Holmes_and_Watson

I was thinking that it would be easier to judge if he got a decent amount of chances and support. That support also creating some space for him, now our opponents know more of his game. He, and nearly everyone else is on poor form, and we're struggling across the board up front.

I could have saved myself a *lot* of typing, if only I could summarise as well as you. 😊

I liked the effort of Cork and that JayRod chap. Could they do a job...hey...wait...

At least we've some games to go. Focus on keeping that winning mentality. At lower levels in men's football you've got some teams with a game to go and others with 7 or 8 , due to earlier call offs. I'd rather be playing, than cooling my heels waiting for the big day.

Just popping in to remind myself what a 2-0 victory from a determined, well drilled Southampton team looks like. Pretty good 🙂

That was poor. Out run, out tackled, out thought and out fought. Poor right across the team, with only Forster getting credit from the game. Burnley might have something to fight for, in terms of just staying in the division. But that we have nothing to fight for is often self inflicted, and no excuse for that level of performance. I have a concern that Ralph doubts his tactics. Beaten so easily by Chelsea, where Tuchal gave a how to guide for it in a couple of paragraphs. Getting a result against Arsenal didn't mean we had to approach this game in the same way. It took Burnley all of 5 mins to adapt and get the better of us. Broja needs support. He needs Adams for that, or at least more options from midfield. 3 at the back for most of the game was a waste, and and questionable to begin with, we never looked like getting back into it. Slumping towards a lower than mid table finish. Pretty much where my start of season expectations were. But that doesn't make it any easier to watch.

Thought that was going to be 3

Taking a moment to discuss wider transfer news. I've seen nothing from Pope to suggest he's a Forster replacement. Mainly as he's had nothing to do. 😊

I'm not sure that Ralph's "more of the same, lads" team talk at half time was the way to go.

I was surprised by the line up. What worked for Arsenal, wasn't what you'd against a relegation threatened team. But we were the brighter in the first 5 mins. That flattered to receive. I looked away, and when I looked back it had gone to pieces. Burnley harder working, Bednerak giving Burnley an easy decision to shoot, Valery struggling, Romeu having a poor game which never goes well for us, JWP out fought and no coherent play from us. The only one with credit is they guy who's going. Not for the first time either.

Good news! The cat has jumped down. I can turn off the radio, so I don't have to listen to the Burnley chances, then have to watch them too.

Did I blink on 5 mins, just when aliens replaced everyone but Forster?

Radio is 2 mins ahead of sky mobile. So I have a wait before I see what I know what's coming. Not great when it's not our chances. 😒

Forster again keeping us in it.

Fire

Of for... That's what happens when we don't make them count.

Need to make a couple of them count.

I do have some sympathy for individual players. They aren't on sanctions lists, may have differing levels of connection with Russia and their profile and that of their sport plays a part in number 10 in Comms with the organisers. I had heard yesterday, there were other tennis organisations who felt differently. However, any sense of normality in their participation will be milked shamelessly in Russia and fed to a populace with restricted access to alternative views. Not to mention those there that support their leadership's actions. Whether they participate under their flag or not. A policy of restricting their participation completely isolates them from latching onto any success or spin. The more isolated, the more chance of change, in some form, over whatever length of time. I also wouldn't want players to have to openly declare their views on the invasion. They may have family put at risk as a result, and there could be lasting implications beyond the conflict. Public self flagellation, while talks go on between politicians isn't something I'd be demanding. Again, even if that happened their success/participation would be spun at home.

Plant

I think that we gained that early form from him, that AA might not have managed. Broja would also have had to show his ability in training. AA had chances to retain his spot. I will caveat the above by saying that I think the club are *very* keen to play Livra and Broja. Even on loan, Broja shows we will play talented youngsters, and keep them in the team. It is a year long loan. But other players will be looking and thinking they could sign for us for 2 seasons, of a 4 year deal, and get sold upwards. That's going to improve us both in immediate talent and sell ons to attract better players. Despite a more recent lack of goals, I think Broja's strengths give us a better shape, and an outlet that others might not. So, some gains there. I hope AA comes good. I recall an instinctive effort in an early game from him. But I'd pick Broja ahead of him. I'm less convinced with Tella (not much experience) or Long (bags of experience) to be the main striker. Long certainly has things he's excellent at. Regular finishing might not be one of them. Depending on what we do over the summer, AA will get chances again.

Mind you if the image is to be believed, we did have help from a giant sized Provan. I hope there's no investigation into us having super powered players. 😊

Checked the OS for the reaction. Sadly, they still don't think the game has started.

Imagine not supporting my club...um...no... I want us to win 10... make that 9 ... nil. *then* I want Everton relegated in the following games.

Wow! Tied up the title faster than I thought they were going to. So focused and determined. So good to see Southampton and Champions in the same image. 😊 Massive game to come. COYR!

COYR! Thanks for the updates!