The title is clearly a tribute to Barry Chuckle, and to Ben Mee for providing our best effort on goal…
When I penned my last post, my Season Preview, I had just witnessed us getting hammered 3-0 by Borussia Mönchengladbach in our final pre-season friendly. After wins against Dijon and Celta Vigo, I was shocked at the performance we put in. Yes, it was only pre-season, our third game in eight days, and played in uncomfortably hot temperatures, but I really didn’t see anything to reassure me that this year would be better than the last. The optimism I had gained, thanks largely to our impressive transfer window, just vanished instantly.
This negativity continued all the way through Transfer Deadline Day; as the hours passed by it seemed we were making no movements to address the issues that still remained within our squad. 17:00. Nothing.
And then suddenly, news filtered through that we had submitted a deal sheet for Danny Ings on loan. The majority of the fan base hadn’t been keen on him when rumours circulated; mostly as a result of the reported £20m price tag. However, a loan signing seemed ideal and we waited anxiously to see if we could get the deal sewn up before 19:00. I was working all day until 5, so I must admit I was glad they saved this late drama for when I got out. Excitement built; even though it wasn’t Danny Welbeck or Paco Alcacer; it was a striker with potential.
Finally, Danny Ings, born in Winchester, raised in Netley, and most importantly, a Southampton fan, was announced as a Saints player.
Interestingly, the deal wasn’t quite what we expected. We had anticipated ‘loan with a view to a buy’, but instead got ‘loan with an obligation to buy’. Ings will be confirmed a permanent Southampton player on 1 July 2019, meaning money has already been taken out the transfer kitty for next summer’s window. This could be, and on yesterday’s showing, should be, a very shrewd move. However, we all know Ings has struggled with two very serious injuries which have seen him play very little the past few years. If we can keep him fit, he’s going to be a fan favourite and potential club legend. My only concern is we don’t do a very good job of keeping Austin fit. Hopefully, between the pair of them, we have at least one fit striker.
All this aside, Danny Ings’ signing, his homecoming, was a feelgood story and certainly raised spirits ahead of yesterday’s season opener Watching Final Score and Wolves V Everton on Saturday was fun, but made the wait for our game to kick off even longer. The anticipation built, the nerves grew, but so did the excitement.
I made my way down to St Mary’s, ready for another season of vlogging for 90Min football. Once again, I will be travelling, home and away, phone in hand, filming all my reactions to whatever happens on the pitch, and, if it’s like yesterday, getting called a ‘cock’ by the people behind for having my phone out. It’s worth it though, just to see it all come together like this.
If that’s not enough for you, here’s my own edit; basically an extended edition with more facial expressions.
We were welcomed back to St Mary’s by it pissing down, but that was okay because Virgin Media gave away free ice cream, what we all truly wanted. Making their return for a second season were the clackers; honestly, they just make us a laughing stock to the rest of the league and have very little impact on our atmosphere. The decision to persist with them is almost as bad as that bright red tracking we now have around the perimeter of the pitch..
Something that was cool though was our fiery opening. Absolutely completely needless and over the top, but I loved it.
Right, shall we get onto the football?
The atmosphere at kick off was stellar, but that very quickly died in the opening ten minutes. I don’t even recall us venturing into their half. We sat deep, let them have the ball, and they looked dangerous. Cork had a goal ruled offside and Aaron Lennon should’ve scored when he got through 1v1 with McCarthy, who pulled off his first stunning save of the afternoon. Gudmundsson also hit a good free kick just over the bar. We looked like the team that had played in Istanbul Thursday night, fatigued from the travelling.
Eventually, we started to find our feet; Redmond, for once in his life, ran at defenders and scared Lowton and Tarkowski. This improved our confidence, with Lemina having a header saved and Austin inches away from an Armstrong cross at the far post.
There was no denying at half time though, that Burnley were the better team, with a Hendrick header having drawn another save from McCarthy. Our formation, with the three centrebacks, two wingbacks, then two holding midfielders, was just too negative. Austin was isolated up top – feels like I’ve written those words before – and there was no link between our defence and attack. Instead every clearance was recycled by Burnley for another move.
Armstrong, a bright spark, had to unfortunately go off injured, paving the way for Ings’ Southampton debut. Cédric also departed due to not being fully match fit; Stephen’s shifted across to right back and wow. What a change that formation alteration made. In the final third of the game, it was all Saints; Redmond, Ings, Stephens, Elyounoussi, and Lemina all had efforts at goal, but to no avail.
Full time. 0-0.
So what to make of that game?
Last year, when playing Burnley at home, Pellegrino stubbornly refused to alter things despite being outplayed. Dyche made a tactical sub, bringing on Sam Vokes, who scored and they won 1-0. Hughes, an actual manager, made the change and the game shifted in our favour; maybe we should have won in the end, though by that point Burnley should’ve been 2 or 3 up. So a draw is probably fair.
I am happy with yesterday’s showing. I think we have enough about us to avoid a relegation fight, though top 10 might be pushing it. Ultimately though, I never felt like we were going to score. It says a lot that our best effort was Ben Mee’s header, which was cleared off the line by his team mate Westwood. Our attack looked a lot more lively in the second half; Redmond, Ings and Elyounoussi were all on it, but was there a goal coming? Armstrong also impressed, but I do worry about Austin at the moment. He really does offer nothing the way we’re playing.
I also worry that next weekend we’ll start with a back three again. Stoke fans claim Hughes’ persistence with the formation is what sent them down… I’d love the team that finished the game to start next week, maybe with Cédric and Yoshida in, but after spending pre-season playing one way, I’m not convinced.
A big difference was Vestergaard though. It was so noticeable how every ball bounced back out off his head. We missed that all of last season, so it was refreshing to see us have aerial presence, and actually look composed and organised at the back. Stephens and Hoedt will both learn alongside him; I think defensively we’re going to be strong this season, especially when Yoshida’s pace returns.
It’s an encouraging start and something to build on, that is all there is really to say at this point. Everton may prove a sterner test, but I’m looking forward to my first ever trip to Goodison, even if we never do well up there. Before then, I shall be attending the Saints Fans’ Forum which should be an interesting evening. At the moment I’m happy, but just hope we can get scoring soon otherwise we’re only making things difficult for ourselves again.
I’ll be back next weekend with another vlog and blog post for Everton away!
Owen The Saints 