austsaint

Some may of turned on him. I think though the majority are just a little alarmed by a few things they saw yesterday from Martin. The selected team; the set up of players; the failure to adapt style and strategy and poor use of subs. What most alarmed me was shoehorning Smallbone straight back in at the expense of Charles which resulted in a steamrolling of our midfield and a confusion as to holding and attacking roles. I honestly can't see the appeal of Smallbone - neither a robust holding midfielder nor a running creative player - let's have Charles and Downes with Alcaraz providing the AM role. Watching Manning again only reinforced my belief he is not up to standard for a side aiming for automatic promotion - you can't afford such a ponderous, one footed, poor defender playing at LB. RM playing AA as a 9 again was another surprising decision - Mara playing out wide? Square pegs, round holes. Not starting Fraser in such an important game. The knives aren't being sharpened, but he has to prove that yesterday was an aberration, starting in a fortnight v Leicester.

Mara, Smallbone, Manning?

What is it about Smallbone I'm missing? Looks like a safe playing recycler....Charles looks the better midfield prospect.

Me too. Also surprised Charles drops out and Smallbone slots straight back in - Martin obviously rates him.

I think Che should start up front with AA slightly deeper. Fraser has to start for Edozie who can come on as a sub. Likewise, unleash Sulemana in the second half for Stu or Alcaraz. Is TBH not ready to start? Perhaps Charles at CB rather than Bednarek to accommodate Che with Downes holding.

Or you could say that Sulemana, a player not many expected to stay, is a replacement for Tella too. As it turns out, I think both Fraser and Sulemana are probably better players than Tella for whom the Club got a hefty transfer fee. What's not to like.

Yes, he's got a quiet, respectful demeanour about him and a professionalism which must endear him to managers, coaches, players and fans - I imagine Martin will be delighted to keep not only a good character at the Club, but a class player who lifts our promotion chances considerably - and he plays the game with a smile on his face. It's the best news of the window for me.

That would be a cracking squad. Still prefer an upgrade on Manning; would be surprised if a deal isn't brokered for ABK and I can see S. Armstrong still playing a major role. KWP staying remains the jewel in the crown for me.

I'd be happy to put a driveway in for any Saints supporter! But if KWP goes, the 2016 Domaine Faively Les Porets-Saint Georges stays in the rack until we get promoted!! There's a lot resting on the next 11 hours or so isn't there.

If KWP stays, I'm opening my last decent bottle of Burgundy, given to me by a mate after I did his driveway.

It's very odd. Such a good player and plays the narrower wing-back Martin style very well. I've always thought he should be up there in Southgate's thinking for the England squad. To see so little rumour and signs of a move this close to Friday is a shock. The closest he has come to flagging a move was a quote early on in pre-season where he said he'd be lying if he didn't want to continue playing in the Prem.

This is the third game I've seen Manning play and apart from the occasional cross he is the most limited LB I've seen in a Saints shirt since Fox and Harding. Give me Perraud or even Larios.

Indeed, if Adams stays, most people (Verlaine aside) will be happy enough with our "strikeforce". The other key might be Sulemana staying. If he does, I can see the scoring and providing of many goals - even if he isn't an out-and-out striker. Perhaps Wilcox and co have knowledge/confidence he's staying.

Yeah, high quality.

There'll be quite a few out there like the Lord Duck fuming about the audacity of Women playing high quality Football these days rather than being restricted to kitchen duties as they were in the good old days.

He (Manning) is/should be under the microscope though because he looks distinctly average thus far. Just too static for my liking and clearly lacks pace. Doesn't press or get close to attacking threats and even if he has a narrow role under RM, doesn't show any capacity to bomb forward or overlap. The only plus side I can see is a sound passing game and a good left foot cross - but not at the level of Perraud's quality in those areas and I'd like to think that Larios has scope to have a bigger impact.

He was great today. Assists for both goals; ran at the Plymouth defence, passed progressively and defended well including a last gasp clearance to preserve the 2-1 status. Impressed to by Charles who grew into the game and held the midfield well. Not at all sure about Manning - very slow moving, ponderous player who apart from a sound left foot has me wondering what qualities RM sees in him. A great result and surely time to strengthen the squad to consolidate the strong start to life in the Championship.

As many have observed - this is probably the most vulnerable Saints will be all season with a makeshift midfield and question marks in defence. Any points from this will be a good day for the Club.

Classy stuff from a class young player - I'm absolutely confident he will make his mark immediately at Chelsea. His goodbye note above confirms a maturity and a sound head on young shoulders which he has needed during the drawn out transfer saga. A great outcome for Saints and he is one ex-Saint I will be following in the season ahead.

Didn't see the game today but what you say is clearly crucial this season. Either ABK staying (unlikely as it seems) or a CB or two of his quality is needed urgently - as are CM replacements. In my mind there's a question mark too about Manning - he looks very short on pace? By comparison, at this early stage, I'd have Perraud in a heartbeat, although it's clear that Manning is RM's pick and therefore nailed on for the spot.

I'm waiting for a train at nearby Roma St after seeing the game with wife and youngest daughter. An extraordinary game which pulsated with drama and unending noise from the 50k crowd. Women's Football is here to stay - it's mainstream and attracting crowds, media networks and advertising dollars. As a Father of four daughters its wonderful to watch Women's sport - particularly Football and Cricket establish itself as genuinely entertaining and a symbol of greater recognition, respect and participation for girls and Women's sport.

Reminds me of the old Woody Allen line....."the last time I was inside a woman was during a visit to the Statue Of Liberty." Can't see a future here for Paul O. It all depends on the Adams situation - I'd be happy enough with Adams and AA,,,,,,back up from Mara. Especially the case if Tella stays.

Yes, I have BeIN Connect as part of their streaming app. The 5 games live were Saints v Sh. Wed; Blackburn v Baggies and then the three games on Sunday - Leeds v Cardiff Leicester v. Coventry and Sunderland v Ipswich. Those 5 games are stored as video replays for a week.

Not only that, but the Wednesday goal was a first time volley that fell perfectly and was converted with a strike that would go in once or twice in a season. Beyond that there was nothing much to threaten Bazunu. There is a question mark or two about the slow build up and multiple passes in non threatening areas - but excruciating? I don't think so, and there is the suggestion of an identity and style returning to the Club....absent for quite a while.

He played well - you could say the same about KWP. In the first half particularly he looked on a different level to the other 21 players. Playing that narrower wing back/attacking midfield role suited him and complemented Alacaraz, Edozie and Tella. No coincidence to see KWP and JWP create the winner for Adams. Will they still be here in September?