Ruben Selles was a name that most Saints new, but for many that was all they knew, he was just another face on the Saints bench, so the big question was, in his first Premier League game as caretaker manager what would he change ?

When the team was announced an hour before kick off there were a few raised eyebrows for Saints supporters, Jan Bednarek was still in the team with no place on the bench for either Calete-Car or Salisu.

At right back was Ainsley Maitland-Niles with Kyle Walker Peters on the bench, probably because he wasn't yet 100% fit.

In the midfield there was a return to the starting line up for Stuart Armstrong and back came Moi Elyounoussi.

It was clear though that Ruben Selles was going to keep things simple, a straightforward 4-4-2.

From the start you could see that there was a change in the team's outlook and spirit, they played as if a weight had been taken off their shoulders and they were ready to roll up their sleeves and graft.

But this was never going to be a simple task, just because the change had been made in manager it didn't mean that everything was going to be all right now, we had to play a Chelsea side who were looking for the three points that would keep them up with the top 6.

The home side was packed with expensive players with talent, we were going to have to work for whatever we could get.

Chelsea as you would expect had a lot of the ball, but whenever they tried to create something they found a Saints player pressing them and harassing them, just as we did in the good runs we had under Ralph Hassenhuttl.

James Ward Prowse lead by example, I sometimes think some don't give him the credit he deserves, he is a great reader of the game, he makes things look simple by knowing just where the ball is going and winning it or blocking it or making a tackle, he rarely loses a header and of course there is that ability from free kicks.

But it was no one man team out there, each and every man left nothing on the pitch at the end, Ruben Selles also made the right substitutes at the right time.

Chelsea were frustrated at every turn and it should be noted that although Chelsea had 17 shots to our 8, few of them troubled Cavin Bazunu with only 5 on target, exactly the same number we ourselves had.

As half time approached we had actually had the best efforts, the lively Sulemana getting away from his man and seeing his effort well saved and Tall Paul Onuachu, getting up and putting a header inches wide.

The critical moment came just before the break, Chelsea giving away a silly free kick tight in prime JWP territory and our Captain did not shun the invitation, a trademark freekick, his 17th goal from that situation bringing him only 1 goal behind David Beckham for the most Premier League goals from free kicks.

That gave us the advantage and Chelsea made changes at the break, Raheem Sterling is a man who has often been our tormentor and he tried his best on this occasion.

In truth though we only looked like conceding once, or to be accurate twice, in a second half incident seeing Romain Perraud scrambling the ball off the line (Jan Bednarek take note) and then Romeo Lavia blocking the shot moments later and deflecting it over the bar with the goal gaping.

The worry when Sadio Mara's attempted overhead kick sparked Azpilicueta out aside that the Chelsea man was ok was that the 10 minute delay would disrupt our concentration, not only that but the psychological affect that so long a period of injury time added on would have.

Truth is it helped a little, the number when it came up was 12 minutes, given that play had been stopped for 10 minutes, only adding another 2 minutes was strange but welcome.

Chelsea huffed and puffed but Saints dug in and the celebrations began in the away section as the final whistle finally went.

This was a team performance though, James Ward Prowse was the man of the match, he was immense and lead by example, but without exception all the others followed.

There was not a man who let Saints down, Moi Elyounoussi was perhaps not a welcome sight to many when the line up was announced, in truth he created little on the day, but he also stuck doggedly to his task defensively and let no one down.

Likewise Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right back, he was excellent, he defended and he also got forward and it is fair to say that our right side saw most of our attacking play.

Last week I lamented that Nathan Jones let down his team by not bringing on fresh legs at the right time, no one could accuse Ruben Selles of doing that, on the hour mark he made a triple change, fresh legs up front and in the midfield, likewise in the final stages when he replaced the tiring Lavia with Diallo and Elyounoussi with Charly Alcatraz.

When Lyanco came on 5 minutes into injury time it brough a boost to all both players and fans, you knew he was not going to let the game go now.

The end saw the players particularly Armando Bella-Kotchap almost dragging Ruben Selles to the away section to take the plaudits, the caretaker manager seemed reluctant to do so, preferring to let his players take the acclaim, but the players showed what they thought of their perhaps temporary boss by almost parading him to the cheering Saints fans as you would the FA Cup after winning it at Wembley.

