With Southampton taking a 2-0 lead over visitors Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday evening at St Mary’s Stadium, few were probably expecting what happened after we doubled our advantage.
A long-range stunner from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, as he made it two goals in two games, opened the scoring on the day, but Brighton clawed one back and then a late stoppage-time penalty gave them the chance to level matters on the night and we continue waiting for that second win of the year.
I actually think the criticism he takes below from social media is harsh as Shane Long has never really been regarded as a consistent goalscorer. He’s a consistent runner and tryer who creates space and opportunities for others and then pops up every now and then with a goal.
I really do feel for Long, he does try his hardest but he’s in a rut. Just walking off there and you could tell he was gutted.. #saintsfc
— Tom Nicholls (@TomN_7) September 17, 2018
Shane Long just seems to panic as soon as he gets half a chance, the geezer needs some form of counselling #saintsfc
— Jamie pang (@jamiepang) September 17, 2018
Shane Long is a parody of himself. Just when I thought he couldn't get any worse
— Steve (@SWoody_7) September 17, 2018
About bleedin’ time too! Long and Ely both poor tonight #SaintsFC
— Andy Clark (@Clarky2705) September 17, 2018
Shame long though, that attempt at defending was atrocious #Saintsfc
— Simon Hambleton (@Hambleton89) September 17, 2018
Shane Long has been robbing a living in the Prem for years. He's lucky he's got hard work rate on his side. #SaintsFC
— Carlito (@carlsfc1) September 17, 2018
Don't get me wrong, his work rate is good however he is a striker and they must score goals.
— Carlito (@carlsfc1) September 17, 2018
Shane Long continuing to steal a living #SaintsFC
— Joe Wilson (@JoeWilson1988) September 17, 2018
The 31-year-old might be having confidence issues in front of the net, he’s the only one at Southampton when it comes to scoring with converting chances being ‘a thing’ but even his performance last night was full of running and effort, and as others point out, he looked gutted at the fulltime whistle – so I can’t get on board with him being scapegoated.
Perceptions in football differ, but for an alternative angle WhoScored had him as our fifth best player on the night for his contribution.
The three substitutes in the game were the worst rated and sorry, but Shane Long shouldn’t be marking Shane Duffy and I doubt I have to explain why.