On Southampton

Southampton fans keep on complaining that no one ever talks about them, so here we go.

Nobody really gives them a prayer of getting into the Champions League, but I'm not so sure.

Firstly, they have a well balanced team and their players complement each other well. Tadic and Pelle combine very well and Wanamaya is an underrated player who did very well for Celtic in the Champions League. Shane Long was an intelligent buy and he will score goals, why did Hull let him go? And Fraser Forster is an excellent goalkeeper despite the mistake on Monday.

Secondly, far too many teams underestimate them, and I think that will continue because everyone expects they will fall apart by the end of the season. Against the big four or five many teams drop back and defend with seven or eight players in the box, but against Southampton this doesn't happen. Sunderland, for example, didn't track back properly the whole match against Southampton and got beaten 8-0. They would never do that against the likes of Arsenal or City.

Lastly, although I can never forgive Ronald Koeman for his actions 21 years ago, I must admit he does look like a very good coach. That man has a nerve coming to work in England (of all places) after what he did but he has almost achieved a miracle to get Southampton where they are today and playing such good football. I believe he has the experience and the force of personality to possibly see Southampton through to the Champions League.

Please share if you like this. I will continue to blog every single fucking Thursday, right to the end of the season.

Tom