austsaint

Was thinking the same about Meghoma's very impressive display. Not tested defensively but the pace, crossing, movement and athleticism stood out like a beacon and looked a favourable comparison to a 17yo Luke Shaw, even if it was only L2 opposition. His display has probably sealed Larios' fate and even Ryan Manning should be worried about the talent we saw from Meghoma today. If promotion comes, he could be the understudy to a new LB. The cameos from Dibling and Bragg were encouraging and as you say, it was quieter out on SAA' wing yet he didn't get the help from Holgate that Fraser supplied to Meghoma. Fraser's game was stunning - head and shoulders (if that's possible) above any other player on the pitch. Every contribution he made seemed a bit special. Harwood-Bellis again looked a class act, he directed so much of the tempo and the build up play. Alcaraz, though prone to a lost possession or a stray pass, just has that flair and creativity to make things happen. Well done to Joe Lumly; more than ok and showed he can play the sweeper role, handle safely and command his box. The only downside for me was another underwhelming game from Smallbone - you'd expect him to show out against L2 opposition but the same limitations showed up in his game. Another feel good afternoon and fair to say most of the 22,600 at the ground (excepting Walsall supporters) will be turning up again hoping for more entertaining Football.

Yes, a frustrating but fair result - Norwich always had that counter attacking threat while Saints produced many opportunities without the clinical finishing. A little surprised that Alcaraz wasn't brought on earlier, ideally instead of Smallbone who just doesn't have that sharp attacking instinct or athleticism. Hope the Edozie injury isn't too bad - the Norwich defender was lucky not to be red carded. AA was busy all night, Stu and Airibo both just a little down on their best; Harwood-Bellis again impressive and a lovely assist from KWP. I'm guessing Bednarek picked up a knock in being replaced - Stephens looked better when switched to CB. Flynn Downes looked knackered late in the game. In the end, a good point and a great festive haul - it just feels frustrating having got to 1-0 so late in the game.

It really looks like Stephens has been shoe-horned in and it has upset the balance of the team. Alcaraz needs to come on for Stephens, KWP to RB. Though AA is having a good game, his partnership with Adams worked well recently. Norwich dangerous on the counter and have acres of space when Manning is so narrow. Glad there isn't a VAR, but if there was, Stacey would have received a straight red card for that awful challenge on Edozie.

Apologies if I've already posted this but just wanted to send Benji a well done on his near flawless team prediction. Probably good that Martin decided to extend KWP's involvement - another close to man of the match performance and another chance to watch one of the silkiest players going round. 2-1 obviously flatters Plymouth. Apart from the 25 seconds between Mumba's wrongly disallowed goal and Alcaraz' sublime strike there was barely a moments concern, even allowing for Bazunu's stuff up. It was good to see Saints mix it up a bit with Plymouth setting up the defensive wall - the long diagonal ball to the feet of Edozie and KWP worked well, as did the aerial passes to players (Adams, Smallbone and AA) making attacking runs which gave another dimension to test their defensive line. So many good performances, the week by week improvement in Edozie's game stands out. The THB, Bednarek combination continues to impress. Adams had a good game, if not a clinical one. Apart from one mistake, Charles played the solid, midfield holding role well and Alcaraz looked much improved even before that goal. The strength of the squad couldn't have been highlighted any better than when Airibo, Fraser and Stu came on just after the hour. Only 32 more unbeaten games to equal Arsenal's record!

When you talk about "those who sometimes use the forum as a means to spew personal abuse on others", and Turk's "comment being another example of how low some fellow supporters will go". Weren't you the bloke who fired off a post calling me a "cnut and a non-entity"? Does that unhinged piece of bile qualify as "spewing personal abuse on others". I wasn't going to dignify your playground crap with a reply, but your breathtaking bull shit and hypocrisy forced my hand.

I'd be stunned if Newcastle want Fraser back. By the way, he turns 30 in a month or so. My guess is that he will become a permanent Saint if we don't get promoted - but if we do, the Club might look elsewhere. If Edozie continues his improving trajectory then the Club will almost certainly need promotion to keep him. If we fall short, I could see a lower level Prem Club picking him up; top six club? Not so sure.

When you think back to the days of Sparky Hughes, where it was all about freezing out the members of the squad who were judged out of favour....JWP being one of them; it's a world apart. I can't think of one available player now who is frozen out. Martin has worked out his best 16 or 17 players and given the quality he has to work with, has a strong bench to call on which he is mostly using to great effect. My only quibble is that he overrates the contributions of Manning and Smallbone - but maybe I'm missing something and Manning has certainly laid down a case in the last two games; Smallbone is solid, technically sound and has a decent strike off either foot. RM's ability to motivate, encourage and include just about all squad members is quite an achievement.

Don't think you can, or should start Fraser ahead of Edozie. Both are playing their roles perfectly, and Fraser just seems perfect for a second half impact, two clinically taken goals today. Best performance of the season surely, and a pat on the back for Martin - his 4-3-3 set up worked well; his second half subs were spot on, and he managed to rest Downes and Armstrong for the games ahead. Difficult man-of-the-match but I thought Airibo shaded Edozie for it. He's such a gifted, strong player at this level (Airibo) and in playing him in the AM role and Stephens at right back, it freed up Downes to hold on his own and KWP to play the wing back role with complete freedom. Even the question mark over Manning's inclusion was lifted today - he tightened up after the early Swansea incursions, and provided quality crosses and passing. So many good players today - and the luxury of taking off two of the best on the hour mark. Though they had little to do, Bednarek, THB and Stephens were all excellent, ad Bazunu continues to look comfortable and confident in goal. Go Leicester!

