In a game of incorrect penalty decisions, Saints completely dominated a Brighton side from start to finish.

Brighton will go home moaning about the two penalties that were given against them, especially the first when television replays confirmed Fonte was a good yard outside the box when he was pulled back, however the Seagulls can count themselves lucky that two that really should have been given werent, on in the first half wen Lambert was clearly being held by his shirt and in the second when as he went for a far post header he was just bundled over, but the real facts of the matter were that Brighton were never in the game.

As predicted they started the first half as their away form stats indicated, tight at the back, making sure nothing was given away and hoping to catch us on the break and they must have felt all was going to plan when they went in at half time with the score still goalless.

That changed four minutes after the break when Rickie Lambert got on the end of a glorious cross and buried his header in emphatic style, to mean that Gus Poyet was going to have to re think his game plan.

The win for Saints was sealed less than ten minutes later when they where given an audacious penalty, it was definately a foul, no one disputes that, Fonte was hauled back, what was surprising though was that it was a spot kick and not a free kcik as the Saints defended appeared to be a good yard outside the box, Brghton were incensed and with Taricco sent off for comments made to the referee and Lambert despatching the penalty it was hard to see how Brighton would get back in it.

But even before this incident the visitors were barely an attacking force, they didnt muster a shot on target on goal all game and there only real attacking moment came in a brief flurry after Kelvin Davis dropped a cross, but even then Saints defended doggedly and blocked their attempt before it got anywhere near on goal.

For Saints the performance and the manner of the win was emphatic, the football was pleasing to watch and Saints now have a clear passing and moving style which the players seem to get more comfortable with, with each game.

At the moment there is a real belief about the side and if they can brush away a Brighton side who harbour hopes of promotion themselves this easily, it must send shockwaves through the league.

Perhaps the only real disapointment on the day was that Saints didnt press on and make it more than three, however on the other hand, they didnt lose their shape with the game won and go all out for goals, they kept doing what they do well and made sure that there would be no way back for the Seagulls.

Its hard to pick a real man of the match, Rickie Lambert will be an obvious contender having bagged a hat trick, but all over the park it was good to see 11 individuals who not only play well in their own position, but gel as a team, the two full backs should get a mention for the way they are comfortable with playing from the back and not only picking out more forward players with precision passing but delivering balls right into danger areas.

In midfield it was also pleasing to perhaps feel that we have more in our armoury than just Adam Lallana, in a game like this were the opposition are going to be defensive and tight it was good to see Cork directing operations from the centre and another fine display from Chaplow, the competition for places is intense in midfield and that shows in the determination of the players to put in a performance and keep their place.

Up fron Guly is still a little maligned from small pockets in the crowd, but he too adds dimensions to our attacking play and has the skill to make openings for others with deft touches here and there.         

Photo: Action Images

geezershoong added 12:13 - Nov 20 Testament to the team yesterday that Mackail Smith was hardly noticed, apart from chasing lost causes.
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SaintNick50 added 12:34 - Nov 20 16/11/11 Lambert Looks to End Goal Drought "If he fails to score again on Saturday then he will equal his worst ever goaless run for Saints in the league" I think he answered that one! Rickie hasn't missed a penalty not sure how many in a row now, any records here -David Peach, LeTiss? And talking of records 20 home wins (19 league) in a row, when was the last time any team has done this, truly amazing. Congratulations to Huddersfield. The last team to bet them in the league? We all know the answer to that one. Roll on Bristol City, had to buy a ticket in the Williams Stand, I will try and keep a low profile!

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splurty added 12:45 - Nov 20 Report is spot on ! Special mention for Nigel as every game goes by I am more and more impressed with his tactical accumen ,for 20 mins in the first half Brighton had us chasing shadows as we do to other teams but he reverted to the diamond with Hammond deep and lallana just behind lambo/gully and corky and chappers centrally and at that moment it was game over ,thanks Nigel in you we have a JEM COYR

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rjh added 16:57 - Nov 20 it is rare that in a featured game on The Football League Show that the opponents did not get one single chance! Anybody know Lambert's penalty record?? COYR
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saintBob added 17:34 - Nov 20 At no time did Saints look under pressure. Brighton were very disappointing and do not seem up to pushing for a play-off place in the Championship although they should be able to keep above the relegation zone. It's a pity that the penalty decisions were the main talking points because it distracts from what a great performance this was from Saints. It seems like Nigel had started with what he considers his best eleven and it's hard to disagree with that selection. 16 points from our last 6 games which equates to our best run of form this season.

