Saints carried on against Norwich City as they had left off against Everton, they were clinical and made sure the opposition never got a look in as it was once again Fortress St Mary's and a jump up to 9th place in the Premier League.

The stats say that Norwich had one effort on target, a tame header in the 72nd minute, I must admit I can't remember it and I suspect Fraser Forster won't either as once again an emphatic team performance condemned the Canaries to defeat.

It could have and should have been more, Angus Gunn on his return to St Mary's must have thought that his ex team mates had something against him as they seemed to hit a plethora of smashed volleys straight at him which he gratefully palmed away from goal.

This was yet again a team performance, everyone did their job, although certain players excelled.

We have now found rhythm and purpose, every man knows his job in any given situation, although this was yet again another unchanged line up, there is great competition for places that means those in possession of the shirt are playing out of their skins to make sure they stay in the side.

Armando Broja usually takes all the plaudits up front, but it is Che Adams who is now the teams leading scorer this season after he cleverly flicked in the ball from close range after initially missing his kick.

In defence Saints were tight, going forward they pressed the opposition and swarmed all over them , peppering the visitors goal with a number of chances.

A few months ago you would have worried going into the last 10 minutes with only a single goal lead, not now though and Ralph Hasenhuttl stemmed Norwich's final surge to try and rescue an unlikely point when he brought on Jack Stephen's and went with a back three.

Earlier in the season that wasn't an option, but now he not only has the squad, but he has fine tuned it and can make switches like this as the pattern of the game suits.

Everyman on the pitch was an 8 out of 10, but there were several who perhaps merited 9, Oriol Romeu was immense and drove the team on, he earned the man of the match accolade from Jamie Carragher on Sky, shading it from Stuart Armstrong courtesy of his late goal.

Armstrong looks back to his best after returning from injury and his surging runs were a constant threat.

For me Kyle Walker Peters was also a contender, not only was he strong defensively, but going forward he was immense, his runs down the left flank into the box caused Norwich trouble all evening and he highlights the spirit in the squad, even though initially this season he was ousted from his usual right back spot, he showed he can play equally well on the left.

The main thing in the evening though was to get the job done, that is why we have started to hold on to leads, we hold our shape a lot better and are not getting caught on the break as much, this and indeed the Everton game had the potential for us to get caught on the break, but we were disciplined and tight.

The objective was to secure the three points and that is what we did, a few more goals would have been nice, but keeping another clean sheet was more important once we got the lead.

But a word of caution, yes we have been superb in the last two games, but we won't always be playing teams as poor as Norwich or for that matter Everton, however in the games in the run up we did show that we have what it takes, so we can move forward with confidence.

So we are 9th, but we might not be by Saturday tea time, we have to look to the Brighton V Aston Villa game & hope that the Seagulls don't win.

But we have achieved our first aim of the season and this win should mean relegation is no longer a worry, we have also achieved the 2nd aim and that is to get in the top 10, we have nearly achieved the 3rd and that is to haul in the points advantage that Brighton had over us a few weeks ago, we have done it temporarily for the moment but hopefully it may be confirmed this afternoon.

The next aim now is to try and haul in Spurs 4 point advantage &Wolves 5 points.

There are 12 games left to play & 36 points all we can do is try and get as many on the board as possible, sadly Manchester City only need another 3 wins and they can relax as we won't be able to catch them.

The one thing I am pleased about is that Ralph Hasenhuttl has shown he is the man for the job, earlier in the season he had his doubters, but most of them have now been dispelled, regular readers will know I have always had faith in Ralph and that this period of managerial stability has now reaped it's rewards, yes there have been some rocky results, but Ralph has given us purpose and taken us from a club in complete disarray on the pitch when he arrived into a solid squad.

It is a pleasure once again to go to St Mary's and watch Saints, it has crept up on us slowly and surely, but suddenly it is good again, now we look to Wednesday's FA Cup tie with West Ham to try and really make this season interesting.

