Southampton suffered another disappointing defeat to Arsenal at the weekend as we were unable to replicate the performance that saw us take all three points from the Gunners earlier in the season on home soil.
Falling to a 2-0 loss, there were some positives from the way we reacted having been two nil down inside of the opening 20 minutes and the second half performance, in particular, was much improved, even if we had to swallow the loss of young striker Michael Obafemi who suffered another hamstring injury as he made his return to the first team.
One big positive for many fans was the performance once again of Academy graduate Yan Valery, and for fans on social media as they reacted to the game, the 20-year-old was a big plus as he continues to show improvement as he adjusts to the top flight level of the game.
Valery better dribbler than Messi don't @ #saintsfc
— M (@SaintMatt7) February 24, 2019
Valery our only shining light lately #saintsfc
— matthew windsor (@mattcw0410) February 24, 2019
Valery ????
— Saint Harris (@LHarrisSFC) February 24, 2019
Valery been our best player again
— Alex ????⚪️ (@AlexLee077) February 24, 2019
Half time thoughts:
That was shambolic.
Valery, Targett and Redmond the only players playing well.
We need someone up front.— Kieran (@KieranKellyyy) February 24, 2019
Valery will be at Arsenal next season as the asset stripping will continue. Replacing steaks with burgers has finally caught up with us. The quality we have to choose from now is utterly embarrassing and we belong in the championship. #ARSSOU #saintsfc
— Tommy (@we8pompey84) February 24, 2019
Very pleased with Valery so far today. #SaintsFC
— Saint Harris (@LHarrisSFC) February 24, 2019
Having made his professional debut back in the EFL Cup clash with Leicester City at the end of November, the youngster now has 12 starting appearances to his name with two showings from the substitutes bench and clearly, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl likes the look of him.