Match Report

IBO Reporter : channonite

I was going to do a more conventional blow by blow report, but instead have decided to use the post I made to the match thread when I got back after the match, when I was tired, but (mostly) happy with the afternoon's entertainment.

This was the match when Saints got the point that ensured their survival in the Premier League for another season, but it also epitomised everything that has been good and bad about the Hasenhüttl version of Saints in the 2018/19 season. I know that it ended in a not very good version of stand-in-the-corner, but by then everyone knew what was happening at Fulham and a point was all we needed. Just imagine the flak Hasenhüttl would have got if we had pressed for the winner and conceded a breakaway goal. So, that was entirely understandable.

The defence was our weak spot - again. With Vestergaard, Yoshida and Bednarek we at least look vaguely competent, but with two of them missing today, it was always a big ask.

The battle of wills between the two manages was a joy to watch. Hasenhüttl made the right call to begin with, then Howe changed his team around and they were on top. At half-time Hasenhüttl changed things again and Saints scored two goals. Then Howe changed things again. We almost lost it at the death. I particularly loved the Bournemouth sub coming on and handing out small pieces of paper to three, or four other players. Very Eddie Howe....

The only thing that disappointed me was the third goal we conceded. It was another late goal that ultimately lost us another two points. that and the blatant Bournemouth time-wasting that the ref let them get away with. Another thing that is very Eddie Howe.

Valery was a joy to watch and in the second half we got to see a lot of him right in front of us. He made Aké look like a novice time and again. His cross for Saints third goal was a thing of beauty. I loved Stephens with an arm around the young Frenchman's shoulders encouraging the crowd to acknowledge Valery's contribution, as the rest of the team were busy congratulating Targett on the other side of the pitch.

So much to enjoy, so much not quite right, so much to praise.

In short, a fecking brilliant afternoon. Just the one home match left against the already relegated Huddersfield, so we can just relax and enjoy the day.

Man of the Match

I am going to go against the grain here, purely for the pleasure that I got from watching this youngster all second half right in front of me, time and again making a monkey of more vaunted opposition. Sure he still makes mistakes while defending, but going forward he is really, really good. Already you forget that he is just 20, having only made the breakthrough into the first team this season and should have his best years in front of him. So, Yan Valery is my Man of the Match.