If there is one team you don't want to play when trying to end a goal drought it is West Brom, it took a special goal to win a horrible game.

Tony Pulis is one of the most odious managers in football, in fact change that, one of the most odious person not just in football but of virtually any other public figure, he puts out teams designed to spoil the game and that was clear from the moment they ran out of the tunnel at St Mary's, they were time wasting in their own warm up such was their desire to run the clock down without conceding a goal and then hope to get one on the break.

Mauricio Pellegrino did little to try and change things himself to end Saints poor form, one change and as good as Steven Davis is, he is not a game changer or in general a scorer or creator of goals.

So with little changed this game followed the same pattern as most of our other fixtures this season, we had the majority of possession, but rarely got any of our players in decent goal scoring positions, with the opposition content to sit back and let us pass the ball around in midfield.

For most of the game Saints looked solid, Fraser Forster juggled a cross to let his critics have a moan, but crucially made the one save he had to, but the issue is not defending it is about creating good chances and once again we failed to do so.

With five minutes left there seemed to be nothing on the horizon to suggest a goal, Pellegrino had thrown on Boufal and Austin four minutes earlier, but that looked a case of too little too late and the odious Pulis was rubbing his hands at the thought of a point.

Then Boufal picked up the ball midway in his own half and ran with it and ran with it, beating five players before stroking the ball into the bottom corner for what was arguably the best ever individual goal scored at St Mary's.

West Brom were broken, there was no late onslaught from them and Saints held out comfortably for all three points to push themselves into the top ten.

Yes it was another dire game, but the goal changes things in that it will inspire confidence, as we move up the table we can start to play not only with more confidence but more importantly without fear.

Boufal's goal showed that Saints have plenty of goal scorers and match winners, the issue is getting them into positions where they can score.

Now Mauricio Pellegrino has to start to show his leadership qualities, we have a trip to Brighton next week followed by a home game against Burnley, both are winnable and the manager has to do what his predecesor failed to, win three games in a row, if we can do that things will look a lot rosier.

So a game where the result matters a lot more than the manner of achieving it, this late goal changed the whole picture, we can start to look up the table rather than over our shoulders.

Last word though to Tony Pulis who had this to say about Boufal's goal in the post match press conference.

"The viewers will see it and think it's a wonderful goal. He's going past five players, one or two you'd hope would do better. It's disappointing."

What a lovely humble man who can lose with good grace !

Photo: Action Images

sambat added 09:46 - Oct 22 I see Tadic is still falling on the floor at the slightest touch. At least Boufal looks to be staying on his feet, and look at the result. If Tadić is going to keep this up he can leave ASAP. This isn’t the Southampton way.
11

SaintPaulVW added 09:47 - Oct 22 I agree the result more important than the game. Had it been a 0-0 draw would have been moaning about the same things. Same old same old, lots of ineffective possession, created and squandered lots of half chances. Boufal deserves to get a shot and replace Tadic who seems completely out of sorts and I'd probably put Austin in for Long, who for all his strengths just cannot shoot atm. VVD and Bertrand looked better, Cedric erratic. Still that goal.......wow.

15

underweststand added 09:56 - Oct 22 Right !. Pulis' tactics seem to be ...play for a draw and try to score - if you can, but we know that problem at SMS...then along came Boufal. It's tough on those players who sit out the game on the bench, but such is the format of PL football. To his credit, Boufal's goal ALMOST comes into the category of the first two he scored last season... a sudden goal out of nothing. The skill he showed in the French League is still there, but the tougher atmosphere of the Prem. has perhaps blunted his spirit a little and he does have a tendency to try and beat the same man over and over again , but with a finish like that , I'm sure fans will forgive him. Tony Pulis' aftermatch talk might have steamed the paint off the dressing room walls, and it may be hard for him to admit that his team may have fallen to the Goal of the Season. A great effort which Saints fans will watch many times over and which would have broughtt a smile to Matt Le Tissier's face, too.

10

Whatsforpud added 09:58 - Oct 22 Can't agree with your general sentiments about the game. If we have a poor first half and a good second, then people only remember the second half. Yesterday was the other way round. In that first half, we created many chances, and on another occasion, Yoshida's downward header, and the shot that hit the post, would have both gone in. Nick, you are still being defensive about FF. His handling and decision-making doesn't inspire confidence for the defenders or the supporters.

11

petesmaterob added 09:59 - Oct 22 don't agree with you on this one Nick. The standard of football has been poor all season and I have agreed with most posters about negative tactics but I thought we were much further up the field and there was less aimless possession. The impact of Davis was also very positive as it allowed Bertrand to get forward more which is one of our biggest threats. There is still a long way to go but I saw good signs today with us being more high tempo all over the pitch. As an aside is it only me an my mate Pete who think the music before the match is not only inappropriate but seriously too loud. We cannot chat to our old cronies which is normally a big part of the enjoyment of the day.

