Southampton Falls Short in Championship Opener Against Watford
Southampton experienced their first game in the Championship since the Spygate scandal with a 2-1 defeat against Watford on Sunday. In the second half, Canadian striker Cyle Larin managed to score for the Saints, but the team could not secure an equalizer.
Following the match, we gathered reactions from some Southampton fans on their thoughts regarding the performance and outcome:
Steve shared his disappointment, stating, “Ineffective sideways and backwards keep-possession play instead of positive attacking play. When are Saints going to learn?”
George noted the team started well but faltered, commenting, “Both goals should have been stopped. Jack Stephens has to look at himself for both goals. Much better second half but we still need a top striker. I wish Tonda Eckert would give Edozie a better run as he is very skilful.”
Andy suggested tactical changes, saying, “Put the players in their natural position – when Scienza was on the wing, we looked a far better team in the second half. Let’s put the first game behind us and March On.”
Jon pointed to defensive issues, stating, “Our captain Jack Stephens lost us the game. He gave the ball away for their first goal and ran parallel with their attacker for their second goal rather than closing him down. Dobbin is too lightweight. He did not go into tackles; he just hoped the defender would stand off.”
Colin expressed concern over the team’s cohesion, remarking, “Honestly I thought we looked completely lost in this game as if we had just found 11 players who had not played together before. Credit to Watford, they never let us settle and when we looked like we could have got going they out-muscled us everywhere.”
Paul emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “Southampton have a lot to do to get back to how they ended last season. It would help if the FA pulled their finger out on making a decision on Tonda Eckert and the media stopped raking up the past.”
Frank reflected on the team’s performance, noting, “Saints were careless in the first half and paid the price. Watford wanted it more although some of their tackles were a bit over the top – hence the six yellow cards for their team.”
Southampton’s first Championship game since the Spygate scandal ended in a 2-1 loss at Watford on Sunday.
Canadian striker Cyle Larin pulled a goal back for the Saints in the second period but they could not find an equaliser.
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We asked for Southampton fans to send us their views on the performance and result and here is what some of them had to say:
Steve – Ineffective sideways and backwards keep-possession play instead of positive attacking play. When are Saints going to learn?
George – Started well but then could not hold them off. Both goals should have been stopped. Jack Stephens has to look at himself for both goals. Much better second half but we still need a top striker. I wish Tonda Eckert would give Edozie a better run as he is very skilful.
Andy – Put the players in their natural position – when Scienza was on the wing we looked a far better team in the second half. Let’s put the first game behind us and March On.
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Jon – Our captain Jack Stephens lost us the game. He gave the ball away for their first goal, and ran parallel with their attacker for their second goal rather than closing him down. Dobbin is too lightweight. He did not go into tackles, he just hoped the defender would stand off.
Colin – Honestly I thought we looked completely lost in this game as if we had just found 11 players who had not played together before. Credit to Watford, they never let us settle and when we looked like we could have got going they out-muscled us everywhere.
Paul – Southampton have a lot to do to get back to how they ended last season. It would help if the FA pulled their finger out on making a decision on Tonda Eckert and the media stopped raking up the past.
Frank – Saints were careless in the first half and paid the price. Watford wanted it more although some of their tackles were a bit over the top – hence the six yellow cards for their team.
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