A year ago, draws away from home were in themselves something to celebrate. These days, Ipswich fans find themselves leaving shaking their heads that we didnt win the game. This is an improvement, isnt it?
As predicted, Jim made changes to the side which beat Reading so comprehensively on Saturday. Yet, surprisingly, the changes were not in personnel, but more in terms of formation.
Despite how succesfully Pablo Counago led the front line at Reading, he was sacrificed in favour of David Norris long-awaited return to the team. Which, in turn, led to an opening 4-5-1 formation.
Which didnt last long, as Southamptons early lead saw a quick return to the more familiar 4-4-2.
The returning Norris was the pick of the bunch, probably from either side. He put in a tireless performance, a word which looks likely to be repeated after many of his Ipswich appearances. But there was no little quality to support it also. After a long spell out of the side, and little chance to show what he can really do, its perhaps now that Norris will demonstrate exactly why Jim spent so long trying to sign him, and why he spent £2m to finally make it happen.
It gives Jim decisions to be made in the centre of midfield, which appears to be as he has intended. The bright performance of second half substitute Shumulikoski gives further food for thought. The Macedonians impressive performances on international duty seem to have served notice that he is ready to command a place in the starting line-up and it would be no surprise if he is rewarded.
Tommy Miller had one of his less impressive games, yet remains a player who links defence and attack as well as any of our central midfielders. Garvan will have been lifted by a goalscoring performance, but in truth, he didnt make such a significant mark on the game either.
Meanwhile Alan Quinn put in another solid performance to add to the sparkling one he produced against Reading. On this basis, given Jims continued search for an alternative and given Liam Trotters move out on loan to Grimbsy, Quinn looks to be assured of the left wing berth for the short term at least.
Generally, the attacking unit combined well, suggesting the life which appeared to have been breathed into the side in Saturdays game was not fleeting. With better finishing and a bit more composure, the game could and probably should have been well won.
Defensively, the paucity of Southamptons attack, in comparison to the two goals they recorded on the scoresheet, says much about how that particular unit performed. Basically sound, but key mistakes at key moments led to defining moments in the game. Its another set of circumstances that have been often repeated over the last couple of seasons. Richard Naylor had a solid if unspectacular game, whilst Pim Balkestein shows good potential alongside a general feeling that hes just not quite ready yet. McAuleys return to fitness will define whether he retains his place or not. At full back, David Wright did little wrong, whilst Moritz Volz goes from strength to strength and continues to look a very smart piece of transfer business by Jim.
So, a set of defenders who didnt particularly disgrace themselves, yet conceded goals from few opportunities. More work on the training field is inevitably required for a group of players who, in fairness, are largely still familiarising themselves with each other.
Southampton look like a team who are destined to struggle again this season. With that in mind, the failure to pick up all three points away from home may look to be a chance missed. Yet, the general level of performance is improving, which is definitely positive. It seems likely that further changes will be made for the game at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. With 4 games in 11 days, the large squad is going to be used to full effect. It remains difficult to predict the starting line-up, but dont be surprised to see David Norris retain his place.
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