For those of you that changed channels on 28 minutes, you missed a stunning spirited fightback from a team that never lost belief and never gave up, this bodes well for the near future with a vital fortnight coming up.

When the team news came through it was good to see that James Ward Prowse had passed muster and that Danny Ings was restored to the team with Ralph Hasenhuttl keeping faith with Nathan Redmond, in what was as strong a starting XI aw we could probably put out bar Oriol Romeu even if we had a full squad.

But things did not start well, with 12 minutes gone Burnley got a penalty and it was despatched straight down the middle, on 28 minutes it got worse, Burnley were forced back and they reverted to type as the ball was launched forward, we got caught out and we were 2-0 down.

At this stage things were looking dire as Burnley piled forward, but we pulled a goal back within 3 minutes with Stuart Armstrong firing home after a neat one two with Danny Ings.

Now we were back in the game and Burnley were on the ropes, Ings making a great run and throwing a great dummy before firing home, suddenly we had turned things around.

In the second half we had most of the game, although we did keep trying to hand Burnley a third goal and Fraser Forster made a great stop from point blank range. Mind you Nick Pope in the visitors goal had much more to do and made some great stops, one a wonder save.

But the game was won by a superb worked goal, Pope saved well and pushed the ball out of the danger area , Theo Walcott kept the ball in on the dead ball line and chipped the ball over a crowded 2ix yard box and found Nathan Redmond who kept his shot low and hard and through a crowded space and into the net.

It was no more than Saints deserved, we needed to defend the long balls into our own box and in the main we did, although the worry was that we were squandering far too many opportunities on the break, Theo Walcott being one culprit giving away the ball when he had two option on a 3 against 2 break.

But overall it was a satisfying performance and a win that sends us 10 points clear of Fulham and within one win of safety, this was not a faultless performance, but it was one with plenty of spirit and fight and from this perspective very pleasing.

I have to say watching Burnley must be awful, with apologies to fans of the Lancashire team, back in the 1960's/70's they were known as a footballing side, now they are just hoofball, it is all about pumping the ball forward high and straight and getting a big man under it, there is no finesse and it must be horrible to watch that every week.

This was a big three points, we now need to build on it next weekend at West Brom and then hopefully go into the FA Cup semi final with a degree of good form and confidence.

Man of the match for me was Nathan Redmond, this was a game where he proved his critics wrong, players play better when the crowd supporters them and he is blossoming again in the last few games.

Photo: Action Images

felly1 added 16:27 - Apr 4 As soon as we went one nil down I slouched off in a sulk and washed the car. Two nil I felt justified and even more annoyed at what seemed like yet another poor Saints display plummetibg towards a relegation battle. When the missus announced through the window it was 2-1 and then 2-2 I thought it best to watch the second half! So pleased for Redmond to get the winner and hopefully restore the belief in the side. We had lots of attacking threat from different players today and Ingsy looked back to his best. JPW was my MOTM, he was everywhere today and has such a positive influence over the team. Tonight for the first time in ages when Ralph heads back home to Hassenhuttl Heights into the loving arms of Sandra that plate of tasty Shnitzel won't won't be chucked against the wall.

0

underweststand added 16:36 - Apr 4 As you said Nick, we looked out of it at 0-2, but suddenly Armstrong switched wings and got us back into the game with a great goal, and Danny Ings' equaliser was pure class. Suddenly we were had control and taking on Burnley with 4 men threatening up front. In the second half we looked a different side ..did I read 24 shots in the game(?) . Redmond looked like the player he was 3 years ago, and his goal was a sublime finish. We might have had 3 or 4 more , with JWP hitting the underside of the bar, and Walcott , Redmond and Armstrong going close. Ché Adams solo run at the end looked a certain goal, when one-on-one with Pope but he managed to hit it wide. Fraser Forster hardly at fault for either goal, but showing why he has regained the no.1 shirt with a confident display of shot-stopping when needed. Overall, end-to-end stuff and one of the best footballing matches I've seen of late. More importantly 3 valuable points to help relax the nerves before the Semi Final.

