Reports and Reaction Southampton 0-2 Brentford

[BFC1997]

A more interesting game that the first round.

Circumstances meant that we picked a team that was both competitive against a PL first XI but that also included players we wanted to see more of; Sorensen, Goode, Thompson, Baptiste, Forss.

The team performance was strong and probably the highlightall things considered. More balanced, more fluid and more intensity; fewer sloppy passes and lapses in concentration. It is only the cup, but it breeds confidence for league form.

A few individual performances were noteworthy too. Daniels very good, comfortable if Raya is out on Saturday. Sorensen looks slimmer and fitter, lack of pace not an issue like maybe it has been in previous outings. Mbeumo and Norgaard hitting their top standards. Fosu with a strong 90 too.

All that said I am not get carried away. Southampton’s defending for our goals was shambolic and don’t think we will be gifted those kind of opportunities regularly even in the Championship.

 

[IslandBee]

A more interesting game that the first round.

Circumstances meant that we picked a team that was both competitive against a PL first XI but that also included players we wanted to see more of; Sorensen, Goode, Thompson, Baptiste, Forss.

The team performance was strong and probably the highlightall things considered. More balanced, more fluid and more intensity; fewer sloppy passes and lapses in concentration. It is only the cup, but it breeds confidence for league form.

A few individual performances were noteworthy too. Daniels very good, comfortable if Raya is out on Saturday. Sorensen looks slimmer and fitter, lack of pace not an issue like maybe it has been in previous outings. Mbeumo and Norgaard hitting their top standards. Fosu with a strong 90 too.

All that said I am not get carried away. Southampton’s defending for our goals was shambolic and don’t think we will be gifted those kind of opportunities regularly even in the Championship.

Surely Goode deserved a mention in terms of individual performances!

 

[MikeL]

Goode was strong throughout, both on the ground and particularly in the air. My MOM

 

[Brentford Bob]

Sorensen my MOM. He has developed into a contender.

If Saints finishing had been better, it might have been a different story but I’ll take that. Great result for us Hants Bees, and barring twenty mins at the start of the second half, a decent performance throughout.

Nice one.

 

[johndub]

Matt Le Tissier, Lawrie McMenemy, Luke Shaw, your boys took a hell of a beating!

 

[Guildford Bee]

All of the players who stepped in were excellent. I thought Baptiste had bags of energy and looked really good alongside JDS.

I got the sense that we benefitted from the mix of some of the ever presents from last season alongside some of the hungrier who fringe players who showed no signs of looking a bit sorry for themselves that a few of players did on Saturday.

 

[SC]

Best quotes from BBC report

"Ralph Hasenhuttl named 10 of the side that started the Premier League season at the weekend but they were outplayed by last season's play-off finalists."

"Brentford could only name five substitutes after a positive Covid-19 test in the squad led to some players having to quarantine, and left big-money striker Ivan Toney out, yet still had enough to progress."

 

[Mr Cynical]

Well, that was more like it! Frank had obviously given them a rollocking for Saturdays first half as we came out with real purpose from the off and we worked our socks off throughout the game. If we can do that then the quality football and the goals will come and we'll be fine.. Can't fault anyone but was v impressed with our 'makeshift' back four. Goode and Sorenson won everything in the air against a quality attack and Thompson looked every inch a first team left back. Was lovely to see the two subs applauding him as he came off.. Baptiste looked impressive going forward too, excited to see what he can do when fully fit and that was Fosu's best performance for us so far though they both tired understandably towards the end. Special mention for Mbuemo who looked like he was getting his mojo back and showed no sign of the petulance on Saturday. Two very good goals, particularly the second. Oh, nearly forgot, Marcus Forss who looked v comfortable up front. Works really hard, has great movement, wins headers and doesn't just flick them on aimlessly, he's very clever with it. Subs came on and showed no sign of letting the intensity drop which was excellent. All in all a very good night and hopefully that'll give us confidence to kick on from Sat in the league....

 

[GlasgowBee]

A handsome result, raising a small glass of Laphroaig to toast this one

 

[jlove]

This was a clear win for our analysts and the coaches' abilities to get across the tactics, plus select MBS and Goode, and quick attackers, to carry them out. Southampton play a very high line and press, so the last thing we needed to do is mess round at the back – just clear the ball and, when in possession, get the ball into the space behind and let Mbeumo and Fosu run at them, with Forss keeping their centre backs occupied, then Baptiste and JDS getting up quickly in support. In an end-to-end game, we out-thought them. Lots of impressive performances that should give Thomas a selection headache but, most importantly, the confidence in the squad to push on.

Now, for the tactics against a team who sit deep with a low press...

