Despite being knocked out of the FA Cup, the Saints put on a performance to be proud of against Manchester United. Eventually withdrawn to a 3-1 loss, it can definitely be argued that the scoreline doesn’t offer an accurate representation of the game.
United were strong from the start, dominating possession and taking the lead with a moment of pure quality in the 8th minute from renowned England international, Ella Toone (pictured above). They looked just as dangerous as anticipated, but after eventually settling into things, Southampton turned up. Closing players down, commanding the space and contesting every pass United made, the Saints looked exciting despite being stretched down their flank and one behind.
The home side became slightly overwhelmed by some beautiful triangular passage play from Galton, Evans and Zelem, however Megan Collett truly held her own, cutting off passes and making her presence known with some vital blocks and interruptions.
While United stayed the dominant team for the first half, the Southampton defence did impeccably to keep the red devil’s in reach, going into half time only the one behind.
Half time called for a Southampton substitution with impact player Lexi Lloyd-Smith coming on for Griffiths who had played a quality 45 minutes herself. This attacking change was exactly what the saints needed.
After highlighting her dynamic play and creative intelligence (both on and off the ball) in my preview for the game, this is exactly what she brought. Her pace down the wing overwhelmed United, leaving them stretched and eventually the equaliser came. Arguably a slightly misplaced cross but one that ended up being a beauty of a goal in the 65th minute, Lloyd Smith rejuvenated the Saints who remained on top for the next 15 minutes, looking like they easily had another goal in them.
The addition of LLS utterly switched up the presence and threatening pace of Southampton’s front line. They pressed United high and with intensity, forcing errors and creating a multitude of opportunities. Molly Pike really shone as she caused chaos in the opposition’s back line, however unfortunately no second goal came.
Rachel Williams was brought on by United and ultimately changed the narrative of the game, scoring both their second and third goals, albeit not without controversy. The second goal came after United overwhelmed keeper Kayla Rendell, and fouls have been given on the keeper for less, and it remains debatable whether the third goal crossed the line, with the majority of players and fans behind the goal heavily objecting.
While being knocked out will always be a disappointment, this cup run can only be celebrated. Southampton have progressed to the furthest point in their history, and only been stumped by last year’s FA Cup runner’s up. They held their own against yet another WSL side and refused to back off even when behind. They remained loyal to their game plan, and truly did challenge United – one of the top sides in the best league that this country has to offer.
While it looks to be off the cards this season, these girls are sure to be promotion candidates in the near future. Their growth, their grit and their ambition is what this game is all about, and it really is a time to reflect and be nothing short of proud.
Poppy Deabill