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Southampton V Aston Villa The Verdict Sunday, 18th Sep 2022 09:39
Well it was a better performance and scoreline than the same fixture 6 months ago, but ultimately the result was the same and Saints will really consider this a game that they really should have got something out of.
The evening started with a period of silence in respect of the Queen, a silence observed impeccably by both sets of supporters, pleasing to see after some issues at other games.
If ever there was a game where the phrase deja vu could be used, then it was this one, in one respect it was good that it wasn't deja vu for the corresponding fixture at Villa Park last season, but sadly it was a performance that was very similar to our last time out, the 1-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers, were we also looked comfortable for much of the game, but ultimately lost it for a lack of concentration just before half time.
It was a game of few chances, there were actually only 4 shots on target between the two sides, 2 of Villa's 3 came just before the break when Gavin Bazunu had to make a smart save, but in the subsequent scramble Villa got a foot in first and fired home from close range, in truth this was the only real time either side looked like scoring.
These are situations were quick reactions are needed, we were caught sleeping as Villa were more alert to the ball than we were.
In truth Saints never really got going, they seemed to win the first ball ok, but Villa constantly won the second, meaning we made it hard for ourselves in then having to win it back, we never seemed to be able to get the ball down at our feet and have a run at the Villa defence.
Ralph's game plan seemed to be keep it tight first half and then look to get a grip of the game and press forward in the second, that was going all to plan until Villa scored and that meant we were going to have to play catch up.
The first change was at the break when Juan Larios came on for his debut in place of Romain Perraud, clearly more of an attacking full back than the Frenchman, also on for Ibrahima Diallo was Joe Aribo, Ralph had changed the emphasis from defence to attack.
To be honest not much changed, we didn't lose anything defensively, I don't think Bazunu had a shot on target to save second half, but then again neither did we create anything either, Villa had their goal and were content to hold what they had and although they looked ok on the break, they rarely looked like they would add to the total.
With 20 minutes to go Stuart Armstrong was on for his namesake Adam, and also Sekou Mara on for Che Adams, but again little changed, the last throw of the dice was with 11 minutes to go when Samuel Edozie came on for Elyounousi, in truth this was a change that should have been made a lot earlier, Elyounoussi was never in the game and his replacement had barely a chance to shine as the home side got behind the ball and gave us nothing.
This was perhaps a small criticism that could be levelled at Ralph Hasenhuttl, did he show Villa too much respect, certainly he left Elyounoussi on a lot longer than he should have been and Sam Edozie on the bench for far too long, he is aware that this is a side that needs to be allowed to nurture, that it needs to be reined in sometimes to avoid mistakes as we did last season, piling forward and getting caught on the break, but sometimes you have to allow them off the leash.
So the end result was another 1-0 defeat and disappointment as this was a game that although we didn't deserve to win it anymore than Villa did, we certainly didn't deserve to lose it either.
The good news is that defensively we seem to have sorted things out, our last three fixtures have seen only 3 goals conceded, if we compare the same three games last season, all played in the second half of that season, we conceded 13 goals and scored just one without taking a single point.
So from this perspective there is visible improvement, just the 3 goals against and 2 for with 3 points on the board.
Perhaps the best moment of the night for the travelling Saints supporters was sadly not from their own team, but from one who was formerly one of our own, Danny Ings introduction on 84 minutes was perhaps an indication of just how downhill his career has gone since leaving St Mary's just 13 months ago.
When he left for his "Project" that would have included being in the England squad for the World Cup in Quatar, now that dream has long gone, he is reduced to a bit part at Villa, a late sub to run the game down.
How different that could have been, if he had stayed at Saints then things could have been a lot different, not just for Ings himself but for Saints.
I didn't join in the abusive anti Ings chant, that quite a few did, but I did cheer enthusiastically in the final minutes when with Saints attacking and Gavin Bazunu up in the Villa box, the ball was cleared to Ings, with an open goal, albeit from distance, he blazed his shot far and wide, sadly the biggest cheer that Saints fans would get to give on the night.
So that is something to not only build on, but to do so with optimism, this is now a young side, but it needs to gel and a lot of the players in it are still learning, but they will only get better with experience and that will bode well.
So disappointment at Villa Park, but there are the shoots of recovery sprouting, we just need to now turn those shoots into draws and wins and from this perspective the Everton game in two weeks time is a big big game.
