macca155

I feel the same but we've been very spoilt with left backs. Bertie was international quality and both KWP and Perraud (when fit) are solid PL standard. Bree and Manning are Championship standard, and that has come as a bit of a shock to the system. I suspect Manning is keeping the position warm for Larios or Meghoma. Plus he is an ally for the manager in the dressing room and Martin needs that. Having said that, he needs to be given a chance, it is still early days. Great win, don't care how it came about, its a win.

Oh come on he's not shite, his distribution is excellent and he makes some top quality saves. I will concede he has his iffy moments, however that narrative is principally from last season So far he has been done by some desperate defending, that needs sorting. Anyway my point was that he is all we have at the moment. Until there is competition for his spot, it will be counterproductive to get on his back.

You don't have to do anything. You can stand and criticise, or even shout abuse if that floats your boat. But if you destroy our only capable goalkeeper with intemperate and knee jerk comments, you are going to have a direct impact on the team. I'm not talking about docile unquestioning support, just a little consideration for where we are with some of the younger players.

Just goes to show how good a manager he is. Bazunu needed to be backed, he's young and needs to know he has the confidence of the manager. As fans we really need to play our part in that. That will stick in the throat of some on here, but he's all we have at the moment. So bluntly we have to suck it up. If he's destroyed by negative vibes raining down on him, we simply make things worse. I don't mean some artificial love in. If he messes up he can expect some stick, but perhaps a little perspective. However proper competition for the Premier GK position would help as well.

Great post, never really thought about it like that. Well never thought about it if I'm honest. The Lavia deal is outstanding business. Secures a healthy part of the club's wage bill for at least another year. Lavia hasn't kicked up, kept his mouth shut, and allowed the club to negotiate this price. He deserves credit for that. I guess sell on fees become important for someone like Smallbone or Tella, if they go to a middling club like Wolves or Burnley. Did I just call Burnley a middling club ..... oh dear.

With the way yellow cards are being shown, at least one will be on a suspension. Injuries and form will sort it out. Smallbone is probably out for a while. More concerning is the Sulemana, Tella, Amo-Ameyaw competition for the right hand side.

Totally agree re Smallbone. A real asset, needs to be given a decent contract. Tad harsh on Alcaraz, I thought he was really effective. However once S Armstrong went off and Charles allowed him to go forward, he definitely stepped up a gear.

Because he is a professional footballer. If Premier League side bid high enough he's a goner. He'll want the move and so will the Saints accountant. However I'm becoming increasingly confident that the clubs owners aren't easily pushed around. There may be hope.

No I don't mean I want him to go, for all the reasons you point out. Great player a real asset. We may have to face him going if high enough bids come in. Hopefully the price tag set will put off potential buyers.

Smallbone like Tella was deemed surplus to requirements last year. No surprise that either would be open to a Premier League move. Would it be that big a deal? A nuisance yes, bit of a hit to our collective egos, but both could be replaced. Tella from existing resources and presumably a wedge straight to Swansea for Grines, to replace Smallbone. Losing Alcaraz is way more concerning.

Imagine you are in charge of transfers at Southampton. I reckon buying a striker will be pretty low on the priority list. AA. Adams. And Tella can score in this league, we've seen that. Jetison Mara and Onuachu, buy a back up to develop along with Ballard. Plenty of goal scoring chances will come from Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Edozie, Sullemana S Armstrong, Alcaraz and I suspect Dibling. Job done, nobody in this league comes anywhere near it. In contrast you'll walking the nighttime floorboards at the lack of height and physical presence in midfield and defense.. Every other team has this. It has to be the priority to get that sorted. If they sell ABK for £20m on top of Salisu, Lavia, JWP, and Tino, then Saints will have the sort of financial muscle in the Championship that City enjoy in the Premier league.

