Saints started the 2023/24 Championship season with the line up giving a clearer idea of who might be leaving imminently and who might just be staying, but the clearest thing was that we are now an organised and efficient outfit.

There was much pre match talk about who would be in and who would be out in Russell Martin's first competitive match in charge of Saints, all was soon revealed and it emerged that Tino Livramento was not named in the squad and Romeo Lavia was on the bench, a position he did not leave during the game, even when Saints were running down 9 minutes of injury time to secure the three points.

In the starting line up though was new signing Ryan Manning, who was joined in the back four by Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek and Kyle Walker Peters.

James Ward Prowse was in the centre of midfield and it will be a nervy few weeks of will he stay or will he go, with West Ham United now in turmoil behind the scenes and David Moyes seemingly at odds with his new Director of football and now sole owner over transfer policy, that policy seemingly not involving spending much money.

So yet another new managerial era started and there weren't many Saints fans surprised by the style of play, from the start it was possession based and it was clear that the players are comfortable with playing this way, not just from being able to play it on the pitch, but they have bought into what Russell Martin is trying to achieve.

We looked good from the start and we took control of the game after an early bluster from the home side was beaten back, Nathan Tella looked to have given Saints from the lead. although the goal was soon credited to Adam Armstrong, it brushed his head and may or may not have taken it an extra inch or two away from the keeper, that doesn't matter, what did was that we were 1-0 up.

The first half saw us in total control and Wednesday rarely threatened our goal, we looked comfortable in possession and kept the ball well, but we also moved it forward quickly when we could and we had several other good efforts but didn't add to the scoring.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, Wednesday came out of the blocks again and our job was to again quieten them down, Sadly this didn't happen, a corner was headed across goal and smashed home from the edge of the box for what would be Wednesday's only shot on target in the entire match.

But we didn't lose focus at this point, we didn't panic, we dug in and got back to our possession game, Russell Martin seemed to be happy by the way we were playing as unlike the second half of last season's managers, he did not make multiple panic substitutions, we kept playing confident in what we were doing.

Stuart Armstrong for Charly Alcatraz with 20 minutes left upped the ante for us a little, and Che Adams with 10 minutes still to play showed that we were not content with just a point.

That change paid dividends with just 3 minutes to go, James Ward Prowse made a nice run which saw him get to the byeline and pull the ball back for Che Adams who swept the ball home to the delight of the 3,000 Saints supporters behind the goal.

The celebrations were barely over when 9 minutes of injury time were announced, just after Joe Aribo was brought on for Sam Edozie, a clear statement that Martin's is confident in the style he wants his team to play, he didn't change the style pr formation to accommodate a more defensive player coming into the fray.

In the past this would have been a long 9 minutes, but it was clear that we were not going to give Wednesday the ball for long enough to get up a head of steam, we passed and passed and we looked comfortable in doing it.

So this was a satisfying victory, yes there were some things that still need to be worked on and there is also the question of just who will be still here in September, but it was done without Livramento or Lavia, so that in a way is pleasing and there are still players to bring in, both already at the club such as Shea Charles and those who will be brought in to replace those who have left.

There will be some who will point to the fact that we had so much possession, 80% to be exact and the Championship record for the most passes, but we only scored twice, they do have a point, but only a small one, it should be remembered that this was the first competitive game, the first time we have played our full side so to speak and not experimenting.

We have players who a track record of scoring in this division and it could be said all three of them scored (lol) Armstrong/Tella and Che Adams winner, judge them all on what they do in the coming season and the level they need to do it at, not their Premier League record.

We created the chances, 23 of them to be exact with 7 on target, the sharpness will come.

At the back we limited them to just 7 attempts, most not threatening and they got just one on target, the goal, but I think we will work on that.

Another thing is the team looks much fitter and it works harder as a result, if you are going to pass and pass, you have to move and move and we are doing this, we looked strong in the final minutes whilst Wednesday were spent.

A man of the match was hard, Will Smallbone was a definite contender, he won the ball and he moved it, he closes people down and showed just why he had such a good season at Stoke in the Championship last season.

Likewise Nathan Tella and Sam Edozie, they have the pace to really take on defences at this level, we new that with Tella, but with Edozie we had seen glimpses, but now he seems to be finding his feet.

