THOUGHTS ON BIRMINGHAM GAME

Can Saints win again??

I think will be a draw. See Birmingham beat Millwall today 3 nil and will be hard to breakdown. Hope that Harding and/or Richardson are fit for the game as would like to see Cork back in midfield.

Third after today's results but a win on Sunday would put us top. Come on Saints make it a good day!!!

Well saints did make it a good day with a very good performance to go top. Pretty horrendous weather meant the pitch was soaking before the start so mistakes would be expected but at least would mean the ground staff wouldnt need to water the pitch!

Lively start saw birmingham get the first chance which was spurned and put wide. Kelvin then made a great save from a deflected free kick showing great reactions to get down and not just save , but hold the ball. saints took the lead following birmingham player leaning all over Lambert, was a penalty but often not given. Lambert sort of scuffed his shot which from behind the goal in the Northam end looked like might go wide but hit the inside of the post and flew into opposite corner of net.

saints second was a result of good work down the right, Richardson made a good run down the rigth fed by Connolly hit a good low ball early and Guly rifled into net,. slick move which opened up Birmingham defence. Sainst looked in control without creating many chances and third goal around half hour mark was very similar to second. Richardson another good run down the left similar cross but this time Lallana met first time and into the net. Birmingham matched saints for rest of half but never really a threat.

Just needed saints to have a solid start but again like against Notts Forest slow out the blocks. gave away a soft free kick on edge of box with player going nowhere and then free kick was poor but went under or through the wall to leave Kelvin stranded. That gave Birmingham the momentum and saints had some nervous times as you knew if we conceded again would be trouble.

Carr was then allowed to have a run on goal with no one challenging, with his left foot couldnt believe they were inviting him to shoot and his shot had Kelvin beaten but hit the post, rebound went straight to King who thankfully was high and wide with goal at his mercy. Again looking for Chaplow to come on but wasnt until 20 minutes to go for Guly who had started to wander. Chaplow made the game safe though picking up a through ball from Lallana, Chappers showed his experinece and instead of shooting first time with his left foot, pulled back onto his right before burying in far corner. 3 goal lead restored and confident we would see out. Still time for a couple of scares at saints end, one good save by Kelvin another good miss by Birmingham and the 4 minutes of extra time were no worry. Connolly had the ball in the net but ruled out for off side.

Another win at home, top of the table and with De Ridder, Chaplow and Schneiderlin coming off the bench decent squad. Would still like a striker as so reliant on Connolly and Lambert staying fit. Fox was better today though still looks like Harding the better player, Fox seldon got forward like Harding does, Hooiveld looked okay in the air not so strong on ground and cant kick with his right foot! That said after 7 games top with 18 points more than happy.

Thanks Matty for usual great report, no player ratings out of ten?

Tired after getting soaked etc

Davis 8 some key saves at critical times
Richardson 8 his runs and crosses made first two goals
Hooiveld 7 looked better in the air but only has a left foot
Fonte 8 back to his best, looked calm all game and didnt give away free kicks
Fox 7 better defensively but rarely got forward on the overlap.
Guly 7 would have been 6 as bit hot and cold but took his goal well.
Cork 8 please NA leave him in midfield, buy of the season.
Hammond 8 amazed I am giving 8 but couldnt fault his display
Lallana 7 good goal and some runs in 2nd half.
Connolly 7 great all round display held the ball well and good passing, unlucky with goal at end given offside.
Lambert 8 Held the ball well, good lay offs, not his best penalty but no way goalie would save when in of the post1

Subs

Chaplow 8 just when we were tiring again came on and took control, excellent movement for goal and couple other times.
Schneiderling 7 good when likes of spider man are on the bench
de ridder 6 to little time to make an impact but did draw some fouls which helped run down the clock

ps Actually thought ref was ok! Fussy about talking to players and with things like free kicks but actually got most of the decisions right and wel placed to see the penalty