6

claus5 added 17:01 - Apr 4 What is wrong with some of our fans, Felly1, what are you doing giving up to wash the car at 0-1? If that is the attitude of anyone i suggest you go and follow City/Liverpool/Utd/etc. Leave Southampton to us that care enogh to watch OUR TEAM through thick and mostly thin. End of rant.
3

WestSussexSaint added 17:12 - Apr 4 Clearly the answer is not to take the early lead ourselves as we have done so often this season and thrown leads away but give teams a 0-2 lead! Great battling performance. On the negative side I thought Bednarek was bullied a bit by Wood which led to the second goal. The penalty was an odd one for me as although it was definitely a foul by KWP he was pulled back by Pieters in the lead up. When the ref watched the replay VAR conveniently edited the replay to miss out that part. Theo looked a little off the pace which is understandable after so long out. KWP looked a bit out of sorts especially early in the match with misplaced passes. On the positive side, I thought Forster was excellent. There was only one time when his clearance wasn’t strong but he redeemed things with and excellent save from Wood. Otherwise he dominated his area with all the balls being pumped into the box. Ings linked up play well and Redmond took his goal well (although didn’t do enough for me apart from that). The shot count was significant as too often this season we see our players trying to over play around the opponents box but there was a clear instruction to shoot on sight in this match. Pope was equal to much of it but I think the policy definitely helped the mindset and goal scoring. Important 3 points and hopefully we can confirm safety with another win against West Brom.

10

SaintPaulVW added 17:26 - Apr 4 At 2-0 we looked sunk, Burnley seemed to want it more and were on a higher speed setting. We started showing some signs of life and then clicked into gear. Redmond, Ings and Armstrong were great. Ings goal was a Stormer. Vestergaard looked back to his best. There were also at least 3 good chances in the second half when players were one on one and just couldn't make that final killer pass. Coming back from a losing position starts to shift our stats the right way. 'Shout out' to Ralph and Dyche who between them made as much noise as a single stand.

7

DellBoyWally added 18:11 - Apr 4 Redmond and Walcott too easily lose or give the ball away for my liking but produced a delightful touch each for goal 3. Shame we have to protect Stuey as he is a great influence and I would prefer others to be subbed at crucial times. Was Ralph resting Che after his successful international spell? Ings looked sharp, Diallo is improving all the time, JanV looked v good, JanB got bullied a bit (penalty for his shirt pull? - cancelled out the foul on KWP b4 their penalty) FF looking like our No1 No1, JWP was JWP. A word to Dyche: his penalty call for handball against Bertie - the ball has to actually touch the arm/hand! As it did against his defender in the first half but we weren't whinging. Good game overall, even when we were 2 down. Just keep up the standards and put more chances away

9

davidargyll added 18:29 - Apr 4 I really couldn’t believe the first twenty minutes. Everyone looked as if they’d just come back from a couple of weeks on the beach! So lethargic and off the pace, so I was not in anyway surprised we went two nil down and would do well to get a draw. Their first goal was a case of us pissing around to near to our goal and being bullied out of it and then committing a foul. Why oh why can’t we stop trying to be clever and kick it in to touch when surrounded by two or three oppo players? And the second one was a long ball again catching us out. Quel surprise! But the funny thing was that Burnley then proceeded to give us a huge amount of practice in how to deal with the long ball because they never stopped doing it! Hopefully we will take that gift as a good lesson, so thank you Clarets! And like everyone else has said a really good battling performance from there on got us back in to it and then led us to victory, which we would not have got but for an A1 performance from FF, who I think was MoM. Thanks Fraser, back to your rightful place as our No 1 keeper! As for the rest, Redmond amazingly is now a shadow of his former self; SA continues to march ever onward towards what I reckon will be our player of the season; Danny - welcome back to the scoring circle; and finally a shame that Theo made such a horlicks of a couple of chances, but then he brilliantly made the third goal for NR so no complaints. Overall, I do sense that we are performing much more like we did at the tail end of last season, ie a whole load better than for a long long time, and what’s more everyone looks as if finally they are starting to enjoy themselves. So am I being hopelessly optimistic by saying that midtable happiness for the Saints is now there for the taking...?

