woodsaint

Was a very good display from the team, they certainly ran themselves into the ground which was pleasing to see. Looking forward to big games against Brighton and WBA, a few observations - 1. Stephens needs to toughen up. I know Kane is a class player but Stephens was bullied on so many set pieces. If we dont bring a right sided CB in then id prefer to see Maya back in 2. When we are sitting in, our defensive midfielders have a tendency to drop right on top of our CBs, giving opposition players too much room on the edge of the box to get shots away. We have certainly conceded in this manner a number of times this season (Palace second goal recent example), this needs addressed 3. Again our frontman was isolated too often, hopefully we can address this through buying a pacy winger who can get up in support. Hojbjerg did ok in the advanced role but would rather see him in defensive midfield alongside Lemina. Hopefully if we can add a few additions, keep the workrate high and address some of the problems above, we'll be ok

Officially? We've been in a relegation fight since we beat Everton. Downward spiral since

It shows that a fellow struggling club are making steps to improve their squad despite an obvious distraction of trying to replace their first team manager. We have had zero distractions, VVD was ushered out the door quickly and despite talk of identified targets, we havent made any signings. Other clubs addressing weaknesses whilst we stumble our way through the window

Lambert in the Stoke job for a few days and already theyve signed a player

Ahhh the Southampton effect. Get a move to the premier league, have a good season or maybe two at a push which puts you in the shop window and then sign for one of the top 6

So Puel is to blame? The mind boggles

No. We will sign at least 1 player, preferably 2 or 3

Not fussed. Besides the nostalgia of him returning which would have lifted the fans, his injury record is pretty poor and would rather see us spend the bulk of our funds on a targetman and creative no10

More likely a lack of desire to play under Pellegrino. Hes hardly a draw is he.

And quite a chunk of Lamberts were pens/free kicks. If there was a target man who scored 25 a season then he would be in high demand. Its more about giving us another option going forward which we currently lack. If he can chip in with 10 goals a season too then great

No matter who we end up signing this window, about half of this forum will be underwhelmed given the current mood towards the club. Hopefully he will improve our current attacking options if he is the target man as has been mentioned. Think gabbiadini could prosper with this kind of player around him (if given a start by MP)

He is still arguably the best centre back Celtic have. Before injury he was in excellent form. Celtic fans not happy about selling him and keeping Boyata.

Would prefer Gaitan over Walcott, he will be about 10-12 million cheaper too

Rumours doing the rounds that Clyne failed an internal drugs test at Liverpool and thats the reason he hasnt been included recently. Would gladly take him back, though signing druggies may not be the Southampton Way

State of the pitch tonight. Even our usually excellent groundsmen are struggling now. What is going on at the club

Now below Palace who had the worst start in premier league history, all three promoted sides and a team managed by David Moyes. If the performances dont force the boards hand then recognising how pitiful our position is hopefully will

Dont think 9 away games really matters, we've been hopeless home and away

Is Lemina not going out with his ex? Could get awkward

Why not be open about our targets, every other club does it to unsettle players etc

Top class defender but still think Alderweireld was better. Will be a success at Liverpool like Mane i reckon

Looking at the positives. No matter who we get in (if we do get a replacement) they should be able to guide us well clear of relegation. A lift in the players confidence/attitude/work rate which seemingly follows a new managerial appointment will be enough to get us out of this rut. We have a decent core of players and now hopefully 50 million plus to work with in January. Both of these elements will put us in a much better position than the likes of Swansea, Bournemouth, Newcastle, WHU, Stoke, WBA, Huddersfield and Brighton. Our saving grace is that there are some really poor teams in the league. Much bigger changes and investment in the squad is needed in the summer otherwise we're heading for year on year struggle

This concept that the new manager will be given the money to spend is surely misguided. The manager has a small input into potential transfer targets. We all know that Reed, Wilson and the black box will mostly determine who we attempt to sign. Throw into the mix the clubs continued direction of identifying individuals with the right personality/attitude, its unlikely the manager will get who they truly want. MP or not, we'll still be targeting the same players

Sack MP is seven places too low. Never mind the rest of the other nonsense suggestions

Agreed. Im no fan of Forster but wouldnt be pointing the finger at him for the goal. Yoshida lost his man and zero pressure on the cross

Reckon it will be Man City. They didnt hang around with their business in the summer and didnt mind paying over the odds, as long as Pep got his identified targets (£50m for Walker a perfect example). Wouldnt be surprised if a deal has already been agreed in principle for approx £60m and will be announced 1st January. Lets please reinvest all of that money and then some. Unlikely though