Good half of Football from Saints. Survived the early pressure from Swansea and have controlled the situation since. Edozie and Airibo providing speed and craft. Downes handling the holding role well. Stu busy and a couple of good chances for AA; KWP the usual Rolls Royce. 4-3-3 formation looks to be working well - perhaps Swansea being given too much space down their left flank - tighten up Manning. Let's hope Saints press for a second - can see a cameo from Alcaraz coming.

It was a take-one-for-the-team red card. I like Charles, you can see the growing maturity and confidence in his game. Think he should often be in the starting 11 instead of Smallbone.

Leaving aside whether RS has suffered a torn-from-the-bone hamstring injury or was/is still crocked from the achilles rupture, it was a strange signing by the Club. Turning 28 next year; played Scottish Football, including lower divisions until 2021, and then two seasons at League 1 level in England culminating in 13 games in the Championship, albeit with 10 goals before succumbing to a serious, season ending achilles injury. Sorry, but it never looked like an inspired signing. If we are promoted, can anyone seriously see Ross Stewart playing a meaningful role in the Prem? Ricky Lambert's don't come along very often.

All the best for a quick recovery. Pre-Xmas overkill; Covid??

Relax, I don't think he will. RM must know what a gem he has in THB and Bednarek has completely earned his starting spot this season.

If you're asking me whether Adams is a better player supporting a main striker, like Ings - then yes, he would be. I don't think Ings is likely to return in January though, do you? It's also fairly clear that a move away is something that both Adams and the Club are in favour of. Probably won't happen until the summer though. Where we disagree is you think Che lifts his game during transfer windows and I think he's just an in-and-out player who is ineffective as a stand-alone striker.

Adams probably wants a "fresh start" somewhere but I don't see him as a "down tools", or shop window type. He's always looked at his best when supporting a main striker with his strength and hold up play - Danny Ings being the obvious example. Has scored impressive goals in the Prem - two against Man City come readily to mind, but as you suggest, long goal droughts have inevitably followed. Given the system Martin employs and the lack of a main striker at the Club since Ings, Adams was always going to struggle for goals and consistency, though in a different set up at Championship or even lower Prem level he still has something to offer.

He's done well, Bednarek. Fully redeemed himself in my eyes after his comments upon joining Villa. Is one of a number of players who look up with the best of them at Championship level after stuttering in the Prem......both Armstrongs and Airibo also in that category. KWP player of the season by a space; Downes right up there.

I like Jack Stephens - the Cornish Maldini - and he's still a very good CB at this level, but THB, at just 21, already looks a player who is ready for the Prem. Improving all the time and looks to have forged a solid partnership with Bednarek. They have to remain the starting CBs; Stephens has to bide his time and Holgate looks expendable. It was a bit strange to see THB subbed to give JS a run out. Let's hope he's not pissed off about the early shower. The Club needs to do everything they can to keep THB a Saints player beyond this season. Promotion being the obvious key to Harwood-Bellis signing/staying.

Very enjoyable watch, from the 1st minute until the 98th, there was the tempo, intensity and the GOALS many have been craving to complement the possession and the complete dominance Saints had all afternoon. Well done to Martin for the way he set up the team. Playing S. Armstrong and Airibo as the attacking midfielders worked - they were both outstanding, particularly Stu. Now that Airibo is fitter you can see what a quality player he is, at Championship level. Switching KWP to LB paid off; he's such a good player, virtually operating as another AM with little defensive work to do. Bree relished his more natural role and showed his athleticism in getting up and down the line. We shouldn't be seeing Manning returning anytime soon. If KWP does go to West Ham (let's hope he doesn't) then a LB replacement will be needed. Edozie was excellent, benefiting from the quicker tempo and providing the run and quality of cross. While THB, Bednarek and Downes had little to do, all were solid and composed with Downes easily managing the holding midfield role on his own. Smallbone still frustrates me. I'd like to see him take the game on more, especially in the more advanced role he played today, a role I was hoping to see Alcaraz play more minutes in, yet it would be harsh to criticise Martin or any Saints player on a thoroughly entertaining and uplifting afternoon.

14 goals from 19 appearances this season. Anything but spasmodic.

His 22 goals in 2020 kept the Club in the Prem. Rising 32 now, and with his injury history....???? We need a striker who scores goals; and in big games like the play offs, which is likely where we finish up.

You would expect AA to play well against his former team. I'm just hoping for quicker build up play and some direct, creative attacking to stretch their defence. Alcaraz to start would lay down an attacking intent - more of the quick, wide build up seen from Edozie and Fraser in the second half v Coventry would also help.

You only have to listen to the interview with Blackmore a couple of weeks ago to realise he's not "Mr Cool".

Too safe. Teams know what to expect from us and set up accordingly. Both Charles and Smallbone responsible for too many slow, sideways and backward, nothing passes. The Coventry counter attacks look more likely to open us up than anything we've produced with all that possession. Airibo has been a creative player, AA with three half chances and once again Manning has looked better.

40k crowd is a fair roll up on a cold Tuesday night.