Morgan's gunning for the champs (From Daily Echo)
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Morgan's gunning for the champs
8:08am Thursday 7th February 2013 in Sport
By Gordon Simpson, Senior Sports Reporter
Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin has warned champions Manchester City they can expect “many problems” at St Mary’s this weekend.
The clubs will face each other in a televised encounter on Saturday evening, going head-to-head for the first time since their dramatic clash at the Etihad Stadium on the opening day of the campaign.
Saints came close to a famous result on that occasion, coming from behind to take a second-half lead, before a late City rally saw the Premier League holders prevail 3-2.
Schneiderlin, pictured, insists that Roberto Mancini’s side will find Saints even tougher opponents this time round – and that Saints can claim their first win of the season against a side in the top half of the top flight.
“When we speak about Manchester City, yes of course we played very well (at the Etihad),” said the midfielder.
“It was our first game in the Premier League. For myself it was my first game in the Premier League as well.
“It was a good performance, but we lost the game. It was a pain.
“But I’m sure we can show Manchester City how far we have come and we can cause them many problems.
“They are the favourites, but we showed since the start of the season that we can cause problems to anyone and we will cause some problems to Manchester City.”
While Saints go into the weekend with a slight cushion in their battle for survival, City have no such comfort at the top end of the table.
With 13 games left, they trail cross-city rivals and leaders Manchester United by nine points.
While memories of reeling in Sir Alex Ferguson’s men last year remain reasonably fresh in City minds, keeper Joe Hart has warned that there is no margin for error.
“We have to win at Southampton,” he said bluntly.
If Saints’ performances against the Manchester sides so far this season are anything to go by, that will be no easy task.
Twice against United and once against City they have lost by just a single goal.
On each occasion, it can be argued that Saints deserved more.
And Schneiderlin is confident that Mauricio Pochettino’s men can take all three points this time.
“Against Man United everyone (could see) in the second half they couldn’t get out of their box,” said the midfielder, referring to the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford last week.
“Even Sir Alex Ferguson, the greatest manager ever, he says that we were the best team (to play there this season).
“So we’re confident we can cause problems to many teams, and I’m sure Manchester City is aware of that, and we’re sure we can win this game.”
French ace Schneiderlin has been an immense presence for Saints in midfield this season, and the 23-year-old is relishing the chance to test his skills against some of City’s talents on Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to competing against any player,” he said. “Whether I’m playing against Wigan, Manchester City, Manchester United, I just want to prove against the guy I’m playing against that I’m on top of him.
“That’s what I want in every game.
“Of course, I’m itching to play against David Silva. Yaya Toure may be back (from African Cup of Nations duty). They are great players.
“But, to be honest, I don’t care about the names.
“I just want to do my best.”
Comments(20)
RedArmy1
says...
9:27am Thu 7 Feb 13
WE ARE THE MIGHTY SOUTHAMPTON
RED ARMY FIGHT AND WIN. COYR.
lemon cake
says...
9:36am Thu 7 Feb 13
RedArmy1 wrote:“But, to be honest, I don’t care about the names.
WE AIM TO TAKE CITY TO THE CLEANERS !!
WE ARE THE MIGHTY SOUTHAMPTON
RED ARMY FIGHT AND WIN. COYR.
“I just want to do my best.”
Excellent attitude Morgan.
Taoboy
says...
11:15am Thu 7 Feb 13
Manchester clubs are a good benchmark to gauge progress.
Let's hope injuries can be kept to a minimum.
Ramires is having his thigh injury exploited by other teams, please take note ref. The incidents have been noted as fouls, and I would hate to suggest any planned targeting. It may be also due to his ball retention style that makes him exposed in this way.
Never the less, Three points on Saturday would let us all feel great,
Yeah why not.?
COYS.
Alicesdad
says...
11:17am Thu 7 Feb 13
This is a huge match and we have a team that can beat City.
Pochettino's first win will be against the (current) chanpions - how cool will THAT be ?
Dickosfc
says...
11:23am Thu 7 Feb 13
Folkestone Saint
says...
11:47am Thu 7 Feb 13
The Inbetweener
says...
12:32pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Alicesdad wrote:Well said. MP's first win against reigning champions and SRL's 100th goal in front of SMS crowd how great would that be.
This is the only relevant thread on this site today - focus on football.
This is a huge match and we have a team that can beat City.
Pochettino's first win will be against the (current) chanpions - how cool will THAT be ?
COYR
Norwegian Saint
says...
1:08pm Thu 7 Feb 13
On another note, I have been watching Forren play for Norway last night.
Yes they lost 2-0 to Ukraine but both goals came in the first half and Vegard started from the second... so a clean sheet! He did (in the commentators eyes) look a little "rusty" to start with but by the end looked solid and in control.
Come on you Saints!
Saintsayer II
says...
1:37pm Thu 7 Feb 13
I am looking forward to seeing the team play to MoPo's syle I don't think he had enough time to be very
influential before the Everton game
Watching the Wigan game on line does not give you the same perspective as being there
Pooley
says...
2:29pm Thu 7 Feb 13
St Retford
says...
3:57pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Anyway, I think Morgan should be captain.
Ted Rogers
says...
4:38pm Thu 7 Feb 13
St Retford wrote:Personally I'd leave him as he is and let him concentrate on his game. Player of the season so far for me.
Oh look - a thread actually about football. Amazing. Anyway, I think Morgan should be captain.
I have a really good feeling about Saturday......
COYS
OSPREYSAINT
says...
4:40pm Thu 7 Feb 13
SFCOLDBOY
says...
4:44pm Thu 7 Feb 13
I disagreed with them then and the proof is in the pudding.
This boy will play for France and is destined to be a top player.
He has it all.
Great engine,tackles well,
long and short passing and now adding goals.
Anyone who has played football at a reasonable level would know that to sprint 70 yards to get onto the ball to
score in the 85 minute is something extraordinary.
Bring on the Mancs we deserved something last time lets do it right this time.
COYS
CB FRY LIVES
says...
4:53pm Thu 7 Feb 13
COYR
Folkestone Saint
says...
5:01pm Thu 7 Feb 13
St Retford wrote:As said before, if he was the ref can't book him for "talking" to him
Oh look - a thread actually about football. Amazing.
Anyway, I think Morgan should be captain.
TheSaintsMan
says...
5:09pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Boruc
Clyne
Hooiveld
Yoshida
Shaw
Cork
Puncheon
Lallana
Ramirez
Lambert
Attack is the best form of defence. The defence is shaky but improving quickly and if we take the game to Man City and get the early goal we could catch them reeling. Once we have a goal we must continue to attack because if we sit back they will easily overturn the deficit.
OSPREYSAINT
says...
6:51pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Folkestone Saint wrote:He might book him for having that outrageous accent!
St Retford wrote:As said before, if he was the ref can't book him for "talking" to him
Oh look - a thread actually about football. Amazing.
Anyway, I think Morgan should be captain.
St.Winch70
says...
9:42pm Thu 7 Feb 13
TheSaintsMan wrote:As above, but Forren for Hooiveld and J-Rod for Puncheon.
First XI (4, 1, 3, 2):
Boruc
Clyne
Hooiveld
Yoshida
Shaw
Cork
Puncheon
Lallana
Ramirez
Lambert
Attack is the best form of defence. The defence is shaky but improving quickly and if we take the game to Man City and get the early goal we could catch them reeling. Once we have a goal we must continue to attack because if we sit back they will easily overturn the deficit.
2-1 to the mighty Saints.
Puddletown Saint says...
8:38am Thu 7 Feb 13
Come On You Saints