austsaint

That was my reaction too. Diallo wasn’t too bad but surely in such a crucial, winnable game Lavia should have started. Predictably, Elyounoussi was not so much awful as anaemic, barely there… he just wasn’t involved in any facet of play which put an extra burden of responsibility on to KWP. Seles got that wrong. By the time he corrected his mistake, an hour of the game was gone; we were one down and Brentford sat deeper happy to defend their advantage in the wet conditions. Hard to see a way back now. Thought our best tonight were ABK, Perraud and Sulemana.

For fucks sake Reuben, get Elyounoussi off. He is of no help defensively or in attack and is making KWP’s role impossible. While you’re at it bring Lavia on… there’s no tomorrow, we have to get something here… he’s our best player.

While not man of the match, one thing Armstrong did do was show Selles that he, not Elyounoussi, is the player to trust in that advanced midfield role. Added to the attack and tracked back well defensively. Without doubt the best 0-0 draw I've seen in ages. Not a bad Southampton player but Lavia, both WP's, both CBs, Perraud, Bazunu and Stuart Armstrong all good. Lavia, Ward-Prowse, KWP and Bella-Kotchup outstanding.

I thought he'd be more likely to jog up there!

I'm the same. I'd replace Bednarek (not that he's been terrible) with Salisu, pacier, stronger, better in the air, and usually shows up in shop window games. I just don't want Elyounoussi to have any role, even if Alcaraz is out. I'd also prefer Walcott off the bench and start Stu.

And no doubt we'll all turn up again- just in case!🤔

It was the poor passing and turnovers which seemed to let Alcaraz down tonight. I thought Lavia was one of the few to stand out.

They really kept up with the Joneses tonight.

I was very surprised at just how bad Alcaraz was tonight, expected better! I'm afraid there's a solid body of evidence stacking up against Orsic too.

Rock bottom reached?

Yep. Lavia was good of course too. Been very disappointed with Alcaraz tonight.

Quite a stunning player. By contrast Alcaraz has been sloppy with his touch and passing.

You know in all of the talk about players like Elyounoussi, the weaknesses of our squad, the fragile spine, the players we haven't adequately replaced - Ings being the most recent. Makes you realise how much we have missed Adam Lallana. What a difference a player like him would make in a front four or slightly advanced of Lavia and JWP. We haven't really had a creative attacking midfielder (like him) since he defected - although Lavia could easily play that role it's just that he's desperately needed elsewhere!

With the lid up or down?

Yes, we may not have a "best 11", but we had a "better 11" available than started yesterday given the high stakes resting on the result. It showed that the principle of not changing a winning side was questionable. Things went our way at Chelsea; we had big slices of luck, our Captain plucked a worldy goal. We needed a brave team selection with the best chance of scoring goals - that meant a RB like Walker-Peters, not AMN. It meant a more mobile attacking midfielder/wide player like Alcaraz, Adam Armstrong, even Edozie not Elyounoussi, and it meant a CB combination selected from our best CBs, which doesn't include Bednarek. That would have been a better 11 - maybe not our best. The end result was a limp, passive defeat in a style we have witnessed often before.

You make a good point. Much of the 78 minutes leading up to the goal was uncomfortable viewing with Leeds having many attacking entries, pressing hard and dominating possession - you never had the feeling we were going to do any better than a 0-0 and the 0-1 result always looked on. Yes, perhaps Bazunu could have done better with the goal - he was obscured by Bednarek - yet their goal looked likely at any time, by contrast we produced very little. It didn't help that three of the starting attacking players - Sulemana, Armstrong and Onuachu - all had quiet games and Elyounoussi did what Elyounoussi does; nothing in attack and much less off the ball and defensively than would justify his place. That left us with Ward-Prowse and Lavia, both of whom were magnificent to hold the midfield and initiate some attacking threat. Hard to criticise Selles but perhaps in a must win game a roll of the dice with players like Edozie and Alcaraz....even Djenepo playing some part might have sparked some attacking threat that was never mustered. Maybe KWP wasn't fit enough to start but him starting at RB (or even LB) would have provided the chance for getting forward on the flanks which rarely happened. A deflating result - and performance, because we never really landed a glove on Leeds in such an important game.

Looks like a good appointment. He's obviously trusted and respected by Selles. The whole coaching set up on Saturday just looked superior and calmer than the Jones clan which looked panicky and distinctly like they were winging it.

Who was the bearded assistant who stood with Selles on the touchline at SB? They seem to have a great working relationship and several times had broad smiles on their faces, even before the final whistle. What a contrast to Jones.

One measure you can use to support your claim is the likelihood of Salisu being sold in the Summer for good money while I doubt there will be much interest in Bednarek. Having said that, he didn't let anyone down on Saturday. I didn't realise Salisu was injured and given the situation with Caleta-Car, Bednarek was a better choice than Lyanco. If Salisu recovers for Leeds it will be interesting to see what Selles does at CB.

I don't disagree. Maitland-Niles was excellent yesterday and no doubt taking a conservative approach with KWP (back from injury) was the right one. Yes, KWP in for the Leeds game though - a crucial game. Would prefer a returning Salisu for Bednarek too.

Fair enough - I'm thinking of the incident where AMN turns his back and with Bazunu going the wrong way the goal bound shot hit AMN in the broad of his back. The other crucial block I recall was Perraud's off the line.

Interesting comments Egg. I just don't see the defensive and shape qualities you see in Elyounoussi. I also can't see a case for having a front four where one component consistently misses his passes, loses the ball or blunts any flow in attack. I saw Moi being outpaced on our left flank several times yesterday and it was Perraud, ABK and Lavia who plugged the gaps. I honestly think that A. Armstrong offers more in the position Moi played yesterday, both in defensive cover and certainly with his pace and direct running. Likewise, Stuart Armstrong, who showed up in the first half, could fill the same role. I'd also question whether Bednarek was excellent yesterday - he was ok; but he's been a serial weakness over time and we need the more dynamic, dependable option of Salisu (relieved to hear he was injured and not omitted), ABK or CC if the slim chance of staying up is to be reached. Agree that AMN had a very good game - he put in more effort than seen previously and has an excellent range of passing and control in tight spaces. We will be a better side when KWP returns though.

I think you'll find it was AMN who made that block. ABK had a very solid game though, given his lack of recent game time.

I've never seen a midfield kid with such strength, skill and vision as Lavia. His progressive passing is remarkable and so is his acceleration, tackling and quick feet. I can't see Man City NOT buying him back. His game today was outstanding, and not far behind was JWP - his goal was a thing of beauty but his work rate, interception and defensive work were all good - best game he's played this season. Well done to Selles. Set a platform with the press conference and sent a side out with shape, purpose and a collective determination to get a result. Still have to question the selection of Elyounoussi and Bednarek. Was Salisu injured today? Some commentary about Moi's first touch and off-the-ball positional work but all I see is a slow, cumbersome player missing a majority of his passes and generally not affecting play or providing any attacking threat. On the other hand, much criticised AMN did a job at RB and Onuachu's first half showcased his hold up value and also much skill and touch in tight areas. Still a mountain to climb but there must be a feeling of hope returned throughout the whole Club.

Very impressive, convincing presser from Selles. Easy to believe that the players will buy into his ideas and plans. The proof though will be team selection, formation and style of play. Loved his answer to early influences and role models.....from Benitez, through to Pep, Simeone and even a mention for Ralph. The other promising sign was the humility and quiet confidence he displayed which is light years away from what we have witnessed in the past three months.