After the defeat to Brentford, perhaps the last thing we needed was top 4 Spurs visiting St Mary's, the game didn't quite go to plan, but the truth was by the final whistle it felt like a win and suddenly Saints fans had belief that their team has the fight to stay up.

The usual pre match groans went up when the team was announced at 2pm , Moi Elyounoussi was in the line up and Charly Alcatraz and Kamaldeen Sulemana where on the bench.

But before we start it has to be said that Elyounoussi more than justified his selection as did Theo Walcott who in recent weeks has come in from the cold to play a good part in Saints revival under Ruben Selles.

Some games you can tell from the start whether Saints are up for the game or not, you could tell against Manchester United even before they had a man sent off that we were going to compete, in contrast against Brentford you could tell that we were going to struggle.

Against Spurs you felt that we would compete, we matched them in all areas for 45 minutes, despite the fact that by the 34th minute we had lost both of our central defenders to injury, indeed in this respect bizarrely both team had lost two players to injury in the first 37 minutes, Richarlison lasting only 5 minutes for Spurs.

The first half was a good one for Saints at least up to the first 45 minutes, barely had the announcement that there would be 7 minutes of injury time ended, then we were a goal time, Romain Perraud seemingly already having left the pitch and in the dressing room when suddenly Porro found that he was the only man on our left side and ran into the space, received the ball and smashed it home before anyone could get near him and cover the gap.

So going in at half time a goal down was not good, but many had not even got back to their seats in the second half when Saints equalised a minute after the restart, a great run and cross from Theo Walcott seeing Che Adams stab the ball home from close range, it was now game back on.

But again all our good work was undone and yet again it was a free header that saw us concede, Harry Kane had a couple of our players around him, yet neither could get anywhere near blocking him and he headed home on 65 minutes.

On 74 minutes Saints looked dead and buried, Spurs poured forward and we could do little about Persic's shot.

This silenced St Mary's and there were the usual people streaming for the exit's muttering dark things about Saints and the players, but it wasn't the mass walkout that we have seen on similar occasions, I can't say that most thought we could come back, but many stayed put and perhaps thought they would see what happens next.

Within 3 minutes they had the answer, Theo Walcott slotting home from a headed ball from Sekou Mara and suddenly the crowd believed and Spurs were on the rack, we had a spirit that Spurs didn't have, no one can deny the quality they have, but plenty can dispute the spirit in Antonio Conte's side, they could not match us for heart.

But it looked like they might hang on and like the first half there would be drama as the game turned into injury time, with 89 minutes on the clock and injury time being announced imminently Saints fans were praying that it would be the 7 minutes played in the first half, but then came a change in our luck.

Sarr who had only been on the field 3 minutes brought down Maitland -NIles and the ref pointed to the spot, of course this was far from certain that we would get a penalty to take and as we awaited VAR the board went up for 5 minutes injury time.

For once it went our way and it now needed James Ward Prowse to fire home from the spot, I have to say here I was a little disappointed it wasn't ruled as just outside the box, I thought JWP was a better bet to score from 18 yards than the penalty spot after his last miss, add that he would be taking his kick against former Saints Fraser Forster who had a decent record of saves during his time at St Mary's, perhaps the story would be the return of Forster to St Mary's and not the great comeback.

We all now know what happened next and St Mary's erupted, suddenly we were level and wanted the game over and a point secured instead of a long period of extra time, Spurs geed themselves up a bit for the final minutes but found a resolute Saints team and a St Mary's crowd who vamped up the volume.

The final whistle was greeted by an almighty roar and the Spurs fans who had spent much of the final 15 minutes singing "you're going down with the West Ham" were suddenly silenced .

The fans played a big part in this victory, they stayed with the team and never let up with their support, they sensed something in the air and it happened.

I still feel that we got the team selection slightly wrong, personally I would have played Ainsley Maitland-Niles from the start at right back and Kyle Walker Peters at left, I would have probably wanted both Sulemana and Charly Alcatraz in the starting line up, but I have to say on reflection that none of those that either would have replaced let us down.

We matched Spurs in every department, we got down and scrapped with them when we had to, the only downside was the first two goals, both of which should have been prevented.

Yes this week hasn't been great, 3 games played and just 2 points gained, this is less than what we need, but we are still in touching distance, Palace in 12th place are only 4 points above us, there is still a lot to play for.

There is a spirit in the squad that I feel is missing from many other teams in the bottom half, suddenly the likes of Forest & Palace are getting nervous as are several others like West Ham & Leicester as I said in another article reprising Kevin Costner in the film The Untouchables "Never Stop ! Never stop fighting till the fight is done !