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SHW - You are correct and I didnt realize that as I didnt look at the bench before the game. That then adds another question as to why he wasnt there? Why did we take him on loan if we are not going to use him? More questions than answers.
From day 1 of the transfer window, the priorities were a finisher and a defensive organiser. Possibly supported by some young talent but also some experienced organisers. We had the busiest transfer windsow in years and we have just witnessed an awful awful performance, what is the point?
WE all seem to agree (well almost everyone). A very poor showing with a lack of midfield inspiration and an almost zero strike force. Sadly, only the VAR ref. thought it was a goal. The ref. on the pitch followed the standard rule - don't punish the home side too much, because no-one expects the away side to be good enough to win. McGinn was Villa's executioner-in-chief and on another day would have got a red card before HT.
We need to get people into the box, but too often some are still looking around trying to figure out where they ought to be. A convincing win against Everton is a must if we are to avoid a relegation dogfight - yet again.
Disappointed with the exclusion of Niles. Why did Saints loan the guy if they knew he had an attitude problem and don't play him when he's needed? Diallo went AWOL and Elyanoussi was not good enough. Meanwhile we desperately need a Prem central midfield replacement should JWP or Lavia be injured - as illustrated in the last few weeks. Che also needs a goal scoring partner up front- we're not going to get many points with just Che on his own! Then again Ralph tends to be to cautious and falls back on playing players out of position, or the wrong players in any position, in negative or vulnerable formations. What's wrong with a simple 4-4-2, tweaked when necessary. Players could get used to their positions and get to understand where others are. While our defence and midfield would be stronger and we'd have more of an attacking threat. For example KWP wouldn't be caught out so much, Aribo could play on the right of midfield and Mara could partner Adams. Edozie could also play on the left. The bench could also then be used to greater effect with immediate replacements. We also failed to get a replacement at right back in the summer. Still that won't happen and Ralph will keep fiddling and the team will continue to struggle with consistency. Saints still haven't had a consistent team or a group of players that are a cohesive team for 4 years since Ralph's arrival. He really doesn't help his own cause at times and to remain in a the job after two 9-0 loses and a 6-0 whilst being paid £6 million a year shows Ralph to be one of the luckiest managers on the planet - Potter was paid nearly a quarter of the money at Brighton.
Nick, I've know you you since our teenage years and know how dedicated a Saints fan you are. But you've got a lot of criticism for this 'verdict' and I can't defend you from any of it. You are in serious danger of losing credibility if you sweep under the carpet RH's obvious failings. This is a much better squad that we had 6 months ago and you know that. There is no excuse for a performance like that with the squad we have. This is completely down to RH and I only hope you start writing soon, what you know is the truth.....
Dreadful performance no amount of excuses can excuse this, Very worrying Some players not fit to wear the shirt, ME,ID in particular. The Manager’s selection of the team? Well we all have opinions but I cannot find any fan who would have picked this team. Also what is wrong with JWP?
Looks like we are back to square one. The Everton game has now got to be the game which gets our season back on track. After the Chelsea game there was such optimism.... Ralph, unfortunately, has reverted to type. We have new owners, players and a revamped coaching staff.....yet, here we are again. I am now thinking Ralph has to go should we lose the Everton game.
Last season's run of good games came to a sudden halt after we lost 0-4 at Villa Park. Despite the lesser defeat (only 0-1) we showed less fight and creativity this time around than we did on the previous occasion in the Spring. My only explanation is that we still lack the goal-scoring prowess of an Ings, Pelle, Mane or Lambert. Some might say that we had some " bad luck " in not securing one of our targeted options in the summer, and in retrospect it was probably right NOT to sign " just anyone " to fill a shirt, but must ensure we get a good prospect /or even two signed up - after the New Year, because clearly this present set-up just isn't working.
Hopefully this is a wake-up call for everyone, because we don't have the " cushion" of a hatful of points in the bag to fall back on this time around.
ANOTHER game where we did nothing, showed nothing and came away with nothing.
Most teams have a blip when they lose, our blips are the ones we win.
To all of those who shout Ralph praises, refusing to acknowledge how USELESS he is, your finally getting what you want, ANOTHER relegation battle, one that will end up with us losing and playing Pompey next season.
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