So there were far more positives than negatives in this game, that's a good ratio to have, but it wasn't perfect and there are still things to work on.

The big issue though is who will stay or go from the 14 players that took part, that is a big question, there was enough to show that we can still be a force without them as long as we bring in the right players, all we can do to the end of the transfer window is use them while they are here and hopefully build the foundations for the rest of the season.

This was exactly that, all three points giving us a good start to the season, only our 4th opening day win in 35 years, that in itself is a good omen.

The first game is over and three points in the bag, Russell Martin has shown that he is a manager with a gameplan, it will be a long season, but it can be an exciting one.

Photo: Action Images

highfield49 added 12:09 - Aug 6 I was impressed, and slightly surprised, by the quality of the passing game. Whether that was due to Wednesday not having the ability to adapt their style or just too many ageing legs playing catch up was hard to tell. All in all a very satisfying start to the season ahead. Whilst the defence wasn't hugely tested, and I suspect VAR might have ruled out their goal for a foul in the build up, up front we could have probably scored at least two more goals with a Rickie Lambert rampaging around the penalty area. However, in the short time Che Adams was on the pitch he demonstrated how to get into goal scoring positions without just running around in circles trying to lose a marker.

12

JoeEgg added 12:22 - Aug 6 I need to keep my comments short and to the point. We WON a football match. I had forgotten the feeling. Just to repeazt ;;;we WON a football match. I didn't read anywhere in Nick's article just how poor a side Wednesday looked. They will struggle to survive in the Championship in my vuew and there are much tougher tasks ahead for our boys. Nick is confident that we will score goals at this level but how much better off would we be with a 'Danny Ings' type addition; And what if we lose Che Adams? A good start - and we WON a football match.

3

Ifonly added 12:26 - Aug 6 I agree with much of that report but I think to give a full picture we have to note how bad Wednesday were. They didn't often threaten to lay a finger on us but when they did they showed that we are still vulnerable at set pieces. Overall though, many more positives than negatives and just enjoyable to see us being the obviously better side. That hasn't happened in a league game for a while.

4

landerwal added 12:27 - Aug 6 Quick crisp accurate passing stopped SW getting any rhythm going. I wasn't happy reading that we were playing procession football this season as we had tried it in pass seasons, but this was something else. Let's hope that we contue in this vein for the rest of the season.
4

SaintPaulVW added 13:16 - Aug 6 We played really well. I just wonder how much of that was due to a fairly poor SW side who just stood of us and let us get on with it. Still early season, so no point getting too negative. If we can come out of August with a settled squad in a top 6 place we'll be well set up. Agree small one was good but got barged off the ball a few times do needs to bulk up a bit, Tella, Edozie and KWP were electric. Look forward to loads of goals fromcutbacks if they, stick around and, carry on like that. Charly is also made for this league. Far bigger tests to come but great to get a win under our belt. Saints fans were also excellent. Russell Martin looks a calm inspiring presence both before, during and after the game. Feeling very positive. After the last few years that's quite a relief. COYR

2

Boris1977 added 13:20 - Aug 6 Can only beat what's in front of you as the cliche goes and relived to get that game out of the way. There was a notable atmosphere of tightness within the squad which is a massive positive and that will be important in this long tough season ahead. As others has noted the players looked comfortable on the ball and the passing game in general. Now that tino is leaving we need to spend money on a big solid experienced CB. We're in this division because we can't keep clean sheets. Even with our limited goal scoring ratio just 3 clean sheets last season would have kept us in the top flight (whether that's a good thing or not is another issue altogether.) So often teams would have one shot on target and take points off us. In face on the wolves game they only had one shot on target and got all 3 PTS due to bednaraks ridiculous OG. I'm a fan of Stephens on the ball bringing it out (and I think he's captain material) but as a CB he's not strong enough and between him and Bednarak I can see us conceding silly goals by playing into trouble. No amount of coaching is going to change them at this stage of their careers. This needs urgent address and the old adage of if in doubt is the most obvious fix here. The standard in this league is pretty low but most of our fan base are also realistic and are not complacent about returning 'to where we belong' BS. The stats speak for themselves in this league with a large percentage of goals coming from set pieces. Other than JWPs expertise we don't score many from set pieces. Looking forward to the Norwich match on Saturday and building on Fridays result. COYRS