Photo: Action Images

davidargyll added 09:57 - Feb 26 Not exactly a pulsating game, in fact there were quite a few flat periods, but these were interspersed with frenetic activity and speedy runs from both sides. But three points which means we must now be all but statistically safe. Norwich clearly came for a point and at times seemed to be playing with what seemed like 10 at the back and we just couldn’t break through. But despite that we still had 18 shots, half of which were on target. And probably our first goal was only ever going to be a bit of a muddle, but who cares, because, as they say in golf, there are no pictures on the scorecard. And when they did break out, despite the occasional panicky moment, we coped well, they had little effective end product and FF only had to make one save. That said, we all saw why we were reputedly interested in getting Brandon Williams to SMS, at times when he showed a bit of speed, he seemed head and shoulders above the rest of his team. And Angus Gunn had to work really hard - clearly we taught him well…! Without a doubt my MOM was KWP. He executed at least three seemingly impossible turns on his opposite number, on each occasion breaking out of what seemed a complete impasse, turning it into a devastating attack. WHAT A PLAYER…SPURS WE WILL FOREVER BE IN YOUR DEBT FOR FOR SELLING HIM TO US!!! And similarly, when Stuart Armstrong gets the ball, and shows one of those amazing bursts of pace, he is such a joy to watch. And surely would have been on the scoresheet again had Gunn not been in such good form. Tino continues to play a very clever game, defending really well and marauding forward when he has space; and again, as against Everton, flighting a couple of beautiful crosses in to the box, one of which led to Che’s goal. Mo Ely, following his massive endorsement from Ralph during the week that he’d improved hugely, also played his usual quietly devastating game with some great runs forward, even if he missed what arguably seemed like a couple of sitters. Mo Salisu to my eyes will forever be chalk and cheese with several superb through passes, coupled with some howlers, including when he got his yellow pulling back McLean (thank God he wasn’t in the box at the time…) And as for OR, an absolute tower in midfield; along with JWP he must be the most improved player in the team; and as someone said to me on the way out, “Oriel only ever scores bangers!” I couldn’t have put it better myself. Talking to a Norwich fan on the way out, he said “I hate this league, I’m so keen to get back to the Championship where you see lots of goals and really great football…” Men and boys… Seems like there is now only one candidate for Manger of the Month…

1

davidargyll added 10:01 - Feb 26 …or even Manager…!
0

SaintNick added 10:13 - Feb 26 Good report of the match, you made some good points, although I do think it was a lot more pulsating than you, given we had 27 attempts and 9 of them on target
0

davidargyll added 10:17 - Feb 26 Fair enough Nick. Read the incomplete list of stats…
-1

SaintNick added 10:27 - Feb 26 27 attempts is a lot to have , 9 on target is also high for an average match stat, I though we didn't miss too many chances, we just seemed to hit the ball to well and too near Gunn, ironically the worst missed chance was Che's air kick where he fell over and then flicked the ball into the net
0

IanRC added 10:39 - Feb 26 Oriel Romeu is a colossus, what a performance and what a partnership with JWP, clearly demonstrated over the last few games. All the team played well again and agree that KWP was again a highlight. It was impressive that we stuck with patience against a packed defence. Don’t agree with David’s comment about Salisu, he is still very young but I think has the capability to be world class. You are right that we need to be careful not to get over confident but the range of teams we have played over the last five games shows we can take on anyone. A word about Redmond, I was surprised he was not on the bench. Until his recent injury I consider he has been a major factor in turning around the season and I do hope we will see him again soon.

-1

EasyToger added 10:39 - Feb 26 The standout player for me was KWP. Such fantastic ball control, precision and strength. He really is a top class player. So impressed by the way he got out of such tight spaces and passed players with skill and directness. He deserves a huge amount of credit for the way he has developed.
4

Colburn added 10:46 - Feb 26 Another win, we were nowhere near our best in the first half an hour, lacking cohesion and the right decision at times, often looking like we were too concerned with possession play rather than having a killer instinct. But then we stepped up the pressure in their box and the inevitable goal came, a great finish as it turned out and I'm delighted for Che. Although fairly pulsating and once sided, I thought we were wasteful in front of goal and must admit I felt relieved when Romeu belted in the second. Norwich were never really in it, Salisu had his iffy moments but Bednarek was in total control and seems to be back to his best the last couple of weeks. In some ways maybe it's good that we didn't score the 4 or 5 we should have last night and save our potency for the coming games! KWP was miles ahead of anyone for motm and was the driving force in the first half particularly. The only downside of us not scoring more is the little game time the bench have had, Perraud aside, it would have been good to have given Djenepo and mini Armstrong some decent minutes but that's nitpicking.. Fantastic run, Ralph must manager of the month, an extra day's rest or so than the Hammers ready for weds.