The fans needed little encouragement though, it was clear that a weight was lifted off the shoulders, the fans believe again, they believe that we have a good squad and that we can now drag ourselves clear and that seems to be matched by the players themselves.

So a big big win and one that was sorely needed not just for the confidence that winning brings, but because it kept us up with the teams above us.

This is going to be a tough few months, but we are only a good win away from coming out of the bottom three, things are that close that if we had held on and beaten Wolves last week we would already be out, but perhaps that weight would still be on our shoulders and yesterday might never have happened.

Photo: Action Images

HythePeer added 10:35 - Feb 19 We have found our new manager hiding in plain sight.
11

SaintNick added 10:49 - Feb 19 I think we still have to be a little cautious, was this just the feelgood factor of Jones going in the team or what Selles did and said, but it was a good start though and certainly I would rather have Selles than Jones he has an aura about him,
13

Block8 added 11:09 - Feb 19 To be fair it's only one game and a game where effort, spirit and discipline were our best attributes. However it was refreshing to here the term "we" instead of "I" and how much he put down to the team! Hopefully we can pick up from here and move upwards! COYR
11

WestSussexSaint added 11:12 - Feb 19 Despite being able to look forward to watching Match of the Day for a change, I agree with the caution that this is the turning point of the season. We thought that with the wins over Man City in the EFL cup and then Everton in the PL. Look how that turned out. That said it was clear that the players enjoyed themselves, worked their socks off for the Selles, and had the little bit of class in JWP’s free kick which was enough to get the crucial goal. There will be tougher opposition to come (Chelsea were woeful) and we were still a couple of last ditch blocks away from conceding which on another day go in. I also remain unconvinced by Bednarek’s presence and the sooner DCC and/or Salisu are available again the better. On the whole though this buys time for the board to consider managerial options and also Selles deserves to have another crack next week.

10

underweststand added 11:14 - Feb 19 Selles sounded impressive and confident in his pre-match press meeting on Thursday. He certainly has the respect of the players and our attacking performance in the early stages kept Chelsea on the back foot, and with better luck we might have been 2 goals up in the first 10 minutes. In front of the home crowd both the Ref. (and VAR) ducked the red card for a knee high tackle on Onuacho in the opening minutes. To his credit Onuacho put himself about a lot in chasing back as well as in attack and was only a foot wide with a header later in the game. We've all run out of superlatives for Prowsey, who still maintains his respectful role as captain - even after he scores the winning goal. It would be cruel to try and identify any Saints players who didn't put in a 100% shift, as everyone deserved praise on the day. A rare clean sheet, the double over Chelsea (first time in 34 years) and as our win against Chelsea at SMS triggered Tuchel's departure, Graham Potter will soon start to feel the heat, especially after the new owners have spent ..a cool 600 million since last summer, and yet lost to us - yet again. It is only a start on the huge uphill task of avoiding relegation -but what a start for Selles.

10

davidargyll added 11:21 - Feb 19 Four comments: 1. The Saints go back to playing 4-2-2-2 (I thought rather than 4-2-2 as you suggested) as they did under Ralph and the result was there for all to see. 2. They all looked as if they were really enjoying themselves, and my God it showed in the confidence they displayed and the nature of their play. 3. One shot - on the tv feed I was watching - of Ruben Selles having a chuckle (with Carl Martin I think it was) mid-match to me was an absolutely key moment as it showed him to be sooooo cool and relaxed under pressure. 4. And talking of cool, wasn’t he the smartest dressed dude in the stadium? - somewhat of a contrast to what his moronic predecessor used to wear (Saturday morning under 9s coaching kit).

1

highfield49 added 11:21 - Feb 19 I'm thinking of all those lost points during Jones' toxic tenure when Selles could clearly have achieved so much more. Personally I don't see any benefit in appointing another coach or manager when the man in post clearly has the backing of the players, tactical awareness and no fear of the opposition. Whether he is a rising star or just the man of the moment only time can tell but if he can stabilize the ship and get it back on course why look elsewhere? There are some tough matches on the horizon but results against Leeds and West Ham will certainly change the momentum. Considering the talent in the squad that didn't even make the bench yesterday surely we should be optimistic of moving clear of the relegation places in the weeks ahead. As for the game yesterday, Maitland-Niles was indeed excellent and his block on Sterling's goal bound shot typified the team spirit. One game doesn't define a season but this performance may just have defined a turning point in the club's future.

