austsaint

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.

Watching Sunderland v Leeds at the moment - Clarke's a good player alright....would solve the winger/striker issue we have. Reminds me a bit of Adam Lallana.

Shame for the lad, he had such a good game up to that point. A couple of saves that were anything but routine - the shot from Asprilla destined for the corner of the net being one of them. Maybe Bazunu was obscured by Bednarek but he looked slow to react, slow to get the hand down.

I'm surprised she's returned.

i think Mara will be suited by a return to Ligue 1 - he'll have a bit more time on the ball. What did you have for lunch/dinner?

You might be thinking of Adams as the "scuffed goal" specialist. If you have a look at the reel of AA's 28 goals for Blackburn prior to joining Saints they are mostly all sweet contacts. Little doubt in my mind that AA is a great Championship striker/attacker but, like many (Adams, Tella and most likely Stewart included) isn't up to Prem standard. Though I'm not a stats man, it's interesting to look at Tella's Prem record with us - something like one goal from 30 odd appearances, similar to AA's four goals from 50 or appearances. If Saints are promoted this season we would need at least two new strikers of at least the Danny Ings (when he played for us) standard.

I remember well the Nathan Dyer goal to put us 2-1 up. And then the late Watford brace to snatch the win.....not Kelvin Davis' finest moment from memory. Hard to believe that's 16 years ago!

It is bad luck. Reasonably sure that Leicester, Leeds, Ipswich, Saints and WBA would have the measure of the likes of Luton, Sheffield U and Burnley. There are going to be (at least) two unlucky sides remaining in the Championship at season's end - let's hope Saints aren't one of them. Apart from the first half v Leeds, I can't remember a more complete performance from Saints this season. The quicker movement, tempo and range of passing was great to watch. Both Armstrongs were good; AA could have easily had four goals. Once again impressed with the Downes/Charles midfield. Fair play to Manning who was much improved. The headed clearance from Bazunu was a highlight too.

My preference would be for Martin to mix up his possession based, play out slowly from the back style in favour of a quicker tempo and the option of counter attacking. This would not only benefit Sulemana but also Alcaraz, KWP and both Armstrongs.

Probably 😃. I admit he's been a frustrating player at times, under Martin. But in the right set up and style of play he is capable of boosting our promotion chances.

Thanks Rusty.

I'm guessing that Alcaraz, Smallbone and AA would disagree with you since they were beneficiaries of inch perfect crosses and passes from KS resulting in goals.