Back in civilisation and regret to say that I have to agree with TimSaint even after plenty of time to reflect whilst on the train. Let there be no doubt about it - Sheffield won because they were the better team on the night. I wouldn't have minded losing so much if our lot had been up for the fight but they weren't. Worse, I actually thought that they were pretty dirty, and that is not the Southampton way. Back to the drawing board methinks. Some of the poorest performers - Mane in particular - should be left to fester for a while. Sure, he can run at a hundred miles an hour but so what? Lambert would have lumbered into the right position and then done something useful with the ball in front of goal.

Rant over. Time to get b behind the team for the next outing.

0

I know I've made this point before but nothing succeeds like success - the transformation in the team after the first (own) goal was almost palpable. Gone was the nervousness and we always looked like scoring a second, which from where I was seated looked a bit scrappy but will reserve judgment until MOTD. The third goal was a striker's finish from a player - Yoshida - I have always rated even when others were criticising him earlier in the season. Clyne seems to be back on form and the Pele/Long combination has real promise. As for the youngsters, some genuine raw talent there which should make for an exciting future. I was thoroughly cheesed off after the Sheffield debacle but the best way to assuage the disappointed customer is to over-perform next time, and by that token Saints have done all the right things. One swallow does not a summer make but it does feel as though we are back on track. Great support from the fans as well, and respect to Everton who turned up in large numbers to support their team.

3

Good display - glad to see RoKo switch things up (finally!) and play three at the back.
Everyone played well today, especially Reed. Give the boy a run in the team after today.
The main thing was the effort and commitment for me - RK freshened things up and it showed. Wasn't an amazing performance, but we battled and out fought Everton. Not many can say that over the years so it's good to see us do it.
We should have had a penalty in the first half and Forster was reliable. Special mention to Yoshida who once again proved that he is good enough. Let's hope those moaning about him will pipe down!

2

Without doubt the most inept officiating witnessed for many a day, there should be a minus option for the ref in the ratings as he didn't deserve a positive mark at all. Gutted at the result against that obnoxious crew and gutted for Conrad with a nasty injury. Same old County, always cheating.....

3

Tuesday's Sinners become Saturday Saints.

I must admit I was expecting the scoreline to be reversed before the game. I thought the team was a lot more upbeat today and had more of a hunger about them then we've seem for a few games now. Everton weren't great today but take nothing away from our lads. I thought there was a freshness about them today. Long & Pelle led from the front and looked hungry. Was a pity Long didn't get his goal in the 2nd half. Reed did well in the centre, Davis had a great cross for Yosh to head (shoulder) his goal. Fair play to him. He gets a fair bit of stick but I'm delighted for him tonight. Forster looked more commanding in his box too. Great to keep a clean sheet today.

It looked like we might be in for a tough time when we didn't get an early penalty but we stuck at it. Fans were in great voice from the start which I think helped the team too.

Hopefully, we can build on this and kick on again. Still a tough road ahead but am a bit more confident than I was pre kick off.

1

Much improved - how refreshing to see a more committed and dedicated side. Having the youngsters maybe gave the rest a bit of a kick.
I don't think many expected a win, let alone something as emphatic - but lets be honest, the toffees were poor and were not up for it as much as we were.
I suppose we got a bit of luck for the first goal and boy were we due some after the recent games, but hey, Everton always score for us at SMS. The ref didn't help us either and he must hate Shane Long. He could have easily given us 4 free kicks and a penalty, all against Long, but we got 1 free kick - despite 2 of them being just a little short of assult (gareth barry !!)
Interesting that Mane never got on, but to be honest we didn't need him and he probably would have got booked anyway - speaking of which, I think that is now Fonte out of the Palace game, but at least we should have a few more coming back.
Thoroughly deserved win and we were hardly testred apart from 2 shots in the 2nd half.
Martinez made me laugh though, saying we had changed our set up to accommodate a dangerous Everton team. No Roberto, we changed our formation to accommodate the only players we had available for selection .......and how handsomely it paid off !! :-)

1

County wasting time at 0 0 tossers

1

Great work RK

0

Saints had to beat Everton and a very poor ref. Justice was done with the Lukaku og which should have been a pen with Jagielka being carded. In fact the poor ref galvanised the crowd who got solidly behind the Saints and in was splendid that the second goal went in as 'When the Saints go marching in' was ringing around the ground. Just shows what positive support can do. Harrison Reed, what a game he had, just edges my mom in front of Yoshida, Clyne and Davis

2

What a great way to bounce back. Superb all round display showing determination, patience, commitment ,professionalism and quality throughout the team.

1