 | Your
Report | Oldham Athletic v Salford City Your Report added at 11:06:27
Entertainment wise this really was not a classic, but tactically it was a masterclass and Koeman must be delighted to beat Louis Van Rental on his home turf two years running. The first half in particularly was pretty dull but all the attacking play there was came from the Saints forwards which had the 'natives' increasingly restless and booing their team off at home time (but wouldn't you if you'd flown in from Dubai/China/Portsmouth *delete as appropriate*) Fonte was outstanding and had Shrek in his pocket all afternoon and Forster's mere presence alone has a Gandalf esque none shall pass effect. Manè missed a golden chance but at least ran his socks off, fab favourite Tadic did very litre whereas the much criticised Clasie was my man of the match, chasing down everything and forcing errors from United all over the pitch. Finally, Charlie Austin...what more can you say?First touch first goal, exactly where to be an has clinical finishing we have missed since Lambert left. What a day to be a Saints fan, is there any victory sweeter in the Premier League! |
| Your
Report | Oldham Athletic v Salford City Your Report added at 22:01:46
I came to St Mary's with trepidation and low expectations but left absolutely elated! Having been at the same fixture almost a year ago when we lost 0-3 and it bucketed all day, both the weather and the result were a wonderful contrast. I think that winning 6 points from out last two fixtures meant that the pressure was off a little bit as we had halted the slump and turned things around and this allowed the players to be more confident and play with freedom. Having scored a great one on one goal at Palace the other day Manè showed lightning pace and great feet to score an even better one today (against a better keeper too). He seems to be an instinctive player as later in the game when he got into the box and had to think about what to do he left it too late and the momentum broke down. Still, overall a good performance from him and he was rewarded with a full 90 mins as a result. Our other attacking option Pellè had to do more defending than attacking in the end, and was very important at winning headers, holding up play and tracking back. I just hope he wasn't too disheartened about his lack of goal chances, he will get plenty more when we aren't playing the strongest team in the league. The team defended like lions in the second half and Yoshida, arguably this season's biggest improver had another very solid game game and Matty Targett did brilliantly on his debut. Schneiderlin took one for the team at with a second yellow at the end, but his presence throughout the game could be the reason why we drew with Chelsea but lost to City, with him and Wanyama matching Chelsea's physicality. Unlike City, Chelsea also managed to be dirty (committing 23 fouls to our 14) and diving at the same time (Fabregas) and bemoaned every decision that didn't go there way. We managed to keep Costa quiet but not Hazard who was their star player, luckily we learned from our mistake against City where our defenders were drawn to Ageuro like a moth leaving huge gaps for other players to fill and were much better organised, so credit also has to go to big RK who deservedly receive much love from the home fans. Fourth at New Year, what a start to the first half of the season! |
| Your
Report | Oldham Athletic v Salford City Your Report added at 20:01:13
So if last week was a knockout blow this would have been won on points although by a comfortable enough margin. We created a hatful of chances in the first half hitting the bar and the post and forcing some smart saves from Begovic who was by far their best player. However second half Stoke Rugby team became more physical and slowed the game down repeatedly which frustrated us and the game went a bit flat. Pelle didn't have one of his best games and Tadic though excellent and full of tricks for 60 mins looked knackered by the end. Not sure why we only made two subs as he could really have done with a rest especially if he starts on Tuesday. Great support from the fans in particular "you're only here for the weather" to the just over half full away end. Not the most inspiring afternoon of football but an ultimately satisfying one nonetheless. |
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