Southampton Reaction

We may not have won, but neither did Southampton and neither did Leeds. A 1-1 draw will be taken due to the circumstances surrounding the game, and given that we were 1-0 down after by all accounts, a disappointing first half.

A brighter second half earned us an equaliser and only refereeing decisions and the woodwork prevented all 3 points going to the Addicks. The second disallowed goal seems at best, dubious, and Kelly Youga's rampaging run deserved better than striking the outside of the post. Penalty shouts at each end were ignored and so the game ended 1-1.

Have we been found out? The last two home games have been closer affairs, yet we have still picked up four points. It is to be expected that after winning the first 6 games that teams would approach us differently. Ironically as a relegated side, Southampton arguably took the most "League One" approach so far. From the start it seemed they were more physical and it took the Addicks the first half to adjust to that. The important thing from the game though is that we came out in the second half stronger, and players like Racon stepped up their game. Indeed, we could have won by the end.

For now the Pardew connection can be put aside. The first dropped points of the season have come and now it will be interesting to see how we respond to that. I think the way the game progressed with us finishing stronger will be beneficial to us in comparison to a point gained with the better performance in the first half. Our next game is against a somewhat resurgent Norwich, who now possess a more talented manager than the last time we met. In a season full of tests, the one coming up on Saturday is without doubt the biggest we have faced so far.