1

landsdownsaint added 14:00 - Aug 6 RM is right about Smallbone bring like a new signing , I presume we’re getting the set piece coach in for 2 reasons firstly JWP is going & we are gonna pick up tons of free kicks this season
1

Bowlercow added 14:21 - Aug 6 We didn't need to be at our best to beat a poor side like SW but the confidence with which we played was very pleasing Many others in this league will not allow us to dominate so much Great feeling to have a win and a style that is pleasing on the eye If RM can produce this in 5/6 weeks then we could be formidable for the run in from Feb to May
2

davidargyll added 16:38 - Aug 6 Let’s be honest SW made us look like Man City but you can’t get away from the fact that we played with a renewed confidence that was sadly lacking for most of last season. I’m really hopeful that this was a good indicator of what’s to come… Ok so we are likely to lose a couple more players in the next few weeks. But - and yes this is a very unfashionable view I know - maybe it’s time to give SR (and Gao) a bit more praise for frankly playing a blinder in that we now have a seriously well capitalised club worth much more than most of our rivals, which really should put us in the top two or three by the end of the season. Yes we cocked it up horrendously on the managerial front last season but hopefully that’s all now behind us. And if the way we played on Friday is anything to go by, that is now being echoed by the team’s performance. PS. Am I alone in thinking that valuing Lavia at around £50m is completely bonkers…? Overpriced doesn’t come anywhere near it. I can’t help but think that Chelsea saying they’d pay a fortune for him just after we bought him hasn’t distorted a few minds…Tino on the other hand I reckon will be a loss even if he didn’t really develop much from the promise he showed when we first signed him. And of course he could have a chequered career injury-wise.

-1

sidsaint added 18:12 - Aug 6 Great to win the first game and with goals from open play. Also liked the way we kept possession with slick passing which could be useful in holding on to a lead with the extra time being a regular part of the game now.. Hope we can keep JWP and strengthen defence.
1

saintmark1976 added 18:24 - Aug 6 davidargyll, I’ve got to disagree with you about the value of Lavia. In my opinion he was head and shoulders above all of our players last season and a very large number of the opposition players also.He has that one invaluable quality which few others have, in that he has time on the ball no matter what the circumstances. Very few players ever have that sort of ability thus at £50 million if anything, I suggest that he is undervalued.

6

WestSussexSaint added 18:37 - Aug 6 RM said before the match the players had to be patient, brave and keep their nerve with the style of play. I think as fans we will need to do the same. The early goal made “Russball” a lot more comfortable as a viewing experience. It’s clear he won’t change the style regardless of the match situation so as fans we need to have a bit of patience if we are not leading or indeed losing late in a game. Norwich will be a sterner test of “Russball” and our promotion credentials. But a decent start and seeing as we hadn’t won the opening league game for 10 years I’l take it.

4

davidargyll added 19:18 - Aug 6 Saintmark1976 i guess I will remain in the minority because I simply didn’t see in Lavia what you -and presumably others - did. As and when he/the Board decide where he is going, it’ll be fascinating to see his development, which I freely admit may be more than I expect if/when he becomes part of a much more talented squad.
-1

kenis added 08:25 - Aug 7 I also think Lavia at £50m is not over valued, whoever gets him will be getting an amazing player assuming he stays on track. Only concern was that it was KWP-JWP-Che that got the second goal and can’t see any being here after the window closes. Don’t see why we would be linked so heavily with Max Aarons if KWP was staying. Smacks of they all know he’s going but waiting for other moves to take place in the chain. Would be great to see Che stay but he’ll have an idea of the contracts on offer from Prem sides, and don’t think we’d be brave enough just to let him run his contract down. On JWP clearly if spurs match or better West Ham offer he’s going to go, seems Hoijberg’s move to Athletico may be behind that one, he has the greater chance of staying given contract length and valuation.

0

ElSanto added 10:10 - Aug 7 A very enjoyable match to watch, and it's also very enjoyable to get the first of many verdicts from you, Nick. We will know a lot more after Friday, but this was very impressive from the SAINTS!
0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Huddersfield Town Polls