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2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-0 Saints. We are very good at slowing down the game and keeping the ball so that will be the tactics. We could get a break and score but likely to let a counter from West Ham in. Either way a draw. I and a few in Northam dont see too much difference from Russ Ball and because we waste time on the ball Could get penned in and just allow West Ham to be on the front foot all game. Tonda could approach the game differently with an attacking game plan. The other issue is Leo this could be the game he gets taken out for weeks as West Ham can kick players very well.

The formation was the same 4231 as normal. There was more rotation than normal throughout the game of who was where in the 3 roles behind Larin.

It wasn’t really a normal formation, you said it yourself, Scienza played as a second striker initially, played on the wrong side when out wide, Fellows and Scienza were on the same side at times. As you said Azaz started wide. It was all a bit of a mess.

The formation yesterday was the normal 4231 that we've done very well with under Eckert. The difference was there was a lot more rotation of the 3 behind the striker than normal. Azaz was wide right for a lot of the first half, when he is far more effective in the 10 role.

Some people never experienced the madness of the fake season ticket card era at the back of blocks 41 and 42. Not sure I got to actually stand by my seat for about 2 seasons.

Bolton had three decent chances to score whilst we had at least four plus a stonewall penalty. Got to give credit to the Bolton fans. Their support was constant and loud.

Bit of an exaggeration. We didn't test him much. He came off his line and played the sweeper type role very well I'd agree. But we barely tested him with actual shots, which was always his weakness. His hands could have been crisp packets and it wouldn't have had any impact.

You don't get this from only playing in patches... 4th most points earned (only 2 points fewer than 1st) 2nd best goal difference 3rd most goals 2nd best defensive record 1st for time spent in the lead of games

Nope. He has gone permanently, thankfully.

It is interesting that many people call for Park & Ride facilities in Southampton which is fair enough. However when the Nursling site has been offered up for home games and weekends, particularly around Xmas, hardly anyone uses it.

They are a good team. But I think our lads will raise themselves for this game. We do need Larin fit as our only reliable striker. If he isn't there then we'll struggle to score anywhere. And we need to play the formations that have brought up success. Not whatever we saw yesterday.

Going to be our hardest game of the season. Think we should go hard at them as I don’t think they are that great at the back. Need to keep Bowen quiet. Tough afternoon for Manning or Welington.

I don’t think he is on loan??

We are just far too slow and deliberate much of the time.

Now that the dust has settled it's disappointing, we should win this game etc but it isn't the end of the world. Clean sheet for three consecutive matches which was a worry earlier in the season.

Think we’ve all seen this play out before though.

Would have been an injustice.

Some of the offside decisions defied belief - did the linesman not know it’s based on when the ball is played? At one stage, after several mad decisions, I shouted “offside surely” - as a joke as it was about 3 yards onside - and even that was given offside. And the penalty - that was truly incredible - I genuinely can’t think of such a blatant penalty, that would have been absolutely clear from every seat in the stadium, let alone from the pitch, not being given.

West Ham are big and physical, everything we aren’t. They’re also quick on the break, something we aren’t. So yes, they are ahead of us. They will clearly win the league this season the way they’re going. Our squad is too thin and doesn’t have enough game changing players.

Possibly, although some of ours have previous form for similar actions (thinking Croydon 2011); https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/apr/11/rioter-fire-reeves-furniture-jailed

Agree with that. Especially when you’re at home to mid-to-lower table opposition. Paying them too much respect really. Although the counterpoint to that is that even with the odd way we were set up, we still created more than enough chances to win the game, we just missed them all (plus not getting the pen). Overall, just an off day all round. It happens.

Has there been any word at all on Larin’s injury?

Jander must surely be fit enough to start this one

What buggered it up was not taking very clear cut chances - the very same chances created using Tondas tactics.