5

Colburn added 19:51 - Apr 4 Excellent spirit to come back, much braver with the ball which made the difference today in getting the 3 points. Overall a good team effort. Armstrong was my motm, the heartbeat, got us back in the game immediately and his constant direct running opened up the Burnley defence which caused their demise. Diallo had a really good second half and Ings makes the difference with his class. Redmond gave the ball away for one of their goals so I can't agree that he has proved people wrong whatsoever as yet. A good performance against an under strength championship team and a well taken goal against a team which should be in the championship does not reflect your judgement. I'm not knocking him, just a balanced view and as one of his biggest critics, I'm pleased that he did have a better game today, but its just a start, there is much more he can improve on,fingers crossed he does. Walcott for me lacked any end product until he assisted the winner. He seems to play the game on his own and fortunately, the angle was too tight to shoot so he had to pick out a pass. I prefer Djenepo. Also agree Bednarek was too easily bullied and he looks like he could do with a week off before the semi. Just a relief to get 3 points and a win again!

1

davepid added 20:46 - Apr 4 “🎵 We are staying up, we are staying up🎵 . But as to how we improve on recent results I haven’t a clue. I’m told we have a good manager and I’m told that the squad is good but the results since Boxing Day don’t suggest this. Add in the embarrassments at Man Utd and Newcastle and I begin to wonder if the manager is flexible enough of thought to be the top manager we all want him to be.

-8

LordDZLucan added 21:18 - Apr 4 Great result. It was never in doubt after I did my usual when Saints are doing badly and put £20 on them to get relegated at 40/1. It takes the edge off the stress of watching the game and Saints always start performing immediately after I've put the bet on!
5

HythePeer added 22:56 - Apr 4 Saints have played well for the last two games following the players' reported "chat" with the manager after the disastrous run. Players are now free to run and pass forward quickly building attacks quickly before opposition can get organized; a far cry from the manager's preferred ponderous build ups. Even before and during being 2 down they looked positive and the nature of play would always ensure some kind of response. It shouldn't be said that Burnley didn't play well, Burnley played well with decisive penetrating balls to the forwards exposing Saints' only weakness that being the full backs failing to get back into position when the play turns, the right back being the worst offender although he did better in the 2nd. The keeper is not religiously bound to play out from the back as the previous was instructed to and made some intelligent decisions not to heap pressure on himself. And the penalty, they said it was stone wall but I can't agree the player didn't even have the ball when he was "fouled". Still it's a win from an adverse position which guarantees Prem survival. I can't imagine Saints getting much higher but if they can continue that style of play into next season and the manger doesnt come up with any more ideas, then there is hope for higher things...and there is always the FA Cup!!!

1

perazi added 00:20 - Apr 5 That was probably the most uplifting Saints win since Koeman danced up the touch line after Sadio made it 3-2 from 0-2 against Liverpool some 5 seasons back. Ings and Armstrong made the difference after that awful first 25 minutes, well supported by Redmond. Our midfielders, Ward Prowse and Diallo also very solid and KWP much better in the second half. A mention for FF.. got his big frame in the way of the late Wood header... even if he did get a bit of help from Bednarek’s shirt pull. Time to relax and enjoy the rest of the season!

3

AirFlorida added 08:24 - Apr 5 Yes a good fight back! Probably the worst I've seen us play in the first 20 mins- we just gave the ball away for fun. For me FF was our motm. He was tidy through out and positive. He's re finding the form that got him knocking on the England door. He's excellent at those goal line blocks too. KWP, not his best day at the office. Armstrong, brilliant. He's my player of the season so far based on amount of games played and form/consistency. Good to have Vesty back too he's got a great habit of getting involved in the build up to our goals-especially with Armstrong's 1-2 with Ings. I think we've got a good chance against Leicester but we'll need to score our way to victory - yeah I know, obviously, but you get what I mean.