0

Centurion added 11:02 - Feb 26 Anyone know why Redmond was not in the bench?
0

WestSussexSaint added 11:10 - Feb 26 Agree with the points above. It was a professional performance rather than one to get the heart racing. I also thought KWP was Motm for both his attacking and defensive duties. The interesting thing for me was the comparison of our two strikers. Che was everywhere again doing the hard graft and putting his head in where it hurt. His goal typified his never give up approach. Broja on the other hand was absent for large parts of the game and only came to life when the ball was at his feet. He didn’t make many runs and looked disinterested at times. I wonder if Ralph needs another word with him as maybe the press attention has got into his head a bit.

0

landsdownsaint added 11:24 - Feb 26 I thought it was pulsating ! Our only tiny liability is Salisu but we gotta swallow this coz he’s gonna be up their with the best in the world at some point , KWP does that Messi thing of as you think he’s lost control but his quick feet allways retains the ball & he’s so strong in tackling I bet Spurs never saw that about his game , why Liverpool & Man City are so good is the players love the manager & we got that here …. Even after two 9 nils & some odd selections at time , Ralph is some manager

0

underweststand added 11:59 - Feb 26 MoM ?...KWP, Armstrong, JWP, Romeu ? the list could still go on, but Oriel Romeu has looked class in the least few weeks and would have been my choice - even before he scored his spectacular goal. A well-controlled game from the midfield and I am wondering where is the best role for KWP, at present he looks unbeatable on either wing. Clearly Norwich would have been pleased with just one point, and parked their bus on the 18 yard line and waited for us to bang in shots - all 27 of them and on another day we would have had more, but Angus Gunn showed that given time he has developed into fairly good keeper playing in front of a very poor defence. I am glad that we didn't pursue that extended attempt to sign Brandon Williams from MU, as he looked very ordinary (to say the least). Norwich looked typical of a good Championship side who having been promoted can't step up the level needed to survive. A game we were expected to win, but made hard work of it until Romeu's rocket shot at the end. March fixtures are full of struggling teams below us, and providing we can hold this good form, and hopefully we might get a full pot before " the bigger games " at the end of the season.

0

felly1 added 14:17 - Feb 26 A fairly routine win for us, I thought Pukki for them looked sharp and full of purpose and I'm surprised they didn't get the ball to him more often. The whole team are playing with confidence and the only player I thought came up a little short was Broja. He needs to up his work rate a little. Is there a better full back in the Prem better than KWP at the moment?? I'm loving every moment of this as we were so poor at home for so long and to be walking out of the St Mary's at the end of games and the lovely buzzing atmosphere is to be savoured.

4

ItchenNorth added 16:33 - Feb 26 Norwich we're a slightly worse Everton and we basically got the same game. Armstrong or Salisu motm again for me. Great strike by Romeu. I don't think we'll see him hit one like that again, ever! Another 3 points; it's almost getting dull lol 😆
0

JoeEgg added 07:31 - Feb 27 Well done saints! I called this a top ten squad from the beginning of the season when we were treading through the bottom six places . Now at long last Ralph has the best players playing and playing in their best positions. just a shame it took him so long! My first choice player was KWP and I could never understand why Ralph couldn't even find a place for him in the starting line up. Although Broja didn't have his best game he will need to be replaced because he certainly has the ability to frighten the life out of even the most experienced defenders - I fear we shall lose him as he will have 'stars' in his eyes and fancy a top five club. Saints are now an entertaining side to watch and hopefully we can become a little more ambitious as a Club and build on the excellent work done in recent times first by our scouts and now by Ralph himself!

