The Curse of St Mary's

I really fear another trouncing. We have a deeper squad with added quality but the defensive weaknesses are still evident. That's not just in terms of players but managers tactics as well.

I think he meant Christie not Armstrong based on a reply to sheff urd fan page

Not relevant at all but I noticed he has a Serbian passport when scrolling through his tweets.

Club did indicate they would look at South American players due to change in rules since brexit

Some good points. I think we concede far too many clear chances to opposition. Our CBs aren't very good so being constantly exposed due to our only way of playing is completely counter productive. Yet there is no plan B or C. Teams work us out and steam roll us typically in the second half of games.

I'm interested to know from others on thoughts as to why we are so bad defensively therefore can we address it in this window? Some questions I have asked myself to try and figure it out. Is it Ralph's tactics and in game management the main problem? Is the root cause being both keepers are very average if not below average? Do we have the worst goalkeepers in the league? Are the centre backs better than our relegation rivals CB's? Is the defence lacking protection from midfield therefore a true CdM would help ? Are the team so scarred from the 0-9 matches that there is a huge psychological barrier involved ? For me it's a culmination of the all of the above so no quick fix having said that weve had 4 windows since the first 0-9 to try and at least find some solutions.

I see utd played a strong team in a behind doors friendly v Burnley today which they won 3-1. Reassuring to know they are going to be even sharper for when they play us GULP

https://eflanalysis.com/analysis/joe-worrall-201920-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics Very much in the vestergaard mold in terms of with the ball. Let's hope hes much quicker though 🙄

I'd play Armstrong left side, he will offer better protection to perraud. Push tino forward and bring in kwp at RB. Forster back in goal. We may then get away with a huge tonking but I do dread an absolute collosal scoreline for utd still.

Got a 9-10 for him and there is very little growth allowance. Crazy he's only just turned 7 and he's under average in size if anything! I dont think a 11-12 would be that big on him. That is Youth XL in saints shop sizing lol

Just a heads up really. The sizes are not true to fit as like previous kits. Bought my son a 7-8 (he's only just turned 7 and average build) and its way too small. They don't do 8-9 so I'll be exchanging for a 9-10 in the hope he will grow into it quite quickly.

Bednarek shouldn't be first choice. We need a partner for Salisu.

Now this would be a good move.

Dan Sheldon says we are pushing to make it permanent. Can't see it myself as he's only just signed new contract. Positive signing either way imo

Based on who we have in squad currently and available this would be my line up. Forster Kwp Stephens Salisu Perraud Romeu Armstrong Livramento Redmond Walcott Adams Subs: McCarthy, bednarek, diallo, tella, moussa, obafemi, olufunwa

It was obvious Ralph would field a very different line up today compared to wednesday. I'm actually surprised there wasn't more changes in fact. Clearly he wants as many players to get 90 mins in the tank as possible. Weds line up clearly stronger but it does highlight glaringly obvious weaknesses in squad i.e. lack of capable strikers. We looked blunt against levante and given the step up in opposition today I suspect we may be given a lesson by Bilbao.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPjkHPNqgP/?utm_medium=copy_link Hes posted a half hearted goodbye

Not sure saints wanted Vila to announce it yet. The tweet from saints saying offer accepted rather than Ings signing is a bit odd and looks like a quick tweet posted as the Vila announcement wasn't planned

Ralph clearly wants majority of players to complete 90 mins to be more ready for Everton. Saturday the same again just a few subs. Its not that hard to understand. Once upon a time only use to be one sub allowed 😉

Whether you support it or not it's a few seconds prior to kick off. It's not impacting you in the slightest. Let them get on with it. If you are so angered by it then I suggest you are the problem not the players.

Cryptic tweet from Adam Blackmore in response to question regarding JWP

Based on reactions from Chelsea fans this seems like a real coup. Can play either side at full back / wing back. Seems to have potential to be a superstar so this is a smart signing.

Villa must have had encouragement to make a bid from somewhere whether it be player or agents

Midfield is our weak link. Not saying JWP is the answer but Rice, Phillips, Henderson and Mount are average when you compare to other teams midfield options. None of them offer creativity and drive from midfield.