 

[West Wilts Bee]

Great result for the team, never saw it but have to congratulate the boys after being negative about our performance on Sat.

 

[ruislip bee]

This was a clear win for our analysts and the coaches' abilities to get across the tactics, plus select MBS and Goode, and quick attackers, to carry them out. Southampton play a very high line and press, so the last thing we needed to do is mess round at the back – just clear the ball and, when in possession, get the ball into the space behind and let Mbeumo and Fosu run at them, with Forss keeping their centre backs occupied, then Baptiste and JDS getting up quickly in support. In an end-to-end game, we out-thought them. Lots of impressive performances that should give Thomas a selection headache but, most importantly, the confidence in the squad to push on.

Now, for the tactics against a team who sit deep with a low press...

Did we win then ? Who'd have thought?

 

[TorbayBee]

A more interesting game that the first round.

Circumstances meant that we picked a team that was both competitive against a PL first XI but that also included players we wanted to see more of; Sorensen, Goode, Thompson, Baptiste, Forss.

The team performance was strong and probably the highlightall things considered. More balanced, more fluid and more intensity; fewer sloppy passes and lapses in concentration. It is only the cup, but it breeds confidence for league form.

A few individual performances were noteworthy too. Daniels very good, comfortable if Raya is out on Saturday. Sorensen looks slimmer and fitter, lack of pace not an issue like maybe it has been in previous outings. Mbeumo and Norgaard hitting their top standards. Fosu with a strong 90 too.

All that said I am not get carried away. Southampton’s defending for our goals was shambolic and don’t think we will be gifted those kind of opportunities regularly even in the Championship.

Are you a lawyer?
Fantastic result. Played well. Strong second string.

Well, that was more like it! Frank had obviously given them a rollocking for Saturdays first half as we came out with real purpose from the off and we worked our socks off throughout the game. If we can do that then the quality football and the goals will come and we'll be fine.. Can't fault anyone but was v impressed with our 'makeshift' back four. Goode and Sorenson won everything in the air against a quality attack and Thompson looked every inch a first team left back. Was lovely to see the two subs applauding him as he came off.. Baptiste looked impressive going forward too, excited to see what he can do when fully fit and that was Fosu's best performance for us so far though they both tired understandably towards the end. Special mention for Mbuemo who looked like he was getting his mojo back and showed no sign of the petulance on Saturday. Two very good goals, particularly the second. Oh, nearly forgot, Marcus Forss who looked v comfortable up front. Works really hard, has great movement, wins headers and doesn't just flick them on aimlessly, he's very clever with it. Subs came on and showed no sign of letting the intensity drop which was excellent. All in all a very good night and hopefully that'll give us confidence to kick on from Sat in the league....

we were always going to be ‘fine’ . We are an excellent team.

 

[Jay Bee]

Best quote from Southampton Twitter

@MartinMacqueen
Embarrassing. Unfit and no additions to the squad. Complacent and not keeping up with the rest of the league who have made signings. Thanks for ruining my birthday

Not seen a lot of credit for a fine display from us

 

[SpiderBee]

The GPG standards re posts is slipping............

 

[Ash]

A handsome result, raising a small glass of Laphroaig to toast this one

I has a triple!

 

[johndub]

A handsome result, raising a small glass of Laphroaig to toast this one

Now that’s an acquired taste! Too medicinal a taste for me but what do I know?

 

[badgerbee]

Now that’s an acquired taste! Too medicinal a taste for me but what do I know?

Smokey.........

 

[Mr Cynical]

Are you a lawyer?
Fantastic result. Played well. Strong second string.

we were always going to be ‘fine’ . We are an excellent team.

I know, but the point is the players can't take it for granted like they appeared to on Saturday. If they don't do the work then it won't happen. Tonight was back to what we've come to expect and I'm sure Thomas will be pressing that point..

 

[TW3Bee]

We've never lost at The St. Mary's Stadium.

Two wins and two draws in four games.

Southampton football club: record v Brentford

Southampton football club record against Brentford, including all match details.

www.11v11.com

 

[Mearnsy]

Well, that was more like it! Frank had obviously given them a rollocking for Saturdays first half as we came out with real purpose from the off and we worked our socks off throughout the game. If we can do that then the quality football and the goals will come and we'll be fine.. Can't fault anyone but was v impressed with our 'makeshift' back four. Goode and Sorenson won everything in the air against a quality attack and Thompson looked every inch a first team left back. Was lovely to see the two subs applauding him as he came off.. Baptiste looked impressive going forward too, excited to see what he can do when fully fit and that was Fosu's best performance for us so far though they both tired understandably towards the end. Special mention for Mbuemo who looked like he was getting his mojo back and showed no sign of the petulance on Saturday. Two very good goals, particularly the second. Oh, nearly forgot, Marcus Forss who looked v comfortable up front. Works really hard, has great movement, wins headers and doesn't just flick them on aimlessly, he's very clever with it. Subs came on and showed no sign of letting the intensity drop which was excellent. All in all a very good night and hopefully that'll give us confidence to kick on from Sat in the league....

