Manager's Monthly Update *EXCLUSIVE*
Southampton have come out of the starting blocks with a bang. There 10 point penalty already gone, undefeated in the league, and very narrowly knocked out of the Carling Cup by a resilient Reading.
Match 1:
Southampton 5-0 Millwall
The Echo Thought:
Brilliant Game - and we certainly showed our true colours. It looks like Lambert isn't coping well with the gaffer's tactics (a straight 4-4-2) and is certainly not going to pull his weight with current performances. I'm gonna need a right back to cover just in case our single one does. Other than that - well done!
Managers reaction:
Brilliant result, brilliant game - showed some problems of which will be solved. But if we can play like that every game I'm thinking we can go up this season!
Goals Scored by: Barazite, Lambert, Saganowski (2), Schneiderlin.
Man of the Match: Marek Saganowski
Give a mention to: Dan Harding and Radhi Jaidi
Match 2: Brentford 1-2 Southampton A.E.T (League Cup 1st Round)
The Echo Thought:
The unchanged side were tired from Saturday and it showed. It took two goals from Saganowski to save them from the embarrassed moments that could have been had Brentford took there chances.
Managers Reaction:
Not good enough - ok we were tired and with a small squad its unavoidable, but still - we know better. We should of played it simpler.
Goals Scored by: Saganowski (2)
Man of the Match: Marek Saganowski
Give a mention to: Bryan Hughes, Dan Harding
Match 3: Huddersfield 1-3 Southampton
The Echo Thought
Slight change in tactics to cope with the almost EPL quality strike force of Vaz te and Rhodes - not that it was needed. Aside from Huddersfield's single fluke of a goal they were quiet through out.
Manager's Reaction
Someone on the West Wing said "Victory is mine, Victory is mine! Bring me all your finest muffins and bagels in the land. Victory is mine". That's how I feel. Our tactics were just right - Rickie Lambert needs to get his striking boots on - 1 goal in 3 matches compared to Saganowski is not good enough. May need to sign a new player to cover as Connolly is really only good enough for the bench.
Goals scored by: Hammond, Saganowski, Hughes
Man of the Match: Bryan Hughes
Give a Mention to: Marek Saganowski
Match 4:Swindon 0-2 Southampton
The Echo's Thought:
Only our second clean sheet of the season, but Lambert isn't hitting form. Saganowski will get injured later in the season and who will be there to keep Southampton going? We don't think Rickie will be able to. Saganowski scored two blinders of goals against a lack luster Swindon side who played like relegation candidates.
Manager's Reaction:
Good performance by some - Lambert you got 3 games left before I replace you.
Goals scored by: Saganowski (2)
Man of the Match: Marek Saganowski
Give a Mention to: Ciaran Clark and Dan Harding
Match 5: Southampton 2-0 Brentford
The Echo's thought:
After a lacklustre performances against Brentford in the Cup, it was nice to see some decent play from Southampton. Saganowski once against scoring two. Lambert = epic fail despite getting so many chances.
Managers reaction:
Lambert your testing me now, SCORE. Well done everyone else - really good performance. Can you hold it up against Reading in the Carling Cup?
Goals scored by: Saganowski (2)
Man of the Match: Marek Saganowski
Give a Mention to: Graeme Murty and Dan Harding
Match 6: Reading 2-1 Southampton A.E.T (Carling Cup 2nd Round)
The Echo's thought:
Poor by Southampton by awful by Reading - worst match seen at the madjeski in some time. Jaidi the best player on the pitch, scoring Southampton's only goal - Reading's both flukes when players were tired.
Managers Reaction: If we weren't so tired from Saturday we might of beaten Reading, and its a good sign - they are a very strong Championship side who should of probably thrashed us. Lambert - your time has run out.
Goal Scored By: Jaidi
Man of the Match: Radhi Jaidi
Give a mention to: Graeme Murty
Overall this Month:
Top Scorer: Marek Saganowski (9 goals)
Fans Player of the Month: Marek Saganowski
Managers Player of the Month: Marek Saganowski/Radhi Jaidi
Won: 5
Drawn: 0
Lost: 1
Goals Scored: 14
Conceded: 4
League Position: 21st
Points: 2 (after penalty)
