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Bridge battles on

Last updated : 03 April 2002 By Christian Kelly
Having played his 100th consecutive Saints game and having just played in his second England International things couldn't have been going better for Wayne Bridge. However, as with the rest of the team he has underperformed in the last two games. Of course, everyone immediately leaps to the conclusion that the fame has gone to his head and that he's become complacent. For anyone who's followed Southampton for more than five minutes this falls into the "complete tat" category. Wayne is as level headed as they come. That's just part of what makes him a great player.

Next up is the theory that he simply needs a rest after all of those games. Again it's unlikely as Wayne seems to have no difficulty in putting the work in week after week. Although it would be nice to see Francis Benali again before he's 100, Wayne should always be first choice. On this theory Gordon Strachan has said: "Wayne is going through the most exciting time of his life but I am sure he can cope with it. Perhaps I should be protecting him a bit more and I will be speaking to him about it this week.''

Well that's what the manager thinks. I have a third theory. It's a bit outlandish, I admit, but why not, just for novelty value, GET BRIDGE SOME FREAKING COVER ON THE LEFT FLANK !!!!!!

Without Marsden, Saints have been cut open time after time down the left. Oh sure, Dodd and Telfer tried to get into the act by being naive against Blackburn, but it's down the left where Saints are currently most vulnerable. Svensson hates playing out left. He's completely useless there and he, and everyone else except the manager, knows it. He's just keeps running into the middle leaving huge gaps. Fernandes hasn't impressed me a jot so far. He has some nice touches but I've yet to see him do anything of note.

So, the reason why Bridge is "under performing" is because he's doing the work of two down the left hand side. Marsden will thankfully be back shortly but Saints may have to look into the transfer market to sort this out if Fernandes can't make the grade.