2

Farlow added 09:47 - Apr 5 Great fight back we could have had 5 or 6 easily.I am concernerned about Bednareks form recently,thought he was poor although probably had a tough international break with Poland.Forster did well but should have done better with Burnley,s second.Hopefully this will give us confidence to push on now. Up the Saints.
2

SanMarco added 11:49 - Apr 5 A game that sums up all the joy and despair of being a Saints fan. In the end we did what we are capable of doing very well and got 3 (should have been more) out of it and only conceded 2 while at our worst. Armstrong, Ings, JWP, Vestergaard all good and Redmond kept his head well for the winner. I have a feeling we already have enough now but beat WBA and we definitely have. The penalty was a tough one - obviously definitely a foul by KWP but was he himself fouled or just not strong enough? As it happened the ref did us a favour because it set up the come-back nicely!! We were very lucky with the brainless shirt pull. Definitely a penalty and I fully expected VAR to intervene. It was, of course, payback for the Villa and Wolves fiascos. There is a peculiar side to VAR that seems to me just as random and unfair as the old days. Not sure I agree with Nick over Burnley, on what I watched yesterday anyway. I thought they contributed to a great game of football. Nothing wrong with the long ball when it creates a good goal like their second. Ironically, although we came back brilliantly, it was the poor Burnley defending that contributed to the game swinging to us. What's this about 'locals' going to the Semi??

1

NYC_Saint added 13:41 - Apr 5 From memory we were 2-0 up against man Utd and I was thinking Europe was on the cards. We slumped and lost 3-2 and that was the start of the terrible we’ve endured. Let’s hope doing the opposite yesterday will turn the season back around and we can build momentum up again and start next season the same as this one and keep it going.
1

KriSaint added 14:02 - Apr 5 It brings something to the confidence of the team, obviously, when players like Ings & Walcott are in the starting 11. The 2 big names - both out for a while with injuries - were chosen in stead of in form Che Adams and Moussa Djenepo, who must have felt very unlucky. However, Ralph's team selection was justified when the final whistle was blown, and both Ings and Walcott were important pieces in the puzzle to get the win. Those 2 played cirka 80 and 85 minutes respectively, and they came through the match without getting injured - great! Yes, we were not good for the first half an hour, but remember that Burnley came with confidence and believe from their 5 points in 3 difficult matches. With cirka 15 minutes left, with us leading 3-2, Ralph substituted my MOTM Stuey Armstrong for Salisu and changed the system to 3-5-2 to cope as well as possible with loads of long balls against us, and to make a good platform for counterattacking with Bertie and KWP playing as wing backs - good judgement by the gaffer there, I thought, and the best adjustment to do on the day to try see the game out without conceding, as we didn't have proven super defensive midfield qualities on the bench. Therefore -> enter Mohamed Salisu - who did very ok and was involved in winning the ball to Redmond who put the ball on a plate for Adams to run down from the half way line and score to 4-2, but Adams over-thought it and put his sidefooted shot wide, unfortunately. A big win at this stage of the season and a nerve calming 3 points before the FA cup semi final. Well done, Ralph and players. COYS <3

1

underweststand added 09:29 - Apr 6 As a postscript tp my first post ... After watching the two managers interviewed ; noted a far-more relaxed Ralph (and rightly so after that fight back), BUT Sean Dyche trotted out his weekly blah-ha about "all those penalties that Burnley had been denied ". He should perhaps admit that his team of "muscle boys" are pretty hard-tackling themselves and if some of their challenges had been INSIDE the box, they would be conceding half-a-dozen penalties in every match.

2

Blogs 31 bloggers

Burnley Polls