigid formation we employed last year and this line up showed it, he also showed that be was brave enough to make difficult decisions, leaving Rickie Lambert on the bench some would say was not as tough as it should have been given the strikers relatively poor pre season, however the fact was that whatever Lambert's form, it needed to be done, out of neccessity we needed someone up front as a lone striker who was a bit more mobile than Rickie, this could be the case on more than one occasion this season especially away from home, its no slur on Rickie, its tactics and as Adkins showed its a case of getting those tactics right and making the right changes at the right times to suit the way the game is going.

With 20 minutes to go it looked like Saints might cause a shock, they didnt and thats perhaps another lesson to be learned, but there were enough positives to build on in this game, however as much as this will come the end of the season probably be one of the closest home games City will have in respect of the scoreline, Saints have to as i say build on it, our squad is still lacking in key areas and if we are to go on and win games once we get ourselves in a winning position rather than be plucky losers as we were on Sunday, then we still need to be bringing in at least 3 of the names mentioned this week.

A look at the unused subs on the bench confirms this, yes the three subs who came on where top clas, but the other three outfield subs to be very blunt were making up the numbers, Im sorry but Dan Seaborne was not considered good enough for our League One side, so he isnt Premier quality and this has to be addressed.

All in all a pleasing result, OK we didnt get a point from it, but perhaps like pre season games, this fixture was a little less than being about the result and a little more about proving to ourselves and the rest of the division that we can live with the big boys, from that point of view we took a very big step on Sunday, but we have had our free hit game so to speak and we now have 37 games left where we need to get points in.  

Photo: Action Images

patred added 09:49 - Aug 20 With a game plan straight from Rorke's Drift, Nigel shocked everyone yesterday. (Hold out lads, until the relief column comes) When we saw the first team selection we were all shocked into silence and disbelief. I admit I thought he's either gone nuts, or his written this game off. FFS, WTF! I was thinking... this will be a massacre, and in front of the whole world of live TV.. But after 30 minutes of desperate defending, disciplined marking, and the odd probe forward, I started to think we could get lucky here.. Then the penalty save, my thoughts flashed to 1976.. and found myself muttering, hold on, hold on, FFS HOLD ON... My dream was soon smashed to pieces however when an 'orrble argie scored at the near post from a blatant offside position. I thought here comes the flood, we would surely fold like a pack of cards... but my skepticism was unworthy of the bravery shown in Nigels red and a touch of white army. They continued to hold out till halftime. 15 MINUTES REST 15 minutes to get a cuppa, have a quick pee, and to listen that out of work Satchel faces son patronise us on Sky... Now I was ready for the battle..hold out lads, a 1-0 defeat away to the champions isn't that bad, I 'll take that now..HOLD OUT. NO ONE BUT NO ONE had read the script as Nigel got Ricky ready.. I thought might as well let the lovable scouser have his Premier debut, he's waited so long bless him. Ricky chants were heard from stands has entered the Premier stage for the first time .. all of us anticipating a 30 minute cameo from the journeyman. But this man exploded on to the scene as Saints got their second wind, and then the impossible.. Saints fans, and players went delirious as the rest audience were gobsmacked after Rickie prove to be once again the goal poacher no1.. City fans and players stood shocked, even Nigel took a few seconds to realise.. Oh OK ..City will just stroll up the other end and right that...so they thought! But the tatical genius Adkins hadn't finished, he sent on the experienced midfielder for the 17 year old teenager.. all thought to help out the beleaguered backline. But the script was thrown away as he decided to have a pop at the England No1..GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL FFS GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL... I was screaming as I danced around the room.. I am sure the rest of Suffolk heard it, as my son was in two minds whether to call out the men in white coats. 2-1 up at City...end it now ref FFS..Stop it now please. But dreams don't last 90 minutes.. But it wasn't a dream.. forget the final result. we had actually earned the respect of the rest of the Premier League and announced our return. And I had seen a very astute, and brave tactician .. or a very lucky man...

