...Saints fan here, just been watching a few videos of the last time we were in Prem and came across this game with you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxH55gBWda4&feature=relmfu
I know we won that game, but I was watching it, and I forgot how bloody good you were back then! It was a massive thing if someone like "little old Southampton" beat the amazing Arsenal, so I'm just wondered, what's happened? Do you think you will ever reach that sort of level again? even on the highlights you can see some of your passing would put your current side to shame. Also I forgot about Niemi's triple save from Vieira in this game, should of been on one of the options in the 20 years voting imo.
Oh and before someone says it, yes I know you beat us 6-1 in the return that season....and in the Cup final.
Looking forward to playing you again this year
Afternoon Arsenal fans...
posted on 31/5/12
Have you been following Walcott? What do you make of his development?
posted on 31/5/12
Ox is a monster, he's so talented but the most impressive thing is his maturity and confidence. He's gonna be world class, I think it's worth taking him to the Euros as a wildcard though because he can do something special out of nothing.
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Yeah he has got a lot of maturity, only had good things to say about us as well which is nice seeing as he's a skate! He's very strong as well for a small tricky winger which I bet some of you were suprised about beginning of last year, which on another point, where do you see his long term position? On the wing or in the middle?
As for the Euros I just hope we don't have another repeat of the Walcott situation from WC 2006 (Though Chambo has so much more than Theo ever had), but agree about the wildcard, could be useful where he is an unknown quantity in international football, could be a great supersub against tired defenders, not just due to his pace but his directness, if they knew nothing about him they would **** themselves after he's had the ball a couple of times. I suppose we'll see eh?
posted on 31/5/12
Well Walcott was always a striker when he played for us, and think he would of been better off in that situation. And although this is obviously going to sound biased, I think he left us a bit too early, or should of included a loan deal back to us for the rest of the year (You signed him in the January window right?). I feel like he hasn't really hit his potential, but it's easy to forget he's only 23, and I believe he had a half decent season in terms of assists and goals?
posted on 31/5/12
Well the thing with Ramsey is he is, in my opinion, one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe. He was looking in good shape before his injury, and again at the start of the season, when he racked up quite a few assists, albeit whilst looking far from fully fit.
However, he's quite conspicuously the weak link in the team when he plays - slow on the ball and off the pace. His confidence looks low and the crowd turn on him quickly, and it'd be a shame to see his talent go to waste.
For me, Southampton is the ideal club for us to send players like him, he'd have stiff competition from Cork and Lallana but they play good quick football and have excellent coaches. I think it'd rejuvinate him. Unfortunately I think you guys will set your sights on higher targets. Still think if there were an ideal team we could loan great young players (coquelin is another) it'd definitely be Saints.
posted on 31/5/12
*position, not situation Really not with it today !
posted on 31/5/12
I should also point out that Walcott looks completely anonymous when he plays in the middle. Even out wide he hides behind defenders - it's cringeworthy to watch at times. Useful player, but nothing brilliant.
posted on 31/5/12
I'll take your word for it Although when he was playing as a striker for us it was against Championship defenders. As for Ramsey I do think he's a good player, but he needs a GREAT player alongside him to help him out, and I may be off the mark but it seems as he's been made as a bit of a scapegoat at Arsenal, which happens at every club and is always a shame.
posted on 31/5/12
Yeah I agree Walcott would've been better off staying with you for another season or two. He came in January and didn't play for the rest of the season. He was mainly a sub for the first year or two after that, he looked a bit out of his depth but he was young... but he's never really kicked on massively since then.
He's a threat because of his pace and finishing but I think the problem was everyone was expecting some kind of superstar. He doesn't seem to have the technique, ability on the ball or mentality to be top class but there's still more to come from him, he needs to be more consistent.
posted on 31/5/12
That YouTube video reminds me how BAD Pascal Cygan was.
posted on 31/5/12
"He doesn't seem to have the technique, ability on the ball or mentality to be top class.."
Like a lot of English players eh? But yeah was definitely over hyped at a young age.
"That YouTube video reminds me how BAD Pascal Cygan was."