7

tell101 added 10:17 - Oct 22 We did have most of our team in their half for significant periods of time, a good thing but I was waiting for the cruel counter attack against the run of play, but it never happened. Much more positive but we still have the problem of slow build up. We always face 10 men behind the ball because we are to slow. Having said that there were a few penetrating passes which is a start. I've said before that Redmund isnt good enough but I might take that back based on the last 2 performances. However we do have a problem with Bertrand and Redmund together, it just doesnt happen down that side when they play together. One last observation, backed up by watching MOTD today. If Tadic wants to reach his potential he needs to start taking chances first time. Time and time again he is in the right place, gets the ball but messes about trying to get on the favored foot and then the chance is gone. He has to get more confident to hit it first time because in those dangerous positions you get fractions of a second before your closed down/ Overall much better but still a VERY long way to go

9

halftimeorange added 10:38 - Oct 22 Boufal should have been on somewhat earlier. He showed against Newcastle that he is prepared to run at a defence and, yesterday, that defence was already leaden-footed having battled for most of the game to keep Saints at bay. That goal was the best I've seen since Henri Camara scored for us almost a decade ago. Was it just me or did Bertrand play far more positively without the bickering Redmond in front of him? I noticed that Lemina did push up further but not quite enough, tending to offload the ball rather than continuing into the penalty area. Perhaps his ballooned long-range shot early in the game was a contributory factor. Forster's handling is a grave cause for concern but booing him and applauding easy collecting of the ball is, at best, unhelpful and, at worst, likely to completely undermine his confidence. I sometimes wonder what fans who do that think they're achieving. The same applies to Redmond. I don't rate him as a team player but jeering his appearance from the bench is foolhardy. I notice that The Verdict states that, for the most part, Saints looked solid but no mention is made of the clear cut opportunity given to Rodriguez to humble his old club which he made a complete hash of - possibly demonstrating why the management saw fit to bid him farewell for a decent fee in the siummer. As for Tony Pulis - if I supported a club with very ordinary players I would certainly want as a manager someone who would instill discipline and commitment in them. Pulis has done it elsewhere and that is why he is so highly regarded by Jose Mourinho - who, I respectfully submit, knows more about managing in the EPL than us lot who express worthy but, amateur, opinions on here. Oh, and talking of odious people....

4

SaintGeorge added 10:53 - Oct 22 @saintpaul "I'd probably put Austin in for Long" proabably? PROBABLY????????? Playing Long has been like playing with ten men all season.
2

mattthelegend added 10:56 - Oct 22 Petematerob, I think the music is meant to inspire some kind of party atmosphere, which clearly has no effect!!
0

LondonSaint added 11:04 - Oct 22 Positives: + 2 up front meant strikers in the channels, someone in/near the box most of the time, and finally pulling oppositions centre-backs around and creating space + Bertrand and Cedric playing as wingbacks + Boufal - time for a start + Positive substitutions + Solid defensively (not that they had much to do!) + VVD carrying the ball forward + Lemina is a beast + Yoshida overhead kick :) Negatives: + Long is a great worker but time to give Austin a chance, especially with two up front + Trying to win the ball back so high up the pitch against a defensive team means so space to take advantage of (think England vs Iceland). We have to let defensive teams come onto us a bit to be able to exploit them + Build up play still too slow + Forster trying to make things more exciting by himself + Bertrand and Cedric got into great positions but crossing was a little lacking. Think this is just a case of lack of practice - hopefully that will change if they can keep these roles.

8

LondonSaint added 11:05 - Oct 22 ^^ means NO space to take advantage of
0

DPeps added 11:21 - Oct 22 3 points, but in truth this win just papers over the cracks. We have no fluency in our attacks, and seem to prefer to wait until the opposition defence is in place before trying the killer pass. Boufal changed all that by actually running forwards with the ball. Forster needs to sort his head out. On another day their strikers would’ve poked in one of those easy dropped crosses

9

City_boy added 11:37 - Oct 22 I am not sure why you are protecting Fraser F. Yes he made one good save, but juggled one and made a very poor clearance. He had hardly anything to do all game, yet these 2 incidents could have cost us. West Brom will always try and sneak one goal and then put and extra 4 behind their back 6 and sit back. I am still a supporter of Fraser, but he does have moments where his concentration lapses and slow to respond.

5

aceofthebase added 11:54 - Oct 22 It's time to build the team around the skill and enthusiasm of Boufal as we did with Lallana. We pressed so hard in the first half and naturally they parked the bus which made it difficult for us to get a clear chance. VVD once again looked sharp and interested. Always cool under pressure. Tadic put in some better time but faded, slow to shoot, surely he must be rested. Cedric just boots the ball anywhere and doesn't get forward as he used to. Boufal was magnificent and what a brilliant solo effort. (Seem to remember seeing Chivers scoring a solo effort from the halfway line ) FF just lost the plot. Simple high catches dropped. Yoshi his usual commited and enthusiastic performance and unlucky not to be on the scoresheet again. It's a pity we cannot or do not play Hoedt

8

helpineedsomebody added 11:59 - Oct 22 great goal but how was it made beating players making space & running through the middle SIMPLE
5

