Saints were in an even weaker position that I had predicted in the preview, but they rolled up their sleeves and grafted and in the end were good value for the win, although Plymouth fans might argue about that.

The news from the team sheet an hour before the game was not good reading, not only was Will Smallbone injured but so was Carlos Alcaraz, Shea Charles got the expected full debut to replace Smallbone and it was a tweak to our attacking line up with Che Adams coming in up front in replacement for Alcaraz.

On the bench surprisingly Joe Lumley was the sub keeper which suggest that Alex McCarthy's time at the club might be up and a loan move looks likely.

The first half was scrappy, and it was clear that Saints would not be enjoying as much possession as they have in the opening games, this would be a real test of their ability to get down in the dirt and graft when they needed to.

In the main they did so and did it well, Plymouth were up for the battle and their confidence was high after promotion and a good start to the season and they tried to stretch Saints but like previous games we didn't really allow them to test Gavin Bazunu.

Half time arrived with the score at 0-0 and the first half had been encouraging, in that despite the injuries and the fact that we haven't really begun making our expected number of signings, we had stayed focused and kept our shape and looked a team even though we had not imposed ourselves as we had managed to do in the first two games.

The game exploded into life after the break, Sam Edozie who is growing into his role in the side and just needs a goal to boost his confidence and he could be a key player this season, run at Plymouth cut inside and fizzed a shot inches wide of the post.

The warning signs were there and it was Adam Armstrong who turned provider, laying a pass across the edge of the box which left the Plymouth defence watching as Nathan Tella suddenly had a burst of pace and fired home.

The Saints fans behind the goal went wild and were joined by those still in the concourses after half time.

But the celebrations lasted barely a minute a cross was met by Hardie who smashed the ball home leaving Bazunu no chance.

So it was all square again and Saints settled back into grafting for the result, Stuart Armstrong was having a good game in the centre of midfield and formed a good partnership with Shea Charles, who for me was man of the match, he just did everything that was asked of him with confidence and poise.

You felt that Saints were getting on top and Stuart Armstrong saw a great shot from 20 yards thump against the bar, likewise Adam Armstrong had a free kick brilliantly saved , but you sensed that the Scotsman didn't have the legs to last the full 90.

The first change though wasn't Stuart Armstrong, it was Sam Edozie, Russell Martin knew that fresh legs were needed and Amo-Ameyaw came on to provide them, so that the Scotsman Armstrong could squeeze a little more out of the fuel tank.

But with Plymouth making a triple change on 80 minutes and now having brought on all 5 subs, that was not enough and Joe Aribo came on for Stuart Armstrong.

This was the moment the game probably turned, Plymouth had fresh legs but they lost something in shape, whereas we had kept our shape by not making multiple changes and we are clearly a fit squad, as no one seemed to be feeling the pace, Joe Aribo did well, he might have struggled in the Premier League, but the Championship is not so high a standard, he too can be a success this season.

The 90 minutes was up, 9 minutes of injury time was announced and Nathan Tella having been brought down yet again, was finally done and on came Sekou Mara, more fresh legs meant that it was Saints who were going to win the game if anyone did.

Four minutes in came the decisive moment, it should have been delivered by Adam Armstrong who powered in a header but was again thwarted by the keeper who somehow got a hand to it to keep it out, but he could only stop it, he couldn't get it out of danger and there was Che Adams to chest the ball down and fire home from two yards out, behind the bulging net it was bedlam as the away contingent went mad.

Now came the job of getting through the remaining 5 minutes of injury time and indeed whatever was added on for the goal celebrations.

Plymouth suddenly burst into life and went direct, Gavin Bazunu needing to come out and punch under pressure several times in the dying minutes and Adam Armstrong making a superb last ditch sliding tackle to put the ball out for a corner when a goal looked likely.

So yet another late goal to gain us extra points for the third game in a row, but this is not down to luck, it is down to a side that plays for the whole number of minutes of the game and feel they can score in the last minute as much as the first.

Russell Martin has instilled an attitude in the squad that wasn't there last season, this game was always going to be tough, to be honest I would have been happy with a point before the game given we had lost the heart of our midfield, but we have found that those stepping in truly have the heart we need.

This gives Saints supporters hope for the season as it goes on, if we can win games with a depleted squad, when we make the signings we need things will only get better.

The work rate is phenomenal not just with the ball but without it, possession was only 61% but we still had 19 attempts compared to Plymouth's 15, but we had 9 on target whilst the home side only managed the two, some will say that must be poor defending, they will cite a high percentage of goals going in against attempts on target, but I think is shows just how hard we work to prevent the opposition getting a decent chance, they have to really work hard to get a shot on target and we get blocks and tackles in where last season we wouldn't.

