HOME TO EVERTON.......

Can Saints get over Wednesday's defeat without letting it affect their recent improvement in the League?

I am not going to attempt to make any forecast about this one......

Key will be the energy levels and worried about Romeau who we are now reliant on with Hojberg still suspended, Austin and Valaray will be available so expect 5 at the back, Ings will hopefully start. Really want a win but think may well end up a point apiece.

Well a great result and very good performance.. As RH said was our best performance under him and thoroughly deserved the win. First half McCarthy did not have a save to make and although a nervy last 8 minutes, only 4 of which were legit, no doubt who was the better team.


Everton started okay with a couple of corners in first few minutes but no real threat from them and Redmond was full of running. First chance came from a Redmond/Targett run, Targett did well to win a corner and from that Ings had a good flick header at near post that Pickford saved, think it look more spectacular than it needed. Everton had a chance when Lookman had space and got in a shot but Bednarek made a great block, he had an excellent game throwing himself in front of everything, may not be the most technical but looks a decent player. Redmand then had a chance when put through, Keane unable to keep up and he placed his shot well but just wide coming of the far post. Then Bednarek won the ball in the middle pushed up as no one challenged and lobbed the ball through for Ings who connected well but to straight and Pickford able to save, either side and sure he would have beaten Pickford and he could have lobbed him as Pickford was off his line. Ings then nearly got a fortuitous goal cut in from the right beat a couple of players and maybe should have shot but an Everton defender got a foot in and hit the post again and fell safely to one of their defenders. So goalless at half time but Saints were on top.

Second half Everton started more brightly and Valaray was easily beaten down the right and from the cross Signusund headed on target but McCarthy well positioned to save. Saints took the lead when I thought Zouma had fouled our player but the ref gave nothing all day, more about him at the end. Prowse picked up the ball and ran forward 15 yards holding off defenders and ignoring Valaray on the right hit a sweet shot that moved away from Pickford into the corner of the net, excellent strike from Ward Prowse who had a good game. Saints second had an element of fortune about it, again we won the ball in the middle of the park which is becoming a feature of RH's team and played to Ings who laid off a great ball to Redmond who had kept onside, through one on one before he had time to shoot a defender got his foot in and meant Pickford wrong footed and went in. Fully deserved a 2 nil lead but we know not great at keeping leads. Long came on for Ings and had a shot saved by Pickford then Stephens who burst through and ran for about 50 yards to win a corner had a header which went inches wide, he probably should have scored and if he had got on target with the power no way Pickford would have saved
Would not be saints if not some drama at the end, when Everton scored, ball bounced around the box, Prowse headed out but an area of his game that is poor and no distance ball came back in and Signuson was clever and stroked the ball into far corner with McCarthy no chance. What was annoying and  not shown on TV was the goal came from a foul throw, a long throw and there were 3 where the guys front foot was on the pitch appreciate lineo was at other end but the ref should watch for this, especially with long throws, if only 1 would say one of those things but after this two more as they threw the ball in the box for an equaliser.

Then 4 minutes of extra time which somehow the clown of a referee manged to make 8 minutes, and you really do have to wonder what goes through their mind. Firstly Armstrong ran the ball down to the far corner, clearly fouled but ref gave the other way then had a row with fans, it was the Itchen/Chapel fans! Hope he is reported for his unprofessional response, then Long was fouled, bleeding from knock to his head and he just played on. Then when he finally stopped play, Everton had been attacking, he seemed to add on 4 minutes for what was a 30 second stoppage. Fans at Northam were going ballistic and if he didn't like the verbal's from the Itchen what he made of the comments from the Northam end. Still he allowed the game to go on giving Everton a corner which fortunately was headed away. Just as well it didn't lead to an equaliser as would have definitely been an injustice and probably started a riot from the Northam.


So 3 points, back to back wins and a nice few days to  recover after the runs of games and I still think a positive from being out of the cup. Palace next at home, will be difficult as they played well at Liverpool yesterday but the run of Palace, Burnley, Cardiff and Fulham are the chance to place some distance between us and the relegation zone. we all know no easy games but at least RH has got a fighting spirit amongst the squad which is important and if we can keep Redmond and Ings fit with Hojberg and Romeau in the middle we should be okay.

McCarthy 7 didn't have a lot to do but good save at start of second half and came and punched a few crosses when they reverted to lumping in the box.
Valaray 5 didn't think was that good quite nervous and didn't commit to the tackle, maybe reflecting on his rash challenges before, but another 90 min game time
Stephens 7 looked quite solid most of the game but didn't have much to do with just Ricarlison up front most of game, nearly scored and hope he can add goals.
Vestrgaard 6 looks okay in a back 5 and made some good blocks just doesn't seem to have much power in his clearances
Bednarek 8 great block first half took some knocks in aerial challenges and gave his all, what was Hughes thinking not picking him?
Targett 6 went off injured first half, good getting forward.
Romeau 6 some great blocks and good passing forward though can lose his players when back defending, an area of his game he needs to work on
Hojberg 7 good game, more composed than previously and stayed on his feet more, and was more effective because of it.
Ward Prowse 7 great goal and a good all round game, still needs to something with his heading as  pretty hopeless but has shown a good squad player.
Redmond 7 another team performance, working so much harder now for RH and is creating pressure of defences. works well with Ings
Ings 7 couple of decent attempts, both on target, good ball to Redmond for second goal and works hard for the team.

Subs

Cedric 5 came on for Targett and his passing was pretty poor, gave away a needless corner though appreciate on his "wrong" foot. Should keep though for now as he can play either side and when Bertrand will return.
Long 6 came on for Ings one attempt on goal and put himself about.
Armstrong no real time to do much, had won a free kick in the far corner showing experience but useless ref failed to give

Nice one Matty, thanks.

and just to show it wasn't just me getting frustrated with the additional time added on, enjoy almost worth not being there to watch this

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/17371359.watch-how-soccer-saturday-hilariously-covered-saints-tense-final-minutes/

Thanks Matty, great performance and result.

A little worried now, think I'm right in that this month Saints have played 3 League games.....drawing at Stamford Bridge and beating Leicester and Everton. If Saints beat Palace in the next game it could well put HRH in contention for Manager of the Month..... which is likely to bock February results! Or do they include Cup games when considering the award??

(Oh..... and good to see you back Pete!!)

Hopefully Man City will win all their games by 3/4 goals and end up with 100% league and cup in Jan so Pep gets the award! Sorry Ralph

I'm glad to be back Mike. Weatherwise, it's been a bit hot over here lately.