TeamCortese added 12:11 - Oct 22 Well balanced article Nick. However, I have to agree with most of the comments. This performance papers over the cracks in relation to the key issues that need to be addressed. Firstly, our slow attacking play due to not having a proper attacking midfielder (for me Boufal is closest player to that on current form). Secondly, positivity and commitment from our players week-in week-out. This has to be solved by the manager. Right now I'm not sensing any significant difference between Puel and MP. When MoPo came in you could see it immediately. However, I will commend Boufal for his wonder goal but we can't rely on that every week. He really did get MP out of jail there and MP knows it. Why he didn't start is beyond me. With the greatest respect to Tadic and Redmond, who are very gifted players they need some time on the bench to give them a kick up the backside. On current form they're not playing well but MP is still persisting. I don't think playing them this is helping their confidence. Lastly, we seriously need to look for a new goalie and also ship out Long, Austin, Tadic, Forster, VVD and Redmond in Jan and over the summer. I would love it if we brought in Benteke, Zaha or Promes and a hungry young goalkeeper. Sam Gallagher should be given a chance to prove himself as well. He just needs to learn from a quality striker like Kane did when he was younger. Come on you Saints!

5

TeamCortese added 12:16 - Oct 22 Lastly, I want to add Davis had a good game but I think he needs to play in a more defensive position. For me he didn't do enough in the final third. Perhaps Lemina would be more effective in the middle up top. I also think in the long-term Hojberg needs be given more opportunities. Why he can't get on the bench doesn't make sense to me. Did he have a falling out with the manager?

7

wibbersda added 12:20 - Oct 22 So, it would seem that we cannot score as a team and now have to rely on individual skill through frustration. Maybe that should now be our game plan.
1

skiptonsaint added 12:29 - Oct 22 First half better, second half poor. Subs too late for me. But do feel there were more signs of slight progress in the team as people have listed above Didn't we try Austin and Gabs upfront in a horrible first half display in a pre season friendly ? Would keep Long in for Brighton as I can see them going for us and hopefully leaving gaps. The main thing for me this weekend is I have now changed from being disappointed with our lack of progress to just wanting to survive this year. There are too many teams this year picking up annoying points . I think you you could go down with 42 points this year...

4

Keesie66 added 13:09 - Oct 22 So Boufal picks up the ball deep in his own half Option 1. The familiar Saints way, he keeps it and plays it backwards to another player who plays it to Foster, who boots it up the field and West Brom take over. Option 2. He thinks forward, goes towards the West Brom goal and the rest is history ....... it’s a mindset defend or attack? My 14 year old son when training has the rule “the first pass in your own half must be played forwards”...... mind set

4

SaintBrock added 16:05 - Oct 22 We have a highly talented bunch of young international players managed by a talentless bunch of idiots. End of story. With a decent manager this squad could have had a wonderful season. Time to sell Long & Austin whilst we can still get our money back and try our luck with Redmond & Ward Prowse on eBay.
2

SaintBrock added 16:10 - Oct 22 A few of us are going to write in about the effing awful noise over the PA system before matches and suggest you do the same. Are they trying to deafen us all? They must have recruited an effing lunatic and turned him or her loose on the control box. FFS Saints, turn that noise off!!!
4

SaintBrock added 16:10 - Oct 22 A few of us are going to write in about the effing awful noise over the PA system before matches and suggest you do the same. Are they trying to deafen us all? They must have recruited an effing lunatic and turned him or her loose on the control box. FFS Saints, turn that noise off!!!
0

Consigliere added 16:47 - Oct 22 One swallow doth not a summer make and one (brilliant individual) goal does not turn me into a Boafal fan, but his reaction to scoring (he ran over the manager and, I assume, said something to the effect of "I told you I can do that stuff, now play me every week!" is one giant stride in the right direction. As others have said, Tadic has become a luxury player and perhaps Boufal is the replacement, but I disagree with the comments about VVD being "interested" again. I thought he was off the pace, careless under pressure and making the sort of mistakes that would have had the crowd howling at Yoshida last year (and Yoshi was very unlucky not to have scored - good effort from him once again). I will be happy to see VVD out the door. Davis had a very good game, the link up working again but we continue to have the same old problem in the last third of the pitch. Granted that West Brom came down for the draw, it still wasn't good enough and the players need to be instructed to take more chances when they have a sight on goal.

5

SanMarco added 18:51 - Oct 22 Re Pulis - if one of theirs had ran through our whole team like that we would have expected our manager to criticise the poor defending. He is basically one of a dying breed of British managers, good at organising and keeping a team up but then going as soon as sides expect more, ie good football and top 10. As for us I am slightly surprised at the level of the doom and gloom. I thought it was another, admittedly small, step in the right direction and that goal was brilliant. FF is clearly a big problem and Tadic has surely used up his nine lives, also Cedric needs crossing practice, but I think MP is getting there. It is interesting to compare the last time that Boufal scored a good goal to win us a match 1-0 vs Middlesborough last season. That game was truly dire, a lot worse than this one. I think we are one good attacking mf away from being a decent side - I'd certainly rather be us than Everton. I was singing 'Poor old Ronny Kay' to the tune of the start of Come On Eileen this afternoon - I was laughing as I did so of course....

8

Blogs 31 bloggers

Norwich City Polls