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ThermosNBlanket added 09:52 - Aug 20 Good report well done Nick - good to see. We need defenders and quick - Lee will give us another pace option at home and away when fully fit.
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BITTERNEBOY added 09:58 - Aug 20 Really enjoyed the game did much better than I expected
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BITTERNEBOY added 10:00 - Aug 20 It was like a cup tie a PL team versus a Championship team
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StSaint added 10:04 - Aug 20 Nice upbeat report - nice one. I think that we will have gained a lot of confidence from that match - we were pretty much camped in their half for the last 5-10 mins and not many teams will manage that. Fonte looked very solid, which was pleasantly surprised me. If we can sign at least one classy CB and possibly Ramirez, then we should have the makings of a good team.
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stmichael added 10:50 - Aug 20 Great performance and ALL the players put in a great shift. Shame we (or rather FOX) gifted them the winner although with 14 minutes to go I think they would have got it anyway. Dont think Harding would have got away with that in your article Nick!? So impressed with how we responded to that goal and put them on the back foot again. Bodes well
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darkangelv2 added 11:01 - Aug 20 Can't help but be disappointed, given that our play let me dare to dream, but pleased at the same time even in defeat. We have to admit we got lucky that some of the City players left their shooting boots at home, whilst at the same time a little more fortune at the other end could have seen Puncheon or Lallana score. Never mind, i loved every minute. As St Michael said, shame about Foxy's headed pass to Nasri - that said he did look good going forward at times. Surprised he didn't take more of the set pieces? Need to capitalise with a similar performance against Wigan who frankly looked awful against Chelsea at times. Agree on Seabourne!! Need a proper CB back up ASAP. COYR!

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Whatsforpud added 11:08 - Aug 20 Good positive report Nick, and great stuff from Patred! I feel a little guilty that I gave them no chance. We had every chance, having ridden our luck with some poor finishing from City. Fonte has had some mixed press of late, but I thought he and Jos combined pretty well under pressure. But it is a must that we get a third CB in. Lambert coming on as a Premiership player was a moment to saviour, but scoring was of Roy-of-the-Rovers proportion. We do need his hold-up play and knockdowns, whatever system we play.

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ThereIn76 added 11:08 - Aug 20 Considering nobody gave us a chance before the match and so many pundits have already consigned us to relegation, that was a performance to warm the cockles of the heart . . . But now we have to learn the lessons quickly and get on with the serious business of accumulating points. Yesterday it was OK to be the plucky newcomers but I don't suppose anybody will be so forgiving if we lose many more matches having led after 70 minutes. All the comments in the press today that we'll stay up comfortably will mean nothing unless we soon start winning. COYR

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slynch added 11:19 - Aug 20 The last ten minutes showed Saints to be better than MC. And most importantly it showed it to the team. It showed them that these "Heat Magazine" footballers are not as good as their hype. Attack, push 'em onto them heels and they cave in. There's no reason, now, why Saints can't go on and win this league; and show everyone what proper football and proper management is. Fox/Jrod didn't work. Clyne/Punch showed how it should be done. Fox is a good midfielder not a back, missed Harding, need a new Left Back. Fonte answered some of his critics. Everyone else did well if lacking the confidence to push on. Well done. Time for this team to tear this league a new.....

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birminghamsaint added 11:55 - Aug 20 Like many I was worried that we would freeze and get a good hammering. But from the off we played with a good shape and were well organised. We also tried at all times to play football out from the back. James Ward-Prowse looked like an established premiership player on his premiership debut (maybe ran out of steam a bit in the second half). City did not play poorly, they had to work really hard for these points.

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tiptop added 12:09 - Aug 20 Very happy! as you said Nic, possibly the happiest ever after of a defeat. Logical choice with RL in hindsight. I though Guly looked ok .. more athletic and better at closing down higher up the pitch too. Only difference is if he had missed a couple of sitters and everyone would have been on Atkins back for RL. Ward-Prowse is as i expected a nailed on first teamer now. What a start for Steven Davis too! Shame Fox had to make the ridiculous decision to head the ball back onto the penalty spot for their winning goal.. Center halfs looked OK to me too along with general defending and getting men behind the ball.

