x

Saints V MK Dons The Verdict

Saints finally found their goal scoring touch to give Ronald Koeman a few selection headaches on Saturday.

The tie was almost as good as over before it had really begun with Jay Rodrigues scoring after only 5 minutes followed by Sadio Mane doubling the lead on 10, when Mane got his second after 25 minutes there was only going to be one team going through to the next round and the half time statistics although even on possession were heavily stacked in Saints favour when it came to shots , something in the region of 15 attempts with the home side way behind with 2.

But if the MK Dons manager had been reminding his team of Tranmere's comeback in 2001 from a 3-0 deficit at home to Saints, he was to be disappointed in their response with Jay Rodriguez hitting his second from the spot shortly after the break.

Ryan Bertrand was brought on afterwards for his first competive match in nearly five months.

That just about finsished the home side off and it was damage limitation from then on, ex Saint Ben Reeves coming off the bench.

But he was not to do too much good as Shane Long came off the Saints bench and hit a brace in the 68th and 75th minute to make it six.

There was even an appearance from Gaston Ramirez as with the game won Ronald Koeman elected to keep Wanyama, James Ward Prowse and Dusan Tadic rested for Saturday although Yoshida made an appearance with ten minutes left to give Virgil Van Dijk a game.

Saints though with the game won concentrated on making sure that they did not pick up injuries and bookings etc in the final part of the game rather than going gung ho, although Jay Rodriguez missed a late header for his hat trick in the final minute of normal time.

So a 6-0 win for Saints and the likes of Shane Long who scored two as well as an assist to his name and Jay Rodriguez who looked back to his old self will be pushing for places in the starting line up against Swansea on Saturday.

Overall though a good work out for the side and hopefully it has done the two things I hoped it would pre game, enabled us to find our scoring touch again and that can kick start our slow start to the season.

What to read next:

Uchegbulam Signs for Latics
In a bizarre transfer move, Dale winger Jesurun Uchegbulam has left Rochdale to join one of our biggest rivals.
Cameron Gone
Jim McNulty confirmed in his latest video interview that the last of the out of contract players has now left the club.
Aidan Barlow Becomes Fifth Summer Signing
After an initial busy period, it's been quiet on the transfer front recently but today, out of nowhere, Dale made their fifth summer signing.
Jimmy Keohane Goes Home
News has come out of the club that Swiss Army Jimmy has rejected his contract offer from Dale and left the club.
Rodney Signs New Deal
Somewhat surprisingly you could say, Devante Rodney has signed a new 2-year contract at Dale!
Nevett Linked With Posh Move
Dale centre half George Nevett is now being linked with a big move to Peterborough United.
Three Scholars Offered New Deals
The club have now released their retained list for the Academy Scholars with three players offered new deals.
Brad Kelly Signs New Contract
Dale goalkeeper Brad Kelly has signed a new one-year deal to stay at Spotland.
Hendo Signs For Another Year
Dale striker Ian Henderson has signed a new one year contract to stay at Spotland, [insert goat emoji here]
Dale Sign Tanzanian International
Rochdale have added another winger to their ranks in the form of a Tanzanian International.