The Saints are marching on. Wow! Who would have ever imagined Southampton occupying second position in the ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE after 12 games played with a W-D-L record that stands at 8-2-2? The protagonist definitely has to be 'FLOQUET DE NEU'. Don't get puzzled. The man behind this extremely bewildering development is RONALD KOEMAN. For those who know and love football with all their hearts, the name 'RONALD KOEMAN' is box office in our sport. He had a pretty decent playing career, featuring for the 'TRADITIONAL BIG THREE' of Dutch Football- Feyenoord, Ajax and PSV and Barcelona. He did not stop there. 'Tintin' has he was fondly called at Barcelona, scored 193 goals as a central defender...........11 more than 'EL GRAN CAPITAN' Daniel Passarella and the highest ever for a central defender in football history. Floquet de Neu is also one of the best free kick takers of all time. Furthermore, his record of 25 consecutive penalty conversions still proudly stays in his locker for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, Tintin Koeman is the first payer to score in two consecutive European finals of different outcomes/stakes and the only human to play for and manage the 'BIG THREE' of DUTCH TOP FLIGHT FOOTBALL. He is that exceptional.
He decided to toe a different path in the summer and he was chosen as the replacement for Mauricio 'THE SHERIFF' Pochettino at Southampton. The South Coast club had to start all over again after the manager and all their best players left for pastures new. Luke Shaw went to Manchester United, the vital 'Ls'-Lallana, Lambert and Lovren were all purchased by Liverpool who were looking to build on their 2nd place finish from last season. Calum Chambers was snapped by Arsenal. Their worst fears seemed to be confirmed when Liverpool beat them at the beginning of the season. They were even tipped by bookmakers and pundits to go down at the end of the season. But, Koeman had other ideas. The man has gone on to win 8 of his next 11 encounters, losing only one. Not only that, he has also eliminated the Arsenal from the Carling Cup. The next hurdle to scale is MANCHESTER CITY and no one will dare bet against them.
Manchester City are the defending champions but they find themselves in third place behind their next opponents, Sot'on and runaway leaders, Chelsea. After an indifferent start to the season in domestic and European affairs. The only bright side of the season for the citizens has to be SERGIO AGUERO. After a disappointing World Cup showing (on a personal level), EL KUN has put that in the bin and turned things around. His 12 league goals is the best return in the League this season and in midweek, he put one of the best teams in the World to the sword with a perfect chance-goal conversion rate. 3 CHANCES=3 GOALS. A jaw dropping statistic that even Sandor Kocsis would have been proud of. Yaya Toure has not lived up to the incredibly high level he reached last season. Fernandinho has found playing time hard to come by because of the acquisition of fellow Brazilian, Fernando. Edin Dzeko has continued to score but he is out at the moment. At the back, Eliaquim Mangala is still finding his feet and Vinnie Kompany hasn't been consistent in form because of injuries and suspension, Samir Nasri too has had his fair share of injuries and disappointments. On the whole, the team hasn't clicked into gear. There will no excuses when they arrive St Mary's on Sunday. So'ton are on another level and there will be no hiding place for either team.
Southampton brought Dusan Tadic from Twente in the summer. The Serbian playmaker has influenced proceedings since he was acquired. 1 goal and 6 assists in 11 league games is not exactly world class but an impressive stat. Sadio Mane, Natty Clyne James Ward-Prawse, Morgan Schneiderlin, new signings Tony Alderweireld, Graziano Pelle and Fraser Forster have all played their parts in what has been an excellent campaign so far. Pelle has scored some stunning goals this term and that has earned him his first call up to the AZZURRI. Koeman's Saints have only conceded 6 goals in the League. A testament to their well organized defense line up. Belgian powerhouse, Toby Alderweireld has been on another level entirely since he moved (on loan) from the Calderon. His abilities will be put to a stern test on Sunday because Kun Aguero is in town.
Neither team can afford to drop points. We envisage a tantalising spectacle
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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