Only thing I’d add to this is Mads Bech Sørensen’s long throws; when did that start happening?

 

[mundee4england]

Just got home, saw one note on positive COVID tests hence the 5 subs... any more on this? Everyone seems fairly relaxed about it!!?

 

[HantsBee]

Living in Southampton I am going to really enjoy chatting to my Saints supporting friends....

 

[wibs]

Just got home, saw one note on positive COVID tests hence the 5 subs... any more on this? Everyone seems fairly relaxed about it!!?

That's cos we've just beaten a Premier League team so Huddersfield should be no problem! (In theory)

 

[SC]

I like this one from Saints messageboard

On the bright side, Brentford losing the play-off final to Fulham may yet be decent for us.

Brentford look twice the side Fulham are.

 

[TheProf]

Match report from inside St Mary’s by Bees United. https://www.beesunited.org.uk/match-reports/southampton-0-brentford-2/

 

[Leonardo]

From what I saw that midfield of ours has really got to give Thomas a headache. How does he accomodate Baptiste?
I think it also shows that having lost Watkins (and likely Benrahma) we have a strong and balanced depth of squad and have Forss who is going to push Toney all the way.
Word on Daniels: Mr Reliable will never let you down. Some of his shot stopping was brilliant and he was very dominating and its clear distribution is better.
Oh and I will eat my hat on Thompson. Happy to see he looks every inch a left back

 

[Kingston Bee]

From what I saw that midfield of ours has really got to give Thomas a headache. How does he accomodate Baptiste?
I think it also shows that having lost Watkins (and likely Benrahma) we have a strong and balanced depth of squad and have Forss who is going to push Toney all the way.
Word on Daniels: Mr Reliable will never let you down. Some of his shot stopping was brilliant and he was very dominating and its clear distribution is better.
Oh and I will eat my hat on Thompson. Happy to see he looks every inch a left back

Re Thompson, another example of where too many posters are happy to react after seeing him play a handful of games. Patience, patience, patience.

 

[AB]

From what I saw that midfield of ours has really got to give Thomas a headache. How does he accomodate Baptiste?
I think it also shows that having lost Watkins (and likely Benrahma) we have a strong and balanced depth of squad and have Forss who is going to push Toney all the way.
Word on Daniels: Mr Reliable will never let you down. Some of his shot stopping was brilliant and he was very dominating and its clear distribution is better.
Oh and I will eat my hat on Thompson. Happy to see he looks every inch a left back

I think the way to accommodate Baptiste is to accept that we will need slightly different line ups and tactics for different opponents. There will be games when JDS and Baptiste are the right choice, others when Jensen and/or Marcondes the better option for one or both, and that sometimes deploying the alternative as a sub will be the way to go. With a congested fixture list it should be possible to do this without worrying too much about unsettling the team. It also stops us being too predictable.

 

[Cham]

A very good, mature performance. Daniels very reliable.. Goode solid.. Baptise and Fosu interlinked well.. Great finish from JDS.. An excellent night

 

[GlasgowBee]

Now that’s an acquired taste! Too medicinal a taste for me but what do I know?

It's good medicine to match the result

 

[Bangor Bee]

The most notable thing for me was the performances of the centre backs. Mads Bech was very dominant and looked ready to step up to the first team. Charlie Goode seemed to grow as the match progressed and had a fine second half. His clearances are a bit too agricultural at times but I guess we'll work on that.

 

[Oceanbee]

From what I saw of the match, we appeared to attack much quicker and with intensity.
No long spells of passing the ball around sideways and backwards.

Lots of players now good enough for regular first team place. Hard choices for TF!

Daniels proves to be our new regular goalie!
Raya has shown that he wants to go.
Suggest that Daniels should now keep the position, and up to Raya what he does next.

I’d rather have a player who wants to stay and play, rather than one who wants to go.

The Arsenal move may have disappeared, but there’s the January window.

 

[Leonardo]

From what I saw of the match, we appeared to attack much quicker and with intensity.
No long spells of passing the ball around sideways and backwards.

Lots of players now good enough for regular first team place. Hard choices for TF!

Daniels proves to be our new regular goalie!
Raya has shown that he wants to go.
Suggest that Daniels should now keep the position, and up to Raya what he does next.

I’d rather have a player who wants to stay and play, rather than one who wants to go.

