lambtiss

I'm with Saint Clark on this. Bazunu's kicking is not as brilliant as we were led to believe. For a bit of light relief, a few of us at Saint Mary's have started saying "he's only there for his kicking" after he launches another ball out of touch or straight down the middle to the centre back stood marking Arma. We've surprised ourselves how often it gets said. I'd be happier with a goalkeeper who is not just a good shot stopper but is also good with balls crossed into the box, especially as clubs know this is a weak point for us.

If I had to define ultimate optimism, it would be this ...

We also could have taken one of the 3 centre backs off.

Russell Martin mode plus Jander, Fellows and Scienza.

The highlights miss the important lead up to the goal which reflect even more poorly on Manning. Firstly, there is a cross from Coventry which Maning bravely attempts to duck but which hits him on the back and then bounces towards the corner flag, under no pressure whatsoever Manning then decides to clear up-field, completely slices the ball which goes stright to a Coventry atacker on the edge of our box. He then strolls to the edge of our box whilst the attack leading up to the goal takes shape, so that he is out of place whilst the winger, now unmarked, puts the cross over for the goal. Unforgivable trio of errors. Awful defender.

Even worse, I heard small town in Villa being sung ..

I thought we looked pretty ordinary until they went down to 10 men after a justified red. Too much slow passing around the back and in midfield with the only apparent attacking intent coming from Scienza. Their goal was textbook Saints. 1) Bad defending and give the ball away .. Tick (Manning) 2) Winger given too much time to cross the ball .. Tick (Manning out of position) 3) Soft header from an unmarked player in the 6 yard box .. Tick (centre backs) We deserved the equaliser with a rally after they went down to 10 men. For the remaining 30-40 minutes we huffed and puffed but lacked a cutting edge with Scienza again being the only creative influencer. From about 20 minutes out to the end I didn’t feel that a winner was coming. The game was crying out for a strong , battling number 9 to put their defence and keeper under pressure but we got Cameron Archer who did absolutely diddly squat. The nearest we got to an equaliser was after a tantalising bit of play from Scienza to get to the goal line and put a perfect ball across the penalty box which cut their keeper out, but nobody was there for the needed tap in, which we have seen too many times.

You’re just a Shit Steven Gerrard was all that I heard … seems fair to me

Quite the opposite, a keeper that isn't rooted to his line and tries to claim or punch crosses has to be a better bet. McCarthy is far better than Bazunu in this regard.

Personally, I'm hoping Bazunu is dropped (again)

Yes,our 3 centre backs are so good at handling set pieces at the moment. 🤣

He has taken 4 and scored all 4. If he wants to take them, I would certainly like to see him given an opportunity; he strikes and places the ball better than any of our other players.

He has missed three out of the last 4, time for a change.

Leo Scienza should take them

Rant 2 ... How to beat our defence. 1) Pick a tall, burly centre forward. 2) pick one or two speedy wingers 3) cross the ball into the box, again and again