macca155

Ha ha Fernandes stopped Sully showboating there

There is clearly an issue, or at least one the coaches at Saints can see and we are bemused by. On the few times I've seen him play he has looked decent. Problem is he is lightweight and maybe they think he simply can't physically compete. Personally I think that's nonsense, there are plenty of smaller players who make the grade. I reckon this is more about the money. A very disappointing deal.

I think we've seen enough to know he's a good player. However I think he's been damaged by the chaos around him this season. He looks punch drunk with the constant pressure and defeats. He clearly needs time to adjust to Juric's style (they all do). I quite like the way the CBs maraude forward, but I'm as a nervous when I see THB on the wing, as I am when Sulemana is in defence. That needs work. I thought Aribo had a great game yesterday. We all thought OMG when he moved into defence, but he actually equipped himself well. Sulemana is becoming quite a weapon. Need to keep him fit. He scares defenders.

Some very weird substitutions today.

This game does not need Lallana

What on earth is wrong with Hardwood Bellis. He seems to be cruising for a red. Oliver has spoken to him several times already. He needs to come off. Edit Miles behind hete, he has come off. Why not ABK

Excellent from Joe, well taken. Proper Championship game this

Every week same gag .... brilliant

Or maybe, just maybe, they see a decent competitive footballer who won't let them down. The dogs abuse he gets on here is totally unwarranted. The two sendings off were stupid and he deserved stick for that, but he's no worse or better than any of our other defenders.

I really couldn't care less who SR sell. Archer isn't a bad player but hardly set the world on fire here. Outside of Dibling and Fernandes, it's hard to raise enthusiasm for keeping any of the others. I guess Downes, Wood, THB, and Armstrong are reasonable for the Championship but if SR are serious about the club's ambitions there needs to be a major overhaul.

It really is ridiculous, the whole going to the screen nonsense is a waste of time. It's a ref looking at VAR, he just needs to say 'it's a penalty mate' and move on quickly. Offside can be managed by AI, they just need to trust the technology. Having seen MOTD, both decisions yesterday were correct, but for me that's not the issue. I didn't like them and I shall moan about it, but it's the time taken that cements frustration and unrest. It's bollocks and has ruined the game.

Absolutely and any other youngsters they'll be relying on next year. Has to be done carefully. Cameos off the bench mainly, but they need to be given a chance.

Another ghastly defeat, lots of dejected people walking away this evening. Just relegate us now shouted someone near us. I agree please just make it stop. Newcastle simply played effective give and go tactics against our lumbering midfield. First goal Ugochukwa totally lost his man. He was so slow reacting. Ridiculous long wait for VAR. I can accept a soft penalty and it was very soft, but why drag it out. Just ruins the game. Similar with the offside, if it isn't clear then go immediately with the refs decision. Fernandes as usual a cut above. I thought Bree and Bendarek stuck at it but the rest just too easily out fought and out thought. Always a bad sign when the players repeatedly pass backwards.

That's probably the plan in the 2nd half. Too late by then.

Oh we are doomed aren't we. I can see another 5 against coming. At least I get a badge on my pie. So there's that.

Once Sulemana and Ugochukwa came on, the best Saints team was on the pitch. Cue a late 2nd half the same as the 1st half against Utd. Clearly they can be competitive but need reinforcements, as the squad simply cannot sustain the same level of football. Glad we had something to raise our spirits at the end.

22 mins to go plus at least 6 mins ET. After that VAR decision other teams would be using the momentum to have a go at Forest. Our lot seem to be a bit meh.

VAR

Double bugger Feels like the Livramento situation. Long injury then sold for big bucks.

Both Sulemana and Ugochukwa losing their places seems a little harsh. Aribo didn't play badly the other night but big Les was a physical threat and we have precious little of that. I'm guessing Sulemana can't play 90, so he'll be on around the 60 minute. Maybe Ivan wants to keep something back on the bench, to avoid a Thursday type capitulation. Guess we'll see.

The only target left is Derby's hideous record there really isn't anything else to play for. That is just 6 more points to retain a morsel of dignity. This squad and the fan base is damaged to the core, accepting half hearted dross on the field has become the new normal for us. What we are seeing is not normal, it is a classic death spiral of a club that has lost all self belief. Last night was a kick in the teeth, genuine elation on 70 minutes, but by the end I couldn't even speak. However you either give up or look for some positives and some hope going forward. Watching Sulemana rip apart the opposing left back, and Dibling casually turning some pretty experienced defenders was a joy. A midfield that actually worked made that happen and it's important not to lose those thoughts, despite the hideous capitulation in the last 10 minutes. Utd had a far superior squad to Saints that's really the nub of it. Juric had nothing to bring on and he admitted as much after the match. There were no credible options on that bench. Maybe Downes but he clearly needs time to get back up to speed. I genuinely hope Charles has been recalled to play for Saints otherwise my optimism for 12 points will be short lived, and that is clutching at straws. There really needs to be some action in the transfer market, but who on earth would come to Saints at the moment. Oh woe is us

The substitutions have been disastrous. Once again the weakness of our squad has ruined what has actually been a decent performance.

What an excellent half, where the hell has this team been all season. Saints deserve the lead, and I can't remember the last time they had so many chances. Dibling and Fernades really putting themselves in the shop window (sadly) but Sulemana has been outstanding. We've all seen this film, it's been on repeat all year, and know how it ends, but maybe there is an alternative ending this time. We can dream.

That score mentioned on 5 mins .... idiot commentator

Well I Iiked Shea Charles when he was with Saints. I thought Martin could have managed him much more effectively. I'm pleased to see him back. Saints are woefully weak in midfield and he is needed. However I shall temper my enthusiasm for the moment. I've a horrible feeling this could be a negotiating tactic before his is sold or loaned out.