macca155

Another middle east world cup, blatantly bought is ridiculous. FIFA really have no shame. Australia would have been perfect. Their winter and chance to grow the game. A better idea would be for Saudi to fund a world cup in Africa or Indonesia. That would would leave a legacy in a continent that loves the game. The next two world cups are a mess. Three countries in 2026 and three continents in 2030. Utter madness 😠 they are ruining it The main European countries could host it, without having to build a single stadium. Money, money, money

I like that 😀 Dangerously close to my family's tartan .... God help us

Reverse that to an attempted decapitation of Adams and we'd be screaming for a Pen. I understand that the ref felt the ball wasn't under control and viewed it as a collision, but no way is that surviving a VAR replay. Good news we won't see it until next year (hopefully)

I can't say I'm looking forward to when VAR is introduced to the Championship, hopefully a long way down the line. Having seen the recording, THB was offside, and how that wasn't a penalty is beyond me. Bazuna's reckless challenge was obvious at the game, but I had no idea that THB was offside. It was pretty clear, surprised the lino missed it. Smallbone had a shout for a Pen but it would have been soft. Similarly the handball could have been given but pretty harsh if it was. That game could have finished 2-2 or 3-2, definitely squeaky bum time at the end. Saints definitely seem to be on the right side of refs at the moment. Strange feeling, doubt it will last.

Excellent win, needed that to settle things down a little. In the end it was a formula win against a weak side. However that has eluded us so far this season, so good to see. Bree had a good game again and that allows Sulemana space and time to torment their defence. Very impressed with Downes, very surprised WHU let him go. I thought Bazumu did very well. Great distribution and dominated his area more. One clanger where he over committed. VAR would have been uncomfortable. All round good day.

Spot on from Martin, can't argue with that. Pllayers need to step up and win a game convincingly for once.

Never quite got the purpose of pre match press conferences. I guess Sky News needs them. No manager will talk about tactics. No matter who the opposition is they will be called 'dangerous', and injured players will be deemed 'close to a return'. We'll be told nothing. That leaves inane answers to bland questions. If a manager is under pressure they might get s bit 'punchy' but that's it .... booring! Hopefully THB will be back today. Will RM make the brave decision to keep Bree on the left. He should do Bree was one of the brighter moments from Wednesday. Other than that it will be rinse and repeat from previous games. Doesn't matter who is up front, the ball has to get to them quicker. Bet Baz goes up for a corner at the end. Brum will be watching him 😀

No he doesn't, he makes some but no more than any other CH. Certainly OK for this league. He gets noticed because he puts himself on the line. Not watching like some. What he lacks is ability to consistently beat a forward to a header. Without someone to help with that, the defence can be exposed.

This with knobs on. Sulemana creates chances with ease but there is no one there to put them away. Suleman's pace means he crosses the ball right on the line so it is never going to be inch perfect. Someone should be on the far side (probably unmarked) to finish the job. However I don't think Saints sit back they just wilt under physical pressure. As I said earlier teams can sustain that for 10 to 15 minutes max, we saw that when Ralph was in charge. Canny opposition managers pull out all the frustrating tactics to break the rhythm of that press. Injuries, arguments, time wasting, and fouls. Remember when Newcastle were absolutely under the cosh at St Mary's two or three years ago. Eddie Howe employed exactly those tactics and took the wind out of Saints's attack. One player went down with cramp three times, a substitution that never happened, hateful to see but it worked. The players have to be wise to the fact that at some point the opposition will go for them. In the the good old days someone like Dennis Hollywood would have put Potts two rows back in the stands and picked a fight with Osmajic immediately afterwards. Ref would have blown the pea out of his whistle but job done. Obviously need to be a little more subtle these days but the tactic remains the same.

Why? Stephen's is a solid player and will add a physical presence. I really don't understand the agenda against him. Saints are a better team when he is playing.

I'm having to deal with my expectations and sense of entitlement. I thought it would be easier than this. I suspect others are too. The cold hard truth is that the squad has significant gaps, and are simply not coping with the physical aspect of this league. I remain unconvinced by Martin's strategy but it isn't a disaster yet, so give it time. Leicester were always going to walk this league, so forget them. Ipswich are doing well but hopefully they'll lose momentum. Saints sit 5th in the hunt for a play off position. No good whining about it, just need to stay in the battle. A win Saturday means 7 points out of 9, a good return for this week. Positives. Bree did well, looked quicker and more physical than Manning. Downes is starting to look an excellent buy. Definitely need Stephen's back, this team simply cannot cope when under a sustained physical pressure. Other teams can only do that for short periods, but they know Saints fold so it is an obvious tactic. A lot depends on Stewart finding form, and SR buying in a couple of physical players in January. A defensive midfielder is an absolute must.

Last minute goal by the goalie, that could be very important at the end of the season.

Take a point, prefer three but that denied Preston 2 points as well.

BAZ

FFS

Blast but good strike. Saints need to show some quality now and get this game back.

Good God he always looks taller. Must be the way he wears his shorts. I stand corrected

Not at that speed, he had zero chance of doing anything about it..... hopefully.

Great save from Bazunu especially with Charles on top of him.

Bree is doing well, way more physically in control of the left than Manning. Adds height as well.

Good pressure now, need to press home an advantage. Defo need the goals.

Kwp yes great goal

Sulemana is a tough one, has shown he can be devastating when taking on a hapless FB, but end product still missing. Edozie is solid cover so I reckon he'll be sold around £20m probably. A lot will depend on who has the cash. Adams will have suitors as he'll be cheap. Plus the lad needs to get his career back on track. A fresh start required. I suspect KWP will be in demand, a lot depends on Saints's prospects in January. One hopeful factor in all this, is that Tino and Lavia aren't seeing any football. That may put a small seed of doubt in some minds.. Of course in contrast JWP has really kicked on, but he always was going to. Plus at some point these youngsters we are buying have to start playing. I agree with others it will be quiet, but if serious money is offered for any player I can't see SR turning it down. The longer Saints stay in the Championship the more this will be the case. Got to get put of here sharpish

Great win and good to read about having control in the last 15 mins, hard to grasp that from the radio commentary. Be good to hear from those who were there. After they've rowed home of course.

Get in, just for once we do it