Just back from the game.

Norwich were poor during the first half - the three-man midfield lacked width and Southampton exploited our full-backs' defensive weaknessess (particularly on the right) with worrying ease.

Their first goal was easily preventable: we had several players who should have stopped Lallana getting a shot in and none of them got a tackle in.

Hoolahan and Martin didn't do much to help the midfield, and while Wes had a few nice touches, we didn't manage to play him or anyone else into space and we created very little, really struggling to move the ball out from defence.

We were much, much better in the second half without any noticeable tactical changes: the midfield fought much harder, as did Martin up front.

The penalty was contestable but Wes did well with the rebound, and after that I thought we'd win - Southampton's second goal was brilliantly hit but a real sucker punch.

Bringing on Stephen Hughes was inspired - I think he might start ahead of Lappin next time out - and he followed up well to scramble home. After that, I thought we'd win - Martin went down in the box again but the ref (rightly, I thought) didn't give it, Holt had a goal disallowed and we shot just wide late on, but I think a draw was a fair result.

In conclusion, Saints aren't a bad side, our system may struggle against the top teams in this division due to a lack of width, and Stephen Hughes should probably be back in the starting line-up.

RATINGS:

Forster: 6.
Otsemobor: 5.
Drury: 6.
Askou: 5.
Doherty: 6.
Lappin: 5
Russell: 4
Smith: 5
Hoolahan: 8
Holt: 6
Martin: 6

SUBS:
Hughes: 8
McDonald: 6

Posted By: Ottosson Foxtrot, Nov 21, 20:36:09