Neef

Do we have a style of play?

To be fair, Morgs thrived under Pochettino. Had he followed Poch to Spurs during that summer of discontent, I don't see any reason why he wouldn't have improved further and probably kept a place in the France squad. Of all the great things that Poch was, he is a brilliant coach. Morgs staying that extra year when he was clearly unhappy, though good for us, probably stifled him a little bit. I think the same maybe goes for Fonte's blocked move to United after he won the Euros.

Should be fine. We don't press for 90 minutes and we don't press in every single game. Think back to WBA, Norwich, Palace etc. The pressing comes in stages so as to avoid us becoming predictable. We've looked just as impressive defending as a compact unit deep into our own half. Think Pochettino knows high pressing is not sustainable for an entire season in the EPL, he struggled to maintain it with Espanyol. The Premier League is even harder for that with no winter break etc. There's much more to our defensive strategies than just the high press (started way back at Spurs away) so I think fatigue should not be an issue. Also expect us to buy in January.

Afternoon chaps. I've written a tactical blog on our Pressing game and of course the opinions that matter most are those of fellow Saints, you all gave great feedback on a similar post about Cork/Schndierlin which I was very grateful for! Therefore I would appreciate some feedback on this one, if it is not too much effort! The link is here: http://chroniclesofneef.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/pochettino-and-his-ball-winning-philosophy-an-in-depth-analysis/ That aside, what have you made of the pressing tactic so far? Successful? Where could we improve etc? For me the major issue is the lack of cover on the flanks, not entirely sure if it is 'fixable,' perhaps just a consequence of our style of play.

You're right, can't wait to see how his attacking play develops. If he adds to that side of his game then he has all of the attributes to be one of the best full backs we have seen in this country. I wish more of our defenders played with his composure; ironic that he is the youngest of the lot.

Morning fellow Saints fan. Some may remember my post about Cork/Schneiderlin, well Ive written a piece on Shaw and would love your views on the piece and the player himself. Could he be as good as Ashley Cole? What are his strengths, what can he improve on? What really struck me was how a 17 year old was thrown into a relegation battle yet he has risen to the challenge so well. It was such a risky move by Adkins (perhaps out of force due to Fox's struggles this season). But it really shows when he is not playing, simple things such as timing of headers or the effectiveness of clearances are often overlooked because he does them so well, where as they have led to goals when he is not playing. I also think his passing ability has been overlooked by many, it's refreshing to see him quickly glance around before receiving the ball. As a result he can offload the ball very quickly and he can help maintain a high tempo. The boy is brilliant, I'd be here all day if I were to list all of his strengths! My only criticism of him is that on a few occasions he has been shaky with the offside trap. Against Wigan where he didn't step up and we conceded last minute. Also against Sunderland where Yoshida was deepest and wanted to step up and Shaw had taken up a position where Yosh couldn't see him. The way in which we attempt to play offside (Under Adkins anyway) means the full back always has to be in front of the CB, so that the CB can step up as the striker makes his run but just in the split second before the ball is played. Not a major criticism as he is still only 17 and in the PL there is so much for a defender to focus on. That's how I see it anyway, what about you guys? Here's the article I wrote about him: http://afootballreport.com/post/44528987160/they-keep-going-and-more-still-emerge-luke-shaw-is

If he keeps playing like that then surely he may become 1st choice over Ramirez? Came on against United at half time and no surprise we dominated the 2nd half. Yesterday he was fantastic, his energy levels fit Pochettino's philosophy perfectly. Ramirez is not lazy but Davis is on another level when it comes to pressing. You can tell he is extremely fit and was supporting Cork/Schneid in midfield; offering them an easy option when the more direct ball was not on. But he also got forward to support the attack, as seen by his goal. Think the key difference between him and Ramirez though is that Davis can fill in at a deeper position if either Cork or Spider decide to roam forward. With those three in the cnetre of midfield, we have the energy but most importantly still have the technique to out battle almost any midfield. When Ramirez, plays behind Lambert, we lose some of that aggression and he is alot easier to mark as his position rarely changes; not too mention his ineffectiveness when he have to defend deep and hold on. With 1/2 of Cork/Schneiderlin/Davis bursting from deep, it makes it very hard for defenders and opposition midfielders to pick them up as they don't know who will make the run. Thats my take on it anyway, what do you all think? Davis to start over Ramirez, even when Ramirez is fit again?

I was going to mention the Chelsea game but that was a midfield trio. I watched the Reading game over and we pressed in spells but nothing as aggressive that weve seen as of late. In my opinion, Adkins preferred to keep structure but Pochettino doesn't mind breaking that as soon as weve lost the ball.

Thanks, glad you liked it. Hope we can keep this group together, the future looks very promising indeed.

Hey guys, as the title says, what do you reckon? I think so, did you see how high up the pitch Schneid was pressing against Wigan, almost led to that freak goal. Interesting to see how it develops; Cork is the deepest of the two from what Ive seen but at times they both pushed on. Which is great if we win the ball back but against United, at times Carrick etc had the quality to find the pass even under pressure and both were bypassed. As big a fan as I am of Ward-Prowse, Im not sure where he is fitting in this season as Davis has made a great impact of the bench. Tactically I think they are joy for any manager, both seem so versatile, both were bargains as well. With the lack of central midfielders for England and the current state of the French national team, then surely a national call up is not too far away?? I honestly think they are both superb but for some reason don't get that much recognition from non-saints fans. Also blogged about them both if any of you are interested: http://wp.me/p2RtpI-33 - Kind of hard to fully get my point across on here.

Forren and Fonte for me. Yoshida still worries me. He reads the game brilliantly but his reluctance to put in a challenge is worrying. There were 3/4 occasions vs Wigan where he could and should ave attempted a tackle yet he continued shadowing the player. For a CB, his aerial ability needs to improve as well. Badly at fault for the 1st goal yesterday; not the first time he has misjudged the flight of the ball.

The "possession football" is working just our finishing has been woeful of late. We also seem a bit toothless in the final 3rd at times. Puncheon seemingly being found out now + he doesn't seem very good on the left. On another note, I thought the pressing was brilliant, the way in which we constantly forced Wigan to play backwards. Really stifled them at times. A shame it was thrown away by two cheap goals.

We have to win games like tomorrow. Also slightly worried about the amount of draws we have been picking up. If everybody stays fit then I think we will stay up. Any injuries to Clyne or Shaw and I fear the worst; the lack of depth there is worrying.

True but he seems more energetic than Lambert whenever Ive watched him. Im just hoping Pochettino doesn't try and change too much now, hopefully leaves it to the summer.

I know Fonte is injured atm but who do you guys think will be the 1st choice CB pairing when he is fit? Think Yoshida has rapidly improved since a shaky start (where he also had to play out of position), reads the game very well and as a result is on hand for last ditch challenges etc. Thought he formed a good partnership with Fonte too. But if this Forren guy is as good as they say he is then I wonder who he will displace. He is left footed too so maybe Yoshida will be benched as he has played in that left sided CB role.

My worry for Lambert is related to Pochettino's style of play. He admires Biesla at Bilbao who aggressively presses for near 90 mins. Is Lambert suited for that? Adkins benched him against Chelsea so as to conserve his energy and use him when we were chasing the game.