1

SaintPaulVW added 09:06 - Feb 27 Great team performance. Easy to see the difference in the league table positions between Norwich and us. We just struggle to create and finish good clinical chances. Slightly controversially, now we are pretty much safe from relegation, I think it is time to rest Tino and Broja. Both are young players and if they can't be expected to play week in week out. After his recent performances, Perraud deserves a decent run at left back with KWP switching back to RB where he is even better than playing at LB. Broja, to my eyes, is getting into bad habits and shooting when there are far better options. Adam A needs some game time to start to show the steady development that Che was allowed and is now paying dividends for us. COYR

3

halftimeorange added 09:34 - Feb 27 I also think that Livramento needs a rest. Not once did he try to beat his man (although he did run forward for a return pass occasionally) which he was doing regularly at the start of the season and, in any case, I think that KWP (who was outstanding) is a better RB. Perraud should be back in the team for WHU. Broja was definitely remote against Norwich, barely joining in the first goal celebrations and seemingly disinterested at times. Norwich did play a higher line once they realised that they were still in it at 70 minutes and with Pukki on the pitch they had that chance. This result wasn't earned as easily as some of us seem to think.

3

highfield49 added 12:28 - Feb 27 I completely agree with the view that Ralph needs to have a word with Broja about his attitude. Having had the opportunity to re-watch the match on Sky the difference in the delight of Adam Armstrong on the pitch, celebrating with his team mates, was a stark contrast to the surly Broja at the end of the game. I could be wrong but it also appeared that Broja completely blanked Adams attempted handshake when he was substituted. Despite his obvious emerging talent I'm not convinced that Broja has yet accepted that football is a team game and more than a vehicle for his ego. The real gem is KWP who plays the game with intensity and a smile on his face, relishing every moment of the opportunity he has grasped. In fairness to Livramento he may still be carrying his knee injury or have had his head turned by contact from the usual suspects. If the latter is true then Ralph should give him time to sort out his head away from the spotlight and the the insidious pundits brainwashing. A good opportunity to play KWP, Perraud and Adam Armstrong against West Ham without losing any of the team dynamic. And, considering that I posted last month that Elyuonoussi should be moved on in the transfer window his recent contribution has been way above my expectations. On attitude alone I would extend Moi's contract and let Broja move on to where his head rather than his heart lies.

1

PaleRider added 04:17 - Feb 28 Highfield/HTO - interesting points. The win wasn't that easy but luckily Norwich had completely the wrong game plan. Re Broja: I'm not sure he is the answer! We need someone with his hunger for goal but, as has been mentioned above, someone who wants to be part of a team - for teams like Saints this is often the greatest asset (thinking back to the early/mid '80's). If he had Long's attitude - what a player he would be. I want to also say that I was in the Kingsland/Northam corner and I thought the virtually nonstop support was amazing - the feel good factor is definitely there but, as has been mentioned before, there could be some more originality in the singing.

1

davidargyll added 09:37 - Feb 28 What is it with people on here? The moment someone eg Broja, doesn’t seem to behave in a way which you think he should you immediately suggest he be moved on! FFS he is young and raw and yes he probably is wallowing a bit in the adoration he has been given recently. But are you honestly saying that everyone of his age - in fact maybe even the authors of these posts when they were 20 - must always behave in what you perceive to be an adult fashion? If you are they you are living in an alternate universe, in fact I would go so far as to say that brilliant players may well be that at the expense of what might be described as other social graces. PLEASE THEREFORE CAN WE ACCEPT ARMANDO FOR WHAT HE IS, APPRECIATE HIS TALENTS FOR WHAT THEY ARE AND THAT HE’S PLAYING FOR US RIGHT NOW; AND IF IT MEANS MAKING ALLOWANCES SO BE IT. BUT DONT KNOCK HIM JUST BECAUSE HE CAN BE A BIT GRUMPY, ie HUMAN!

1

Blogs 31 bloggers

Southampton Polls