Obviously not a good performance, but also not the disaster that some will claim, as I expect terms like “disgusting”, “disgraceful” and “shocking” to inevitably start rolling in, as they do whenever we don’t win.
Truth is we should have been 1 or 2 goals to the good before Southampton scored, given their defence was clearly there for the taking.
However, after they scored they maintained excellent shape, and it became one of those congested away games where it was difficult for the better team to string lengthy moves together (though some of the passing clearly left a lot to be desired).
What today really showed the absolute necessity to buy a quality DM before the transfer window closes.
We shouldn’t have to play both Fred and McT as our central pairing yet do with our current options, as the backup (I.e. Matic, is demonstrably worse). Don’t think Fratic have ever played well together.
Can’t knock Fred too much today as he was basically playing CM on his own; the game was far too frantic for a well past his best Matic (again, not his fault, that’s just Father Time remaining undefeated).
Martial was dreadful, but starting him when he’s clearly nowhere near fit yet was a poor decision. Sancho should be ahead of him fitness wise yet didn’t get the nod, but even with his superior fitness he’s still looked well off the pace so far.
Varane will definitely start ahead of Lindelof now, Greenwood is looking like he’s shaping up to have his best season yet, Sancho will massively improve as he beds in, Rashford will be back within a couple of months and Cavani will play his part this season once he’s involved again.
Not a terrible result today, but we’ve been so spoiled by our away form over the last year that it’ll be the end of the world for some. With the crowds back now our away form will likely drop off whereas our home form will likely pick up considerably.
Not much to worry about really, except for the glaring DM problem.