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felly1 added 19:36 - Nov 20 I feel priviliged to be a Saints fan and to be able to watch a side so full of confidence and skill. All that matters now is keeping the momentum. The players need to stay totally focused and Nigel's man management skills will be needed to make sure no complacency sets in.
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latviandream added 21:00 - Nov 20 rjh - Out of Lambert's 63 goals for us, 22 have been PK's and I don't remember him missing any. Could find out how many more he's scored previous to his move easy enough, but not misses. Anyone else know a quick way of finding out his career pens record? Lat
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Whatsforpud added 22:19 - Nov 20 Nick, you mention that Saints have a clear passing and moving style. I have been following them, and the game in general, since the early 50s. It is interesting how the game has changed over time. Nowadays the emphasis is on keeping possession, even if it means seven or eight passes to get the ball into the danger area. Players are sometimes reluctant to attempt to beat an opponent in the middle of the pitch, perhaps in contrast to a previous era. Consistent playing surfaces like St.Mary's and maybe the lighter ball, makes the passing game easier. Certainly Adkins has got the team playing as a well-drilled unit. Long may it continue.

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tiptop added 00:28 - Nov 21 You just felt saints really did have another couple of gears (as some chants suggested). In fairness we were playing against 10 men for most of the second half but Brighton were efficiently brushed aside. We were much brighter and more confident with the ball against the 10 men of Brighton than Peterborough for sure. The team zipped the ball through the midfield.Guli, Lambert and Schneiderlin stood out for me too, with some great touches. From what I can see from my 2 live games, Guly looks like hes coming into his own?! Great work Nigel. These players are getting better! COYR!

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SaintNick added 09:04 - Nov 21 whatsforpud is right the game has changed a lot over the years and perhaps some of us older fans being brought up on a different style or styles whatsoever have sometimes not quite noticed and wonde rwhy we arent so direct anymore
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geezershoong added 09:46 - Nov 21 NA mentioned in his programme notes that 'the passing effective game is the future of football'. Which is good news for the future, as we seem to be very good at it.
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tiptop added 11:15 - Nov 21 Great comments. I def agree with Nick that the players seem to be getting more comfortable each game. Only remember Davis kick long once sat. Being comfortable and able to keep the ball is king especially when you see how many goals are scored directly after losing possession. The goal then 'penalty' followed by the sending off broke the remaining 10 men and did make our job easier. We certainly didn't help them! Great to see Barnard back for the squad. I didn't see LB play last year but compared to what Guly is doing now who would you select if they were both on top form?

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bstokesaint added 12:41 - Nov 21 Nick, I'm loving the irony of your SRL pre-match goal drought article. Any chance you can write something similar for one of the other players before our next game..!! Maybe SRL read your report. Who knows? I think Felly raises the best point. How will NA deal with complacency setting in? Okay, so we're the best in the league at the moment, but championships are won over the course of the season and there's a long way to go. West Ham, Leeds, Leicester, Middlesbrough and Cardiff won't give up the chase that easily. Plus teams will be looking to strengthen in the next window. That in itself is another dilemma. Do we stick with our current team or strengthen with more Premiership players? For now I'm thoroughly enjoying us play football. I have friends who know little about the Championship saying we'd get stuffed at a level above, but honestly I think we'd currently be able to contend with anyone outside the top 8 or so in the Premiership. I have faith in NA. He's a top quality manager. Tactics were spot on again on Saturday against an ill discplined Poyet side. COYR!

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zonehead added 18:57 - Nov 21 Lamberts goal was pure Ron Davies, class.
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rjh added 20:01 - Nov 21 Lat, Many thanks for that, much appreciated.
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