It’s bad but it’s not that bad
It’s safe to say that watching Saints exit the competition at such an early stage is a kick in the teeth. The side has not only committed the same old mistakes as they have time after time, but they have done it twice to the same opponents in a remarkably similar fashion.
Two goals up and two goals conceded, two goals up two goals conceded, in no more than 10 minutes each time. To make matters worse the FA cup draw offered up an inviting tie against League One proposition Accrington.
It would be easy for fans to despair, cry or even marvel at Southampton’s masterful way of not only shooting themselves in the foot, but then taking an exocet missile to said foot, before burying the remains somewhere near the Earth’s core.
The team’s forte for self-defeat aside, there is in fact reason to be hopeful and dare we say it even happy about the remainder of the season. Despite, once again putting the faithful through the ringer, the FA cup replay has now freed up the previously suspended, Yan Valery, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and Charlie Austin.
Højbjerg in particular has been a vital presence in the middle of the park both as a player and as a captain. Charlie Austin’s experience off the bench could also prove invaluable against Everton.
The cup run has been a sputtering disaster, but in the league, the side appears to be making great strides. A bonus point against Chelsea, and a big win against Leicester have put Ralph’s side in a strong position to stay in the top-flight.
The back line has looked competently solid and the players have impressed with a high press mistake inducing brand of football.
A tweet from the BBC’s Adam Blackmore puts the new manager’s success in to context. Blackmore stated: “When he arrived they had won one premier league game in 15. Ralph – P7 W3 D1 L3 – 10 points. Since return to PL only Koeman has done better in first 7 games – 13pts, Pell 8pts, Puel 9pts, Poch 6pts, Adkins 4pts.”
If the positive run continues on Saturday, then the sojourn in the cup will be written off as a bad day (or 10) at the office. if you’re still feeling blue console yourself with the knowledge that Liverpool couldn’t even make a replay. There goes another trophy Dejan Lovren won’t be winning.