Photo: Action Images

Block8 added 11:36 - Mar 19 Got the dig at Perraud in early Nick. If you watch the first goal Perraud gets dragged in by Kulusevski (who is his man) and Porro comes past Ely into the space! The second goal KWP ends up with Kane, a real mismatch & one of our big failings, we either don't match up properly, from corners and free kicks or we don't stick to our man? However we came back from the dead & I'm pretty certain JWP inspired the team with his huddle after the third goal. Those of us that wrote off Theo may have to eat our words at present, he is performing very well. As for Maitland Niles he seems to play well what ever position he finds himself playing. Just hope we can continue the positivity we showed for the second half of this game!

12

SaintPaulVW added 11:39 - Mar 19 Good report about a roller coaster of a game. Moy is an interesting one. I think he gets picked because of his work rate. However the only time I really notice him on the pitch is when he makes a bad mistake - misses a pass or gets caught in possession which I seem to notice a lot. However he doesn't let his head go down ever. I would certainly play him but not from the start. Lavia yesterday was superb. Brilliant handling and distribution. Lovely pass for the first goal. Bazunu should really have done a bit better on all 3 of their goals. Sulemana showed some electric play and good final balls. If he can stay up for it we will get goals. Finally presumably we are now going to be playing Salisu and DCC for the rest of the season. That's a pretty good back up pair and Salisu looked great yesterday. All to play for COYR

6

JoeEgg added 11:55 - Mar 19 Certainly Theo Walcott has been excellent the past few games. Many fans had written him off but surely this was more a result of the unfortunate way the last two managers used - or more precisely - didn't use him! He provided that much overdue service from wide positions to the forwards in the box. I'm not always a fan myself of Elyanoussi but yesterday his link play and passing was much much more effective. Sulamana can be a real asset from the other wing and at last we were able to find the back of the net. We actually looked like scoring for a change. We spent so much money in January and apparently much of it spent on players we cant use! I feel particularly sorry for Orsic - maybe alongside Adams he could still have a part to play but Selles cant fit them all in! One thing is certain - the penalty was a very lucky break for us and almost as much as the fighting spirit shown by our team, has kept us in the race for survival. Fighting spirit is one thing, but having players like Walcott and Sulumana who can open up defences and create chances for our strikers has to be seen as our main chance of survival. Somebody still has to put the ball in the net but it represents a considerable improvement on the attempts of previous managers!

3

highfield49 added 12:12 - Mar 19 Good post from my point of view Block8. Having lost both our central defenders to injury a perfectly delivered cross to Kane was always going to be a problem with the lack of height available between AMN and KWP. Fabulous pass through their defence to Theo to set up Adams for the equalizer and Mara seemed to shake off his shackles and prove his ability with that cushioned delivery for Theo to knock in. Yes, we're still very much alive and kicking to avoid the relegation places even though other teams picked up points. The only other team in the bottom group who seem to have our ability to scrap for points is Everton and that may well be because they have a manager who the players respect. Thankfully we have the resources to revamp the defence if both central defenders are sidelined by injury and at last we've come alive in attack after so many months of turgid predictability. Whether it was JWP lifting the players or Mara and Walcott finding space between defenders I don't know but suddenly we had a threat in the opposition area that enabled wide players to deliver and set pieces that were creating scoring opportunities. Not out of the woods certainly, but at least we have a path to safety if this level of performance is maintained.

4

ItchenNorth added 13:21 - Mar 19 Love a bit of late drama, especially for all those that walked out at 1-3 with some 20mins still to play! The team needs everyone behind them no matter what the situation. Those that stayed saw drama and excitement, and pure elation at the late pen equaliser. This point could be massive come the end of seasons. The league is so tight, it's up for grabs and the 12 man can make the different. Big mention for Walcott as well. He's been playing far better than many have given him (any) credit for in recent games. He was excellent again Saturday. We know know one thing for sure, he cares about Saints and will give his all. Motm for me, for his assist, goal and energy throughout. He might not be as quick at 34 as he was, but he does the rest pretty darn well. COYR

3

Farlow added 13:25 - Mar 19 Agreat fighting display credit to all involved.I do think we need to fit Orsic in somehow as he is the only proven goalscorer at the highest level.Great to see Stuey start the game. I agree with the earlier comment about Maitland Niles at Right Back and KWP on the left. KWP actually seems to perform better on the left side.Or even Djenneppo on the right who always gives 100 per cent.COYR

0

Bowlercow added 13:51 - Mar 19 I would have been seriously angry if that pen had been given against us Disgraceful refereeing but thank you I will send him a bottle if that point keeps us up One question that will never be answered, would Bednarek have beaten Kane to that header? We now have some momentum that we can carry into the Wet Spam game Under Ralph we usually came back stronger after these breaks so fingers crossed

0

saintmark1976 added 13:52 - Mar 19 I appreciate that it is “water under the bridge now” but yesterday’s fighting performance bought into even greater focus the monumental error that the board made in giving Jones the opportunity of managing our Premiership team. Unless we are extremely fortunate,Jones’s tenure with us during which he displayed complete ineptitude in coaching, team selection and motivation will still ultimately end up costing us our Premiership status. What were the board members thought processes in appointing a man with at best a moderate record at lowly Luton and at worst an utterly hopeless record at Stoke?