13

SanMarco added 11:25 - Feb 19 It is the hope that kills you - and we now have some!! The patient has shown distinct signs of life. I agree with all the counsels of caution though. There were still at least two players in that starting line-up who should not be there and we had a bit of long overdue luck in the second half. Having said that at least we can 'look forward' to the Leeds match with hope (that word again) in our hearts. It was lovely to wake up this morning and remember that we had actually won. I will be smiling all day. I hope next Sunday is the same!! One important question: We have done for Potter with that result. I suspect he will be 'available' by Tuesday...???!!!!

7

ItchenNorth added 11:36 - Feb 19 Ave it ! COYR
1

kenis added 12:01 - Feb 19 I was surprised slightly by Bednarek and AMN being in the line up, but GB aside was it as simple as play the the two best young signings (Lavia and ABK), the record signing (SK) and then pick the most experienced players for the rest of the team? Is that also why we saw Walcott? If Salisu had been for would he have started? Would Che have played ahead of Paul? Against Leeds will be very interesting to see if KWP starts ahead of RP or AMN, feel they’ve earned their places but KWP has so often been our best player defensively and creating chances with his runs and interplay with the midfield and attack. Supporting Manure and Spurs today!

3

Ifonly added 12:25 - Feb 19 Some of the specific things that Jones was criticised for were: picking Jan B over DCC, ignoring Orsic, bringing on Theo and constantly barking out instructions during the game. Ruben did all of those things yesterday but everyone loves him. It's a funny old game Saint, results are everything. It was a great step forward yesterday but I'm not getting too excited. I thought we deserved a draw at best and probably should have lost. They had the better chances. But it was a great day to enjoy. I've got sick of every game ending with a chorus of boos and calls for the manager to be sacked but when the same thing happened yesterday I quite enjoyed that too.

-5

davenbennett added 12:59 - Feb 19 For the first time, never listened on Radio Solent, or followed on TV. Hated tge line up! Bednerek, M-N, Ely in, and C-C,Orsic and Edoise not in even in the squad. Said 5 0 Chelsea. So wot do I know about football! Turned TV on at 1700 expecting big loss. But 1 up and still playing! I amgoing to Leeds away next week. Only 2nd away this season, after CP FA Cup. I was dreading it. Just hope the team plays with the same spirit for the rest of the season. As was said above - it's the hope that kills!

0

Kenm added 13:48 - Feb 19 super WIN, but only one problem with it is that when Chelsea get rib of Potter, the Saints useless board will go for him ?, He couldn't get Chelsea firing on all eleven cylinders and being more expensive team working together at that ?, From my point of view Selles is the far far better choice of manager !, put Potter in the SIN BIN for a very long time DON'T bring him HERE !

2

pintsizedsaint added 13:55 - Feb 19 I thought as much! Great game, highlighting what we’ve heard about RS having lots of respect and tactical awareness. I too had a raised eyebrow about some of the selections, but the after match interviews kind of made sense of it. RS said he had no time to change things and so went back to Southampton basics. He noted that a number of the team didn’t need much time to adopt that. We also need a bit of experience. So that does it for me and Bednarek in particular, and I wonder if Caleta-Carr has lost some match fitness? Orsic also needs a bit of time and was perhaps a luxury player for now when we needed basics. AMN superb choice for filling in the gaps. He needs to up his fitness I reckon but he’s a solid reliable player for multiple positions. I even liked Walcott coming on, again another experienced head (apparently we’re a bunch of kids remember?!) Now - biggest test is next two games. We do well against the bigger teams but then switch off when it really matters. And boy does the next game really matter…

1

Monksway added 16:06 - Feb 19 I really hope we don't have a lot of changes next week either in personnel or system. Winning gives you the opportunity for some stability whereas endless defeats mean constant change. That's what we've had for over a year. Same straying 11 please. KWP, Adams and Salisu all on the bench with a view to bringing them on if needed.
0

