Match Report

|Well, that was a game of three phases, rather than two halves. It was a hot sultry day in Southampton, as the heatwave gripping the country showed no sign of loosening its grip. Because of the unusual temperatures, the Premier League had sanctioned drink breaks, which were to be taken at the halfway points in the two halves.

The first phase consisted of the first forty-five minutes, where Saints were expected to be using the dreaded five at the back formation. However, when they lined up, it was more a 3-4-2-1, with the centre backs spread right out. Bella-Kotchap was standing on the right touchline, Bednarek in the centre and Salisu on the left. This seemed more effective at containing Leeds, than at Spurs last week. However, it was just so negative, with very little threat to the Leeds goal. The positive thing was that Bella-Kotchap, having his first game for Saints, looked really promising. A big unit, difficult to knock off the ball and seemed comfortable with the ball at his feet. Could this possible be another Salisu, but minus the mistakes?

Anyway, that is all that I have to say about a largely forgettable first half, although I do remember being not unhappy to still be 0-0 during the interval.

The second passage of play ran from the beginning of the second half, until Bednarek was replaced by Mara in the 70th minute.

Well, I was well and truly shaken out of my complacency within seconds of the restart, when Saints went 0-1 down, after a typically sloppy bit of defending which allowed Rodrigo to glance the ball into the net. Saints really were caught napping.

This caused a flurry of activity on the Saints bench, with Ralph and perhaps as many as three of the coaches having a huddle in the area. One of the coaches in particular seemed very animated, but I couldn't quite see who it was. Although others have since suggested to me that it was Rubén Sellés the new 'First Team Lead Coach'. If so, then I suspect we may be hearing a lot more of him.

The end result of this was Aribo and Adam Armstrong prepared to come on. Having had a briefing from the coaches they lined up on the touchline, waiting for the ref to acknowledge the Assistant Referee.

As this was unfolding, things suddenly got a whole lot worse, as Leeds scored again. FFS! Again, sloppy defending, this time from a corner and once again Rodrigo was there to guide the ball beyond Bazunu. 0-2.

There were chants of 'You're getting sacked in the morning' from the Northam, but they died away as Aribo and Adam A came on to replace Stuart A and Elyounoussi.

Almost immediately the coaches were in a huddle and Mara was signalled to get ready for his Saints debut. There was a clear sense of urgency about things now. Preparations were interrupted by the second drinks break at this point. Even so, it took some time to brief Mara and for the Assistant referee to get organised, or whatever else it is they do. We were all trying to guess where the young Frenchman was going to slot in, but none of us were ready for the sight of a visibly annoyed Bednarek trudging off. He went and sat in the seats behind the coaches with his head in his hands. This was the end of the second phase.

The third phase was the final twenty minutes of normal time, plus the time added on.

Saints were transformed, pretty much instantly. Leeds were pushed right back and the home team were fighting like tigers. The crowd sensed the change that had happened and became very vocal.

The first Saints goal was not long in coming and was an absolute corker. Adam Armstrong took the ball at speed up the Saints left flank and sent a lovely ball back into the penalty area. Mara appeared to step over the ball for Joe Aribo, who dragged the ball away from the diving keeper, turned and fired the ball past three defenders into the far corner! The Nigerian had just scored his first goal for Saints in his first home appearance. 1-2 and the fight back was on.

Needless to say, St.Mary's had got well and truly revved up now. There was a definite feeling that it was only a matter of minutes before the next Saints goal arrived. We didn't have to wait long. Saints were all over Leeds like the proverbial cheap suit.

The equaliser was a thing of beauty. Seemingly from nothing, Mara played the most exquisite pass across the field to Walker-Peters far out on the right and from a difficult angle he shot across the face of goal into the far corner. GOAL! And the crowd went mental. Fan-bloody-tastic! Moments like that are why we go to football.

Could we, dare we hope??

Djenepo, who had had a very good game and been a constant thorn in the side of the Leeds defenders was clattered in possession, shortly after the goal and was clearly injured. So, on 90 minutes he was replaced by Jack Stephens.

There was still time for Mara to have a snap shot from range, which the goalie was only able to palm away. That would have capped an extraordinary display.

Some of the urgency seemed to go out of the game at this point, but I suppose that is not surprising given the 30+C heat out there.

The final whistle saw celebrations like we had actually won the game, but there was such a lot to be excited about. Bazunu looks the real deal in goal, Bella-Kotchap looks like he could just be the centre back we wanted, Lavia (who i haven't mentioned, but nevertheless had a good game) seems mature way beyond his years, Mara just seems a prodigious talent and Joe Aribo was outstanding. What a job the recruitment team have done this year.

Man of the Match

|So many options this time!

Djenepo kept going forward the whole game and probably played as well as I have seen from him, Mara is clearly a talent and we will be seeing a lot. more of him and Walker-Peters scored a great goal on top of his usual excellent display. However, for me, the player that made the difference was Joe Aribo. He needs to play every week and he is my man of the match.

IBO Reporter: channonite

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