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Saintpaul120 added 12:19 - Aug 20 Loved the positive report Nick, and Patred, summed up exactly how I felt yesterday - proud in defeat! Brilliant performance from the lads yesterday. Adkins got his tactics spot on. Some if's and buts during the game like IF someone had shouted to Foxy to let that header go over his head and out; what if offside had been given against Tevez? What if . . . .; Puncheon and Lallana could have scored. James Ward-Prowse is going to be a very classy player and will play for England. Fonte and Hooiveld seemed to gel well yesterday. Can they play every game like that? Doubtful. But, my worry would be can we get a new CB in who will gel straight away or will mistakes in communication cost us points. Have to admit I had tears in my eyes when Rickie scored! F'ckin' fairy tale for a really nice guy who has worked so hard to get where he is. More or less ensured his status as a Saints legend (debate?) Certainly Matt Le Tissier rates him as such. Well done Saints - lets build on it.

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Saintpaul120 added 12:21 - Aug 20 . . . . . and Nathan Clyne. Forgot to mention what a great performance that lad put in. Lallana as Captain - well deserved for another Saints legend.
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bstokesaint added 12:57 - Aug 20 Have to admit I too feel guilty at writing us off before the game, but then look at the comparisons of the teams! We were playing a team that could very well be champions of Europe this year. I thought we'd score at least one, but would leak goals like a burst water main. That said I was very proud to be a Saint yesterday. Out of the new boys Rodriguez looked a little nervous I thought, but then I'm not sure if he's used to the role he played yesterday. Clyne was fantastic throughout and we have got a real steal there and finally Steven Davis changed the game when he came on. If we could just get a couple more decent players in in the right positions we'll hold on our own this season. Same tempo against Wigan please, they’re no mugs. Also full marks to Nigel Adkins. I saw a post on the DE the other day from a fan doubting our Nige and it felt like a personal attack. How many managers could have lifted the team like he did pre-match? I think we have ourselves a top manager in the making. Shame the same can't be said of the officials. On another day with a different ref we might have had a penalty in that first half and their goal been rightly disallowed. Like I started out by saying though, I won't be greedy. COYR!

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DJI added 13:04 - Aug 20 The whole match day experience at The Etihad was fantastic. I was so surprised when waiting for my train home at Piccadilly how many City fans came over to me and shook my hand and congratulated us on giving them a game and leaving with "Play like that and you will stay up easily"! In fact, this continued on the train home with City fans chatting to Saints happily. I would urge Saints fans to make them as welcome when they visit us. Their humility was refreshing as they didn't have to do that; I doubt it would've been the same had we been to the red side of the city. As for the match itself, it was one of the most exciting I've been to. I was in the lower tier, 6 rows from the front, about 10 seats from the City fans and the noise and atmosphere was immense. The speed at times was breath-taking to watch. I remember shouting "give it to Rickie" just as JWP played it to him and I am still trying now to reduce the soreness in my throat from screaming when that ball hit the net! As for Nigel's tactics, I wasn't in the least bit concerned by Guly starting up front. It was pretty obvious to me why and the moment Ricky came on, you could see the lift it gave the squad and fans when their energy levels were starting to drain. City made us chase the ball a lot but when Ricky appeared, you could sense they had trepidation about it and so it was proved. Nick, you're Verdict was spot on today! A squad performance against a simply brilliant team who I tip to win the Title again this year.

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Whatsforpud added 14:02 - Aug 20 Saintpaul120 makes the point that it was a pity that Fox wasn't given a shout to leave the cross and let it go out. I thought that until I saw it from the camera near the penalty area. The ball was curling in towards a player on the far edge of the area, and would have reached him. A backheader for a corner would have been the best, but we are all wise after the event.

