Lambert lifts Southampton into top 3
28 Oct 2013 6:23 AM IST
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been the surprise package of the early weeks of the season and their impressive form shows no signs of slipping after a clinical display at St Mary’s.
England forward Lambert opened the scoring in the 20th minute and his strike-partner Jay Rodriguez netted the second just before half-time to seal Southampton’s fifth win in nine league games. Their current form is an all-time high, surpassing even a strong start in 1983-84 when they eventually finished as runners-up to Liverpool.
The Saints’ success has been built on a rock-solid defensive foundation and their sixth league clean-sheet of the season ensured there was no way back for Fulham, who were unable to build on Monday’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.
It is easy to forget that only three years ago Southampton were plying their trade in the third tier, especially when Saints can win so easily without their club record signing.
Italy international Dani Osvaldo joined from Roma for nearly £15 million, but was unable to feature against Fulham due to a minor nerve issue. His absence saw Lambert return to the starting line-up as one of two changes from the side that held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw last weekend.
Adam Lallana scored the equaliser at Old Trafford and was almost involved in another goal after five minutes on the south coast. He dispossessed dawdling Philippe Senderos and went on to test Maarten Stekelenburg, whose parry would have been slotted home by Schneiderlin were it not for Amorebieta’s clearance off the line.
England forward Lambert opened the scoring in the 20th minute and his strike-partner Jay Rodriguez netted the second just before half-time to seal Southampton’s fifth win in nine league games. Their current form is an all-time high, surpassing even a strong start in 1983-84 when they eventually finished as runners-up to Liverpool.
The Saints’ success has been built on a rock-solid defensive foundation and their sixth league clean-sheet of the season ensured there was no way back for Fulham, who were unable to build on Monday’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.
It is easy to forget that only three years ago Southampton were plying their trade in the third tier, especially when Saints can win so easily without their club record signing.
Italy international Dani Osvaldo joined from Roma for nearly £15 million, but was unable to feature against Fulham due to a minor nerve issue. His absence saw Lambert return to the starting line-up as one of two changes from the side that held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw last weekend.
Adam Lallana scored the equaliser at Old Trafford and was almost involved in another goal after five minutes on the south coast. He dispossessed dawdling Philippe Senderos and went on to test Maarten Stekelenburg, whose parry would have been slotted home by Schneiderlin were it not for Amorebieta’s clearance off the line.
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