austsaint

Ay? Romeu was great tonight, together with Vestergaard, clearly the best two Saints players. A fortunate win perhaps but Ings certainly was the catalyst for a better second half. Maintains an incredibly good record we have against Brighton.

You're drawing applause from me Verlaine....suddenly the attributes of Steven Davis seem a million years ago!! I do agree with the point some have made - at some point the symbolism of the knee can be wound up in favour of continuing education programs and sanctions for racial abuse ,vilification etc on and off the pitch. Until "taking the knee" is wound up though, what sort of offence or irritation are some people taking over a 30 second symbolic gesture?

Have a look at footage of the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Sport may be an escape for many fans but sport has never been free of political influence and ideology. The people condemning the MIllwall fans are not idiots; most of them just want to see an end to systemic racism.

I am...confident that Salisu will show himself to be a good player. I have no evidence apart from his pedigree in La Liga and a belief/hope that he will "pay his way".

While that's probably true, I think Reed would offer as much to Saints as JWP and Romeu in midfield and ideally I would have preferred him to have stayed as one of four midfielders with Diallo. Smallbone would have made way as I doubt he will make the grade. Looking forward to seeing the Saints v Fulham game to see how the midfield tussles work out.

I'd like to see more of Diallo too - and Armstrong is a prime candidate for a "rest". While the post-Covid might be an issue for him, it's the poor touch, control and easy surrender of possession that concerns me about his performances rather than stamina or full fitness.

I thought Djenepo did quite well, as did Adams. Armstrong and Theo were our weak links forward. The poor control, touch and loss of possession by Armstrong is a recurring sight....I'd spell him when Redmond is fit. As others have mentioned, the use of Long is becoming embarrassing and pointless - such a bad decision to extend his contract for two seasons. Pity we couldn't hang on for the point but in truth Man U looked a class above for most of the game.

Great article to read. The only surprising part the idea that OR was ever behind Smallbone in the pecking order.

Yes, like many, I like Armstrong , he is a powerful, direct runner and creates chances in attacking positions - but he can be sloppy in possession; and lose the ball leading to costly turnovers. In that respect he reminds me of Boufal....who received a lot of criticism because of that.

Good summary. And when Ralph did react against the Wolves momentum, Shane Long was the wrong player; offers so little these days - Diallo was probably the early sub we needed. Great point just the same against a side with great attacking threat. Theo's miss was crucial, but in the end it was a hanging on draw. First time for a while our midfield has been outpointed and we had a lot to thank McCarthy for. Despite losing possession once or twice Walker-Peters continues to impress and surely all Che Adams doubters are changing their minds.

I believe 70% of Ghanaian's speak Twi as their first language.

If Shane Long can be given a two year extension Theo must be a candidate for a contract the way he has fitted in. Chances are other Clubs may offer him say a two year deal in the Summer while the Club may prefer a one year contract.

On "form" you would have to stick with Djenepo. Agree about Vokins - would be a good game to throw him in and see if he can reprise the young Luke Shaw.

Fascinating to hear Ralph's words about playing better without a home crowd. The results and style of play confirms the suspicion of anxiety/stress during downturns in results, confidence, luck etc. at home during the last couple of seasons. It's all just a joy to watch at the moment - Adam's finish and general game, the prodigal return of Theo; the Romeu/WP combination; the class of KWP; the bargain that is Armstrong and the improvement of JV.

Stevens was quite poor - but Armstrong too was very loose and sloppy in his play allowing Grealish and co much freedom on the left side. A pity the second half display detracted from those four marvellous goals

And even though Armstrong was good yesterday, I'm glad Ralph let Romeu complete the game, and tweak the formation slightly.

Remember the game 3 or so seasons back when a fit and in-form Wanyama (playing for Spurs) and Romeu battled it out and Romeu clearly outpointed VW. There has been a lot of unjustified writing off of Romeu...."too slow, legs are gone". He is a very accomplished DM and his eye for an attacking pass has often been under appreciated.

I think we get you don't rate him! I do, but he was not suited to the Prem and didn't get the trust/faith from a couple of poor Managers.

More like a long run of poor opportunity! JS strikes me as a player good enough to make an impact at Prem level (he has already) but hasn't been able to back it up consistently enough.

I saw more than enough from Sims at Saints to know he's better than a L1 player.

It was surprising that Tella, JWP and co didn't take those late opportunities to put crosses in to pressure the shaky defence and goalkeeper. Such an enjoyable game though and it was great in the last 20 minutes or so watching Saints taking the game to Chelsea. I thought Romeu was our best - all over the pitch, harassing, intercepting and I counted at least 6 incisive attacking passes as well as the pass which turned Zouma around and led to Adam's goal. Ings and Adams both good, JWP, KWP and Bertrand very solid and fair play to Vesterguard in keeping his nerve after that whirlwind Chelsea start. Walcott's second half was much improved and he showed his class with those driving runs and crosses late in the game. Suddenly the season is looking more promising!

Smallbone is the player who should be going out on loan.

One of his biggest critics on here was/is Verlaine - who otherwise is a poster well worth reading.

That's a tremendous read. And Pochettino's comments are marvellous and a warm tribute to a much loved Saint.

I would be too. Three or four years too late for a Walcott return to St Marys.