The Arsenal move may have disappeared, but there’s the January window.

Raya is still not fit and that is why he wasn't selected. I'm guess they are being coy on this hip injury of his and it may be worse than they thought.

 

[Friji]

Very impressed with how we dug deep and played to frustrate - similar to Birmingham on Saturday! After the 2nd goal we shut up shop and just let them attack us.. very pleasing to not concede against a very strong outfit.

Also great games from Mads/Goode - think many people had written them off at the start of the match.

 

[jlove]

Raya has shown that he wants to go.

I'm unsure to how you got to that conclusion in a match report.

 

[magicbees]

From what I saw that midfield of ours has really got to give Thomas a headache. How does he accomodate Baptiste?
I think it also shows that having lost Watkins (and likely Benrahma) we have a strong and balanced depth of squad and have Forss who is going to push Toney all the way.
Word on Daniels: Mr Reliable will never let you down. Some of his shot stopping was brilliant and he was very dominating and its clear distribution is better.
Oh and I will eat my hat on Thompson. Happy to see he looks every inch a left back

I would start that midfield on Saturday.

 

[Dazza]

I would start that midfield on Saturday.

I too like the midfield from last night but I'm not sure if Baptiste is quite ready for 2 games in a short time, needs to have a little run without injury to get his fitness up I feel. Once that happens he'll force his way into the side.

 

[moribee]

Great for squad confidence last night.

 

[Vid]

Excellent result but don't get too complacent. On a few occasions Henry when defending left their "winger" completely free to get a cross in. Could someone let Thomas know in case everyone missed it. Ta.

 

[liverbee]

Just watched two minutes of hi lights. Saints should have scored, one a dreadful miss/ bit of bad luck and one I’d like to put down to Luke Daniels making himself big. Fosu’s shot was majestic and deserved a goal and his through ball, likewise. And we score two immense goals.

 

[IslandBee]

I too like the midfield from last night but I'm not sure if Baptiste is quite ready for 2 games in a short time, needs to have a little run without injury to get his fitness up I feel. Once that happens he'll force his way into the side.

I am not sure last night's midfield is creative enough for Saturday, but if Jensen and Marcondes don't get up to speed quickly and Baptiste gets match fit, then, yes, I would be looking in this direction as well.

 

[Dazza]

I am not sure last night's midfield is creative enough for Saturday, but if Jensen and Marcondes don't get up to speed quickly and Baptiste gets match fit, then, yes, I would be looking in this direction as well.

I think that's fair yeah, it's nice to have so many different options depending on the situation, just need to keep people fit for a while.

 

[Delbee]

I think that's fair yeah, it's nice to have so many different options depending on the situation, just need to keep people fit for a while.

What I thought was interesting was in Thomas’s post match interview were he said we went a bit long more than usual and picked up more second balls. Was that because of how he set up the midfield

 

[Dazza]

What I thought was interesting was in Thomas’s post match interview were he said we went a bit long more than usual and picked up more second balls. Was that because of how he set up the midfield

Probably yeah, Southampton are one of the better sides when it comes to pressing so he probably was smart enough to see that a playmaker like Marcondes (Or Jensen had he been fit) wouldn't get the time on the ball they need to be effective, with Baptiste and Josh in there it gave us 2 guys that play a kind of box to box role, could be a midfield for teams that like to press high up the pitch (Barnsley for example)?

 

[vcmazz]

I have to confess that despite saying I wouldn't pay a tenner to watch the ressies, boredom beat me last night and I finally succumbed. Jolly glad I did too. Thoroughly enjoyable. And our ressies gave their first team counterparts a defending masterclass. The defence was outstanding. The first team seems a bit stale and lethargic at the moment. I'd be quite happy to see last night's team start against Huddersfield. Seemed to be far more energy to it. Sorensen and Thompson looked class, as did Daniels in goal. Just hoping Arsenal weren't watching him!

 

[Delbee]

I texted this morning an old Brentford Supporter friend , now a Bournemouth Season Ticket Holder that we would have made many South Coast fans happy, he replied yes and what a good result for Brentford

 

[rodders]

Can be very proud of that performance. Must now do the same in the league

 

[Beast of Frankfurt]

Nice to see we have a squad with more than adequate cover for every possession, maybe with the exception of Norgaard. Also nice that they are all our players, no loan signings. Proud of the fact we dont have to "borrow" off other clubs. Instead we sign quality young players for our B team so that if they make the first team squad they dont look out of place. Discussed this with gashbee the other day and we struggled to name the last first teamer we had on loan, maybe J Swift ? Someone let me know, cheers.

 

[RAF_Patto]

We could start thinking about a UECL place if the draws keep being so kind