I can't believe people aren't talking about that. Ignoring the fact that we were wide open through the middle for a counter attack, the movement forward was pretty intense. 31 shots, 12 corners. Expected goals was 3.56 to their 2.01, if that counts. Norwich were a way harder test than Wednesday, they punched back big time, but there were periods when they were on the ropes. If we keep Tella, Alcaraz, and S Armstrong, I can see no reason why this trend of dominance doesn't continue. They really are a driving force. However, waste of time if they don't stiffen up the defense and midfield.

I'd say that was a good start. I was quite impressed with him today.

Ridiculous game, certainly have goals in this side. Midfield was powder puff, Norwich just strolled through at ease. That put a weak defense under intense pressure. Manning had a poor game, he'll improve, and the team's inability to cope with crosses continues to be a real issue. However today ignore that, they'll improve. Martin said after the game that with Downes Saints wouldn't have conceded four. Have to rely on him fixing it. The take out from this game was the sheer level of dominance Saints had. 30 shots and at times Norwich were defending desperately, collecting multiple cards. The impact of Sam Amo Ameyaw was a delight and Alcaraz was imperious. No way will Saints keep him if he keeps that up. Armstrong takes s better penalty than JWP and look a different player today. Stand out moment was Adam Armstrong sprinting 60 yards back to hook tackle a Norwich player. That deservedly got a big cheer. Norwich were a good test, they are no mugs and put Saints to the sword with lightening fast transitions. They'll be there or there abouts. Going to be a fun season

Both really, I've accepted that the squad will be degraded over the next few weeks. Hate it, but that's the reality. Hoping that the talent that remains can be boosted by a few decent transfers, to at least create a competitive Championship squad.

Last week I warned that there was going to be a lot of disappointment on here by Sept 2nd. Nothing has swayed me from that view. The majority of our Prem standard players will be bought, probably late on just to annoy us. KWP/Adams/ABK/Alcaraz/S Armstrong/ Sullemana/Tella/Bendarek will see themselves as Premier League players. If a bid comes in, you can guarantee their agents will be knocking on doors. If we are lucky we'll be left with couple of them. Then rinse repeat in January. The only saving grace is that SR are showing some marbles, and aren't being pushed around. In addition every blasted target player will be hovered up by the lower Premier League teams to boost their squad. All that shouldn't worry us. Still lots of talent left in the squad and with a healthy bank balance Saints will simply raid other teams. Most of the names above were part of our relegation, so can't be too worried if they leave.

Interesting midfield, really can't see how they'll line up. Wish they would play Charles in midfield, his proper position.

I thought that. Those corners were excellent. Can't see Coventry letting him go.

Good point but they spent £15m on Shea Charles, no way he sits on the bench. So not afraid to spend. I'm guessing he's Lavia's replacement. Can't see them buying Grimes on top of that investment. ATM it is all about trimming the squad, you can see it is frustrating Martin.

Well you can keep that feeling to yourself 😀

As good as it was to see the team click last night, the hard ice cold reality is that a number of those playing last night won't be with us next month. How much the club can salvage will depend on how much the Prem sides are going to pay. They haven't really started to splash the cash yet, its going to be rough few weeks. Tella was very impressive last night and I can't see him staying. I'm sure he's not overly bothered, all scenarios are good for him, but if Burnley stump up £20 million he will be put in a taxi pronto. Especially as we have other players who can play there. JWP was given so much space last night it was ridiculous, he was allowed to stroll into the area unchallenged for the 2nd goal. That would never happen in the Prem. His passing and movement was a step above the others. If West Ham don't want him, somebody else will come in for him. I'm sure Fulham and Brighton are watching very closely. He deserves to play on the main stage and deserves decent bids, not the insult from West Ham. I also think KWP will be off, he is a good Premier league right back, someone will want him, but like the others they have to pay top dollar. That may just be the salvation with him and Adams. The incoming money will at least allow Saints to loan out or pay off the likes of Aribo, and buy in decent replacements. I suspect there will be a lot of disappointment on here in 2 weeks time. However don't forget these players took us down last season so we shouldn't be too upset if they depart.

Smashing 3 points, showed some class, bring on Norwich.

Adams!

Midfield is being overrun or bypassed. Changes needed. Build up way too slow as well.