itchen

On the other hand, we look so much better with him in the side: either with him winning the ball back, or driving forwards or sideways to create something. Sometimes it doesn't work out but I'd much rather see him willing to take the risk than not. Does any player have success every time they try something?

Not directly Saints-related but funny; this is from The Guardian's Football Rumour mill: And finally, having once described Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage as a “forthright, forward-speaking, intelligent man”, the West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has fallen victim to karmic irony and new regulations that came into force following the UK’s recent exit from the European Union. “I have found three players already who were capable of coming here and they’re not allowed,” he said of his January recruitment drive. “It’s a shame.”

I realise that there has to be a line* but it seems ridiculous to judge this by any other part of a player's body than the most forward foot. How can an arm or shoulder really give an attacking player an unfair advantage? *If VAR is to justify itself by consistency. Personally I'd rather leave it to the referee's assistants and accept that sometimes they get things wrong. On a related subject, if every penalty decision is going to be reviewed please we can go back to penalising players for blatant diving? That seems to have disappeared.

I think he is certainly part of the problem. He doesn't seem to be enjoying his football at all. He's constantly snarling at refs when decisions go against him. He's slow to get forward and glacially slow when taking throw-ins that normally end up with the opposition anyway. And there are so many times he ignores the run of the winger in front of him and holds up play, eventually passing backwards. Several times yesterday, Djenepo passed to Bertrand and ran on expecting a swift return only for Bertrand to stand on the ball, think for a while and then pass it back. I don't know why this has happened (age? change of attitude?) But he's not the player he was and this is being cruelly highlighted by KWP on the other side.

Is Andy Townsend co-commentator? If so, I'm sure he can give Ralph some useful tips (not).

Is it though? I assume our medical staff have agreed it. Can't imagine we'd pick him if they hadn't, on a cold night against tough opponents.

We never really got going. None of our usual one touch passing and building from the back. That performance would have asked a lot even of our first-choice strikers. I thought the ref was poor (for both sides), many fouls unpunished. We may have had a penalty on another day but we may have had one against us as well. I just hope Ralph has seen where we went wrong and can put it right for the next game. I don't think trying to find one or two scapegoats is helpful. It was a poor performance all round.

They really haven't been disgustingly bad. Not great but there's no need for that level of exaggeration.

Hoping Liverpool go on to get three more (currently 7-0). It may stop commentators mentioning the 9.

Disappointed not to win but still very satisfied to have got the draw. Imagine, going to Arsenal and being disappointed not to win. Let's keep some perspective. We're playing really well and can beat anyone but we won't beat everyone, every time.

Big fan of Armstrong usually but has been a bit careless tonight. Perhaps a rest is in order.

Oh no. Not bloody Andy Townshend. How does he still get work?

I'd just like to nominate Oli McBurnie for man of the match. He took himself out of the game with a spectacular dive, landing on his shoulder. His great effort has gone remarkably unnoticed. So here's to you, Oli.

I'd much rather be watching the play but the Sky director thinks looking at Chris Wilder is more interesting. Anyway, feeling pretty confident now we have the goal.

Makes me quite glad I opted out of the ballot(s). To have to arrive early and sit in a stadium distanced from any friends and without atmosphere does not sound as attractive as sitting at home with a cup of tea (or something stronger). And it's cold and raining!

Analysing it to death on Sky. Did he foul KWP? Yes. Was it inside the box? Maybe, KWP's check seemed to be at least on the line (and a chest would be enough