7

bryanK added 14:24 - Mar 19 Sometime since I enjoyed a game at St Mary’s but even at 3-1 down we were far better than the recent dross. I am a great admirer of Ward Prowse and cannot praise him enough. However, we have made him the centre of our universe but should he be played as one of two in midfield? My view is no I would prefer him wide on the right in midfield in front of KWP and use him considerable ability to create crosses that we currently seem incapable of doing. Brentford was a great example of our inability to do this. Could our result against Spurs be a turning point? I really hope so

1

DellBoyWally added 14:40 - Mar 19 Prior to Ralph's sacking we had 14 games and earned 12 points Since Ralph's sacking we've had 14 games and earned 11 points Of course the latter half was not helped by Nuthin Jones's 8 games and 3 points Ruben is now 6 games in with 8 points which, if continued, would give us 36 points come season's end. Enough?? But, looking at the games to come, where are we going to pick up points? The programme I've produced gives us 11 more points, a total of 34, and that includes defeating Liverpool on the final day! (although, with their away form only fractionally better that our home form, that is not as daft as it might at first seem) My programme has given wins against Palace, B'mouth and Liverpool, draws against WHU and Fulham but nothing from the rest. We have to show the same fight as yesterday in EVERY game. Other teams won't fold like Spuds!!! We have to score goals. Obvious to say but, with our scoring record, hard to do! We average minus 0.82 goals a game. So it's gonna be tight! We have to do better than draws; and pick up points where it seems unlikely.

0

jameslastfan added 15:57 - Mar 19 Good report. One thing I haven't seen reported is the huddle after we went 3-1 down JWP called all the players into a circle ( while TH team were milking the goal celebrations) and they had around a 15 second pep talk. JWP looked animated but maybe others too, but it worked - that was a strong indicator why we bounced back I think and maybe a reason people stayed - we were on a mission. Would love to know why Willy was despatched so urgently right round the pitch with 2 minutes to go with a message for Charly - wonder what it was that he didn't understand in English but did in Spanish!?! Enjoyable afternoon, felt like a win.

3

Peterx added 16:57 - Mar 19 Loved the fight. We need to find a solution for set-plays that doesn't end up with Toney / Kane against KWP, you can understand why Livramento started for RH and NJ tried to introduce Bree maybe to try and avoid those matchups probably. No doubt that KWP is one of our best and most creative players, I am surprised no one has tried him further up the pitch. At the end of the day would rather see someone bigger defending the Right side of goal in setplays.

0

wibbersda added 16:58 - Mar 19 The pens was for high boot. Freekick anywhere else on the field. Thats why it was given.
2

HythePeer added 17:39 - Mar 19 I think dangerous play results in an indirect free kick.
0

wessexman added 19:19 - Mar 19 Bizarre rant by Conte at the end added to the spectacle.
0

Colburn added 22:55 - Mar 19 Hammers, Palace, Bournemouth, Forest, Fulham.. We need 10 or 12 points from those 15 to have a chance. Plus a shock win and a draw from the others. It's gonna be a tough ask but good to see we have some spirit and hopefully the 3 goals in 45 mins will grow the confidence. Walcott, fair play had an end product yesterday, maybe he should pretend every oppo is Spurs til the season is out. But seriously, be glad to be proven wrong by him if the end product continues. Perraud and Porro couldn't be near one another as Pell Merson was covering the game and he causes enough confusion as it is..

1

davidargyll added 07:13 - Mar 20 Theo MOTM for me without a doubt. And Che, who I have had a real downer about, did one helluva lot more than his usual - to my eyes - amble about the pitch and missing sitters. Contrasting the last two games, it all comes down to controlling the midfield. Brentford did on Wednesday, wouldn’t be drawn out and we couldn’t break them down. Spurs let us play, which worked to their advantage and of course scored on the break. I entirely understood Contes reaction after the game, they really should have closed us down and won comfortably but they didn’t - or couldn’t - change their game plan. And looking ahead the games I fear most are, bizarrely, Bournemouth and Forest who both play a la Brentford: two points or more from those two will be a result. As for the other games, if we can only repeat our previous performances against top sides, who knows… PS. Moment of the match to me was JWP giving FF a big hug at the end; I think that one action encapsulated why we love this club so much…

2

wrathoftazz added 22:32 - Mar 21 That was one of the best games saints have played all season and by far the best home performance. Individual errors again but let's face it, that's never going to change unless you change the players. JWP had a blinder and TW showed why he deserves to start every game, sure he may not be the youngest but his speed showed he is still a top player, if given the chance. Let's hope that this is the fire they needed, if we can put 2+1p past a top club, then lower ones should be easier, unfortunately though, saints are certainly not consistent and that's what could lead to their downfall... fingers crossed, we are still in this.. COYR

0

Blogs 32 bloggers

Southampton Polls