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CovSaint added 16:09 - Aug 20 Just to fully echo DJI's post above re. the home supporters, I was enjoying the same experiences throughout the day yesterday. A real friendly bunch (OK, they won, but still). Also, my first time at the Etihad and one of the best stadia I've been to. I agree with bstokesaint's point about Rodriguez looking nervous, but he didn't have a bad game. I thought Clyne was very effective, and a shame that Fox headed back across the area for their winner. I thought the coverage on MOTD2 last night was weighted in MCFC favour, as it didn't come across as Saints being in control for some parts of the game. I felt we passed the ball confidently at times, including when we were under pressure. Finally, us doing 'The Poznan' back to them when we scored both times was a highlight!

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sidsaint added 21:48 - Aug 20 First time at the Etiad and a great experience. Really proud of the way we played and City fans agreed our goals were excellent and we are a proper footballing team. It looked like we started out with damage limitation on our mind but we were full of surprises and the tactics and substitutions worked a treat. Impressive performances all round which will have to be maintained week in week out in this league. Still feel we need some experienced heads to back up the excellent youngsters.

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vectis added 01:44 - Aug 21 As pleased as I am with the performance and as proud as I am of Rickie for his goal almost no one is mentioning S Davis and his goal. What a big player he is going to be for us. Super strike, great awareness. Worked his butt off after coming on. Brilliant signing. I like Fox and dont think he will make too many mistakes like that again; and have a feeling Shaw will be the "next ward-Prowse" this season so don't see the need to buy a new LB now. If one comes in that's great, if not I think we'll be ok till Jan at least. Fonte looked class and Jos did alright too, despite giving away the penalty. But as someone said above, can they maintain that level all season? Past evidence says they can't, though I would love to be proved wrong. As has been said ad infinitum: we still need at least one maybe 2 Centre halves, at least one maybe 2 pacy wingers (JRod is wasted on the left) and personally I think a new Goalkeeper, though I doubt think we will get one. On the whole however I am happy with how the team is shaping up :)

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SingaporeSaint added 03:39 - Aug 21 I put an apology on twitter for all those impacted while having a quiet evening in Boat Quay Singapore on Sun night when Ricky scored.. I dont think I have ever roared like that.. Was quite a moment. Super performance, full of spirit and passion. We are lacking width and pace but we knew that anyway - and with pace (Phillips etc) we would be quite a side.. The central midfield and JWP in particular was class. I have never seen City holding on like that in the modern era. To be slightly negative - I think NA got it wrong with Guly for Lambert. I dont think Guly held it up well and was bossed by the C Backs. The difference RL made was immediate, both on our team and the fact we could now knock defenders around and hold it in their half, we lack pace outlets so need a CF to win the ball and hold it. Some would say it was a plan to tire them out first etc - but we could have been 2 or 3 down by then.. Start with your best team Nigel. Fox has a mistake in him and what a mistake. I also thought K Davis looked very small to me for a prem keeper and handling suspect and let in a poor first goal. That being said - we conceded to a clearly offside goal, a lucky richochet and a defensive calamity.. All in all very unlucky to not get something from the game. We need to sign the players we are linked with (and another C Half) and to get on with this, as we have lost Buttner for making these too much of a saga, and we will be quite a force. Final note for the fans - my feed in Asia was all Saints songs and very little City.. Everyone is talking about us....

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DJI added 07:53 - Aug 23 Surprised some say Rickie should've started as Guly was ineffective! It all looks very different on TV but be assured as I was there, Guly did exactly what the Manager asked of him. Drag their defenders, chase down the balls, slow up the ball through to midfield to allow our midfield to regroup. And even the Sky commentators mentioned how much Guly was doing which could not be seen on the screen. We knew full well that a 2 goal lead early on would only mean we would have to defend the entire match and we would most likely have caved in. Better to keep the scoreline low, then bring on our talisman to lift the away crowd and players and put City on the back foot as the game went on. City were thrown by our game plan and from someone who was there, I can assure you that when Rickie came on and scored so quickly, City fans and players looked shocked and the stadium went silent on their side. Nigel got it completely right; our only problem was we scored too early to allow City enough time to come back at us.

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