Alan Pardew Praises Teams Professionalism

The thing that pleased the manager was the way that the team maintained their focus. The challenge faced against Leeds was embracedand accepted as the kept their concentration throughout the ninety minutes of the game.

'I think we gave a good professional performance today,' he said. 'We were vibrant and refreshing in the first half where we could have had a second goal. In the second half when you expect a good team to come onto you I felt we were resilient.'

Pardew went on to say that he could not remember the Leeds attack hurting us too much. He didn't recollect Kelvin Davis having a single serious save to make throughout the game.

He felt that maybe we could have done a little bit more in the second half. He thought that maybe a little more could have been done on the break when Leeds came more into the game. But overall Alan was a contented man.

The two CB's he thought gave their most commanding display since pairing up. The team now looks so much more solid and everyone is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

Norwich were held comfortably.Walsall and Huddersfield were beaten easily. Now we have seen saints beat Leeds. If the team can win on Tuesday at home to Norwich and then away on saturday to MK Dons the challenge just may be on.

One more thing must be noted. Both sets of fans were brilliant today. The feel good factor at St Mary's is still alive and well, and the Leeds fans sang their hearts out as they tried to lift their side.

A good game. Slightly one sided first half but with two powerful teams up for it in the second. The dream is still alive.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.