No one is pretending that this will be the squad that will see the season through, there will be signings and there may well be a departure or two, but the foundations are there and there are plenty ready to step up to the plate.

Shea Charles is one, I think he is now nailed on in the centre of midfield on this performance, if he keeps it up we won't have a problem, up front Adam Armstrong is not only a threat but he is involved in just about everything, both goals saw him create the situation, I'm not sure if his header for the winner counts as an assist, but it should do, without it there would not have been the chance for Adams.

But his game has more than that, it has work rate and if he was vital going forward he worked hard to defend, sadly he will not get the credit he deserved in some quarters, but I think he will play a key role this season.

So given the upheaval that we have been experiencing 7 points from the first 3 games is a good haul and sitting in the play off spots just 2 points behind the only two teams who have taken maximum points so far.

But we are a squad that will get better, whilst most of our rivals have their squads already in place, we are proving we can win ugly and that is going to stand us in good stead.

The best thing about the day though was the enjoyment, for the first time in a long time and this was echoed by many I spoke to yesterday both before and after the game, they are enjoying going to the game, the smiles were back on the faces, yes the late winner made it all the more satisfying, but the feel good factor is back.

All three games in the Championship have seen great support and long may that continue, something good is building at Southampton FC both on and off the pitch.

Photo: Action Images

WestSussexSaint added 10:50 - Aug 20 A decent write up of the match. For me Adam Armstrong was Motm. He was involved in a lot of the good going forwards but also saw him in our own penalty area defending for his life at times. His energy was immense. I would say it was his best game in a Saints shirt. Charles belied his young age to look composed in the cdm role. Occasionally I thought he could have reacted quicker on some of Plymouths counter attacks which is why AA beat him to Motm for me. Let’s not under estimate this performance and result. Plymouth don’t lose games at home so this was a good challenge for a squad that is still trying to find itself. I would hope now we have over £100m in the bank from recent sales we can keep hold of the players such as Adams and Tella as we look a match for anyone going forward.

15

LordDZLucan added 10:55 - Aug 20 Great to read a report that focuses on the positives rather than labouring on the negatives. More, please!
2

davidargyll added 11:03 - Aug 20 Only saw H1 and the goals on highlights. But clearly overall a quality performance and really happy with the win. One thing that continues to worry me is the way Baz sits on the ball tempting the oppo to come to take it off him before passing it. And there was at least one occasion early on where it very nearly cost us. I get the passing around amongst the backs bit. But surely he needn’t be quite so cavalier all the time and get the ball out quicker when danger lurks? Because I can see one or two savvy managers seeing this and telling their forwards to get in our faces as our luck will run out sooner or later. Next weekend will be my first game; SMS should be buzzing…

0

davenbennett added 11:14 - Aug 20 Why does anybody think the squad is going to be stronger when window closes? Martin said 3 or 4 that were playing are in transfer talks. SR just put Alcaraz on the market for £25m. If Tella, Adams, Alcaraz, KWP go, no chance of getting in better. Piroe just signed new deal at Swansea, as has Grimes. So 2 Martin targets gone. The key now is NOT to sell our best. I just can't see SR allowing Martin to keep them. They have a price for all players. They seem to ignore the fact that promotion is worth £150m. Plus, a winning team means full house at St Mary's every week. More shirt sales etc. We shall see. Next 2 weeks crucial.

7

A1079 added 11:26 - Aug 20 Absolutely delighted with the win and from what I have read here and heard, the performance. I have not see any of the game unfortunately, but this is a good start to the season. Whatever happens in this remaining transfer window and whoever stays or goes I hope we come out of it with as stronger or not stronger squad that can compete like they are now.
2

ItchenNorth added 11:59 - Aug 20 Talk about Lavia, the lose of this quality from our side and his undoubted talent, but we have our replacement in Shea Charles, no question, in my eyes. Performances in pre season were encouraging, but out of his natural position. Then he changed the direction of the game vs Norwich, coming on for the last 30mins, giving us far more control of midfield. We have our Lavia replacement! We need to say enough is enough now with transfers out of Saints for certain key players and Tella must stay. Che Adams may go, but I really hope he sees that a run at promotion scoring goal is better than scraping at the bottom of the Premier League again with say an Everton. Buzunu made two really good clearances late on, punching difficult crosses, in traffic to clear the danger. That shows me his confidence and that must also have come from his public backing by the manager. Hats off to Russell Matin. We can all see the style and I like it. We also have a belief again that the game is not over until the final whistle.

8

saintmark1976 added 12:02 - Aug 20 Brilliant post davenbennett. It’s increasingly obvious that Sports Republics main priority is to attempt to balance the books after last seasons financial shambles. If they genuinely have promotion in mind they would by now have simply put out a message that no further offers of any description will be entertained for any of the players you detail. They haven’t done so and I fully expect that their decision will result in the quality of the squad being worse at the end of the current window than it is now. Fans will need to accept that we won’t be getting out of the Championship by selling our best players and attempting to replace them with loan signings.Not ideal but in the long run better than going into administration as happened when we last exited The Premiership.

