When you’re up against a teammate who’s just scored a hat-trick against one of the richest clubs in world football, it will always be difficult to prise the man of the match award away from him.
But while Sadio Mane was smashing goals beyond Joe Hart during Southampton’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City, Shane Long spent his 90 minutes sprinting around the pitch, pressuring defenders and making darting runs that freed up space for his Senegalese teammate.
Long got the game’s opening goal and set the tone for Saints’ performance on Sunday afternoon.
Commentator Niall Quinn gave the Republic of Ireland striker an honourable mention when awarding Sky Sports’ man of the match award to Mane but many, Thierry Henry included, felt that Long had the more impressive performance.
Henry: "For me the man of the match was Shane Long. He got them going in every way" – Thoughts? #SuperSunday https://t.co/o5yo8t8lSH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 1, 2016
Wow, @ShaneLong7 what a fantastic game. Taking nothing away from Mané, but Shane was my MotM. Brilliant performance COYR's #saintsfc
— Andy Clark (@Clarky2705) May 1, 2016
Mane will get MOTM for his hat trick but Long deserves it just as much #SOUMCI
— Adam Lunnon (@lunnon92) May 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/Bloggsy86/status/726821463538421760
@SkyFootball Shane Long must be MotM. Run his socks off
— Lee Mason (@mcfcsoldier) May 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/FutbolAndrew/status/726827658814824450
I know Mane was the obvious choice for MOTM vs Man City but Shane Long was superb. Could play for a top 4 team that lad. #baller
— South Coast Bantam (@CraigAndrew3) May 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/LiamFaid_sfc/status/726821863964430336
Mane hat trick was only outclassed by the work rate of @ShaneLong7.Amazing energy and desire.My Man Of The Match.Such a pleasure to watch
— Dan Ellis (@dansaints) May 1, 2016
What a great game……Shane Long was man of the Match, what work rate, utterly brilliant 👊 #saintsfc
— Jason Lawson (@jase1962) May 1, 2016
Shane Long should be man of the match here. Been Tremendous.
— Anth (@AnthP28) May 1, 2016
