A false dichotomy is when you are asked to choose between two unacceptable alternatives: For example it is sometimes said that "T'is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees". In football terms we often hear that "Its better to draw a game playing boringly than to lose playing excitingly". Both however represent the position of mediocrity and lack of ambition and in the end, both will kill you. The true test is that is better to live on your feet than to die on your knees, and better to win playing exciting football than to lose playing safe. The route to living rather than death and the route to winning not losing is being prepared to aim for success (even at the risk of failure). Ambition never killed anybody.

So, I took quite a few positives from this match (and not just because I suffered the borefest that was the Hull game and therefore start from a very low base). The team played well overall and there was a clear statement of intent to try to win. We had more shots in the first half than for several of our last games, and drew a fine save Cech. It was a very open game and with rather better finishing we should have scored two or three times. We were playing against a very serious and well-organised opponent and they scored one excellent and one world-class goal against us. True it is that we rather ran out of puff towards the end of the second half, and that there were some uncharacteristic mistakes from the likes of Romeu but the overall set-up and performance was quite good.

For me, the jury is indeed still out on Puel but if he hopes to win over the fans, performances like this rather than the negativity of the play against Hull and Chelsea is a start.

3

Puel was supplied a squad when he arrived by Les.

Puel tried to play his way (diamond) but the squad did not have the technical ability.

Puel has not got a squad of decent players has tried all methods but players have failed.

Puel will be off as soon as he is paid off.

Next manager will be exactly the same.

Reed is the problem. Retire ASAP before you take us down next season.

1

I wouldn'tmind the same team starting for the next two games. Pied and Caceras fitted in well and always a chance that Boufal will mesmerise the opposition with Redmond on as needed. Good one Puel. What is it about our spot kickers?

1

Was glad to see Caceres and Pied thought they pled very well, as a whole considering 7 changes a decent result.Hope we see more of them in the last two games, glad for Jay to get on the score board again.Redmond showed what he can do all we need is some consistency although a little late for it now, overall a good result let's keep it going wednesday night.

1

How we can be so bad taking penalties l don't know, we used to have the best in lambo and le Tiss now we can't hit one to save our lives.Do they practice taking them or not surely they do and why not JWP to take them.

3

I had read and heard this am that this was a boring tedious 0-0. Not so, first half was quiet but the second half was edge of the seat as we played some superb football and created chance after chance. Romero pulled off 2 world class saves and Jay rod missed a golden opportunity. The game got stretched in teh 2nd half as both sides tried to win it and Stephens was superb in mopping up, snuffing out all but 1 counter attack.
This stat summed it up from the BBC site
"Southampton had six shots on target - only Tottenham (seven on Sunday) have had more in a match against Manchester United this season in all competitions"

I just hope and pray that our luck in front of goal turns and we batter stoke to finish off what has been a stop start, but very memorable season in style.

-5

Missing the early pen took the sting out of our approach and the game was played at training session speed thereafter.
United were there for the taking and clearly didn't want to be there, or care about the result, as all they are focused on is the Europa final. So no surprise that we created some chances and even less of a surprise that we didn't manage to score.
Very frustrating night yet again. Not only from the referee checking all the Man U players were ok after tackles, but Bailly wasting at least 10 mins on his own and Saints stooping to their level.
I don't know what they are told to do at training, but the emphasis seems very much on not conceding, rather than gambling even in the last 10 mins or so, to try and win the game. It was almost played like both managers had pre-agreed a 0-0. Why no urgency or direct play ? This can only come from one place !! The fans were crying out for some attacks !!
18 league games at home, 17 goals scored (9 v Palace, Burnley and Leicester) so that is 8 in the other 15 games. Goals not only change, but win games and our chances to goals conversion rate is the worst in the league.

2

Poor first half, better second. Tired, end of season performance, does nobody care anymore? Disturbing touchline bust-up betrayed behind the scenes turmoil. End of an era, surely. Hope Ryan's absence was a groin strain as Puel suggested.

1

Thank god for that the season's over!

7

Claude will be out tomorrow. The problem is now Vice Chairman and Ralph Kreuger is an imbecile. You could not make it up. 450+ mins with no goals. To be continued in mid August.
Luckily I will save myself £570.

6