AmericanSaint added 16:28 - Feb 19 Like I said on the player rating page, who saw this coming? GREAT TEAM EFFORT!. I agree I think that Selles went with mainly veterans to try and steady the ship and it worked. So glad to see Stu starting. While Moi didn't produce much in the attacking half, he had three passes that were just inches off being perfect and sending in our forwards. He did hustle the whole time and harried all their players on his side. Determination is a word that I would use to describe our play yesterday. So for Leeds, maybe change Moi for Alcazar to give you more creativity and Jan for a bigger/taller CB as Bramford is no small forward for them. We need some size in the back to deal with the crosses that will be coming. Other than that I would start the same players as a reward and show that if you play well you will start. Maybe a bit harsh on KWP, but you can always move AMN to right midfield during the game and bring on KWP at right back. COYR and this Sunday is so much better than last week's.

1

A1079 added 17:13 - Feb 19 It was a superb and somewhat surprising result. Great team spirit and superb support. I must admit, I had some concerns about the line up and with the substitutions but they all worked their socks off and gave it their all unlike Wolves where the subs looked disinterested. JWP was immense. I am a great supporter of him but I don't think he has had a great season this year but then, who has? You still have to wonder what might have been had he taken at least one of his usual free kicks against Wolves - I would like to know why he didn't. The support was brilliant throughout. It is just one game though and we are going to have to have alot of days like yesterday to stand any chance of crawling out of the relegation zone. I am with the club sticking with Selles until the summer now irrespective of the outcome (and possibly beyond). There is little, if anything to warrant a change again during this season. Leeds Utd next week is immense (arguably all games are). Win it and belief that an escape is possible will be there, lose it and yesterday will look like nothing more than a brief foray in the sunshine. Leeds and Bamford are struggling to score but we know what that usually means. We need to turn the screw. I am going, but heaven knows what it will do to my blood pressure.

1

YosemiteSaint added 17:43 - Feb 19 I guess it's game on now—but our biggest opponent may be our board. For now, say yes to Selles.
0

felly1 added 19:36 - Feb 19 Selles should be given the rest of the season. If we do survive, he gets a 3 year deal. If we go down (which I still think is likely) We start afresh next season with someone fresh and ready to get us back up.. Basically what Burnley did when they went down. I understand why Elyonoussi frustrates the fans as he lacks pace and produce very little in terms of goals or assists but all 5 of our league wins this season he's started the match. Brilliant day up at the Bridge yesterday, congrats to Bruno and the players on a dogged battling performance and yet again a JPW special. My Chelsea supporting mate was behind the goal and he WhatsApped me to say they know where the balls going!!

0

blubberboy added 20:26 - Feb 19 Fantastic performance and result. We finally have a manager who seems to know what he's doing and who has the respect of the players. Just a couple of words of caution: 1. We are still not scoring goals from open play. I'm sure Onuachu just needs a goal to kick-start things but it's the inability of our forwards to convert chances that got us into this mess, so they need to start finding the back of the net pretty quickly. 2. The Chelsea result will count for nothing if we lose to Leeds next week. Anything less than four points from the next two games would be failure. I felt resigned before yesterday, now suddenly I'm feeling nervous. Never easy being a Saints fan.

0

Colburn added 22:41 - Feb 19 Amazing result and performance but it's only one win. If we win at Leeds next week and get back in the mix, I will begin to believe we can survive. As for Sellers, it's early days but I like the cut of his jib, looks like he has a clear ethos and plan, I like him.
0

DF_20032017 added 22:58 - Feb 19 No need to confirm Ruben now, but on Monday tell him he has the team for Leeds. We may still need that “new manager bounce” later in the season. I spoke to a friend who is a Leeds season ticket holder today and there is talk of protests against the board etc and if they go behind the atmosphere will be toxic. Keep that feelgood factor going. Also our deadline day signings do add much more threat up top. My favourite moment was the Perraud block and celebration yesterday, a real sign of team spirit and dedication to the cause.

2

Peterx added 10:03 - Feb 20 I liked the proactive subs from us. What a relief to have a Manager getting the common sense stuff right.
0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Southampton Polls