0

SaintPaulVW added 12:38 - Aug 20 Good report. We looked the better side overall but it could have gone either way. Major contributor to the feelgood factor - no VAR. It just sucks the emotion out of live football. While we may lose a few players, I'm still not sure whether we need that many more recruits. The team is playing well, so clear out several of the unused squad players and create a good pathway between the youth sides and the first team. Losing Che without an experienced replacement would be a setback though.

0

Monksway added 13:13 - Aug 20 Great result. I think RM is doing a really good job in a very, very difficult situation given the inevitable departures. Credit to Tella, Adams and KWP (unlike some others) who continue to put in a shift despite the fact that I expect them all to leave by the end of the window. It's a shame but if a Premier League team comes calling they will inevitably push to leave and I don't think there is much Saints can do about it apart from replace them with championship level alternatives or aspiring youngsters.

1

mattlegod added 13:38 - Aug 20 I too thought Charles and A Armstrong were standout players. Manning and Stephens two that stood out needing to up their game somewhat. I agree with much of what has been said about keeping players now, thinking ahead to later in the season, the bench we had yesterday doesn't fill me with confidence.
1

Boris1977 added 14:16 - Aug 20 Good write up Nick and thanks for the positivity. Points away from home are always welcome and these are the type of games we were losing last season - so that is a step forward. QPR at st Mary's will be a test, possibly the first barometric test of promotion aspirations. I share others doubts about sports republics idea of what success looks like for them compared with what fans believe is success. If Che, KWPs and Tella are sold that will be an indication of their priorities. Brentford are the club that we should look to in terms of what success looks like for our club but sports Republic have several other football interests so can't imagine that's where they wish to take the club. Great article on Multi-Club Ownership (MCO) in this month's WSCs if anyone is interested. Together as one - COYRs

0

highfield49 added 15:59 - Aug 20 Given the uncertainties concerning injuries, transfers and availability of funds it was a very good result. Stuart Armstrong just doesn't have the legs now for 90 plus minutes, but fair play to him for putting in a decent shift. On the downside he gives away the ball in critical areas and certainly isn't the answer to the role of defensive mid field. Adam Armstrong is everything we could wish for in terms of energy and commitment and unlucky nor to be on the score sheet again. Shea Charles was a revelation in midfield and looks to have a huge future in the game, great job by the recruitment team. Unlike some, or maybe many, supporters I think the squad will be stronger by the end of the transfer window. For me it's not hugely important that we sign players on lengthy contracts if there are better players available on loan. Surely the point is to get promoted first and foremost and then find out if players signed on loan want to stay with the club or return to their full time employers? Lastly, I can see why Mara was given a few minutes in added time, good management to demonstrate that he isn't an outcast following the Gillingham debacle. Hopefully Ballard will be getting the nod to step up in the weeks to come. Russell Martin is going a long, long way already to proving the doubters wrong.

4

Monksway added 17:46 - Aug 20 Good point Highfield49 re. loan players. We can have 5 in the squad for EFL. I'm expecting 8 more to leave with 5 replacements needed ( RB, CB, CM x 2 plus a striker to replace Che). Altogether we will have lost 18 players with 8 replacements which would bring the squad down to sensible numbers with space for the promising youngsters. The strength of the squad will depend on the strength of the replacements. Ultimately we will play 4 matches before the window closes and 42 afterwards so whilst it's good to get points on the board, it isn't much of an indicator for the season as a whole.

0

ExiledSupporter added 18:02 - Aug 20 It's news to me that Alcarez is on the market...is this true? If so what the f***? Can anyone up dateme on the circumstances of the young defender we bought from Chelsea 18mths+ ago, was his name Guede(?)...anyway what has happened to him? Or have we already sold him? Surely there is a limit to the number of talented players we are prepared to sell, leaving us with just the dross and the untried or inexperienced!

1

schatfield added 21:06 - Aug 20 2 things happened today in other games - Ward prowse showed what a quality player he really is and what we will miss despite having some strong players now. And everton showed how badly they need a striker which sadly means they will ramp up trying to sign Che Adams whatever the cost
3

YosemiteSaint added 02:53 - Aug 21 There are a number of good points in the write-up and responses, and i'm glad for the team cohesion. The only trouble i can see for at least the time being is that without Che Adams's goals we're 0-2-1, not 2-1-0, a difference of five points. With his departure to Everton all but certain, we're set to look and play quite ordinary.
1

Blogs 31 bloggers

Charlton Athletic Polls