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<\/a><\/p>\nThe draw could have been much kinder. No home games until the second leg of the semi final. The draw could have been much harsher. No “big teams” until the semi final. Unfortunately there would be no trophy as the team who dished out my worst league loss of the season (4-0 away) once again came out on top. We were 2-1 up but once again City had too much for my Saints.<\/p>\n
The other competition that is vital to developing these young players is the Europa League. It turned out to be a vital competition for Jay Rodriguez. At the start of the season my planned first choice forwards were Pelle and Austin. Jay Rodriguez scored a few in the early rounds, but it was more that Charlie Austin suffered a season ending injury in a Europa League tie.<\/p>\n
The early knock out rounds allowed for rotation with AZ and PSV the opponents. Liverpool and Schalke far more taxing. I expected to knock out Liverpool as my league form was excellent while theirs was poor. Schalke was a bigger concern, with their immense list of young talents. Fortunately for Saints those talents were not on song as Ox saw them off at home. Away from home Schalke battered us, but a penalty knocked in by Pelle made it difficult for them. Saints, Europa League finalists.<\/p>\n There have been more exciting finals. I didn’t care. Dusan Tadic had delivered a first trophy. I am always desperate to win the Europa League. Simply because I just don’t know when the team will play in it again. Hopefully never. Other competitions come along every year, but the Europa league, that can be a rare thing.<\/p>\n Two finals for this young Saints side. One win and one loss. Tremendous performance. Anything from the FA Cup would be a bonus.<\/p>\n A third final. A second trophy.<\/p>\n The stats suggest that it was a close game. The first half we pounded Chelsea. The second half they pounded us. Ox netted a brilliant solo goal, Chelsea did not have a response. Three finals. Two trophies. Like the Liverpool side of 2000\/1 we fulfilled every available fixture. Just what was needed to get the minutes into the young players legs.<\/p>\n Of course every team is guaranteed 38 Premier league games. How did the Saints league season pan out in such a competitive league?<\/p>\n The league was too competitive. Everyone beating everyone else allowed a team that had a statistically good season to have a legendary season. The Saints finished 9 points clear. In other seasons 81 points might only be good enough for 2nd or even 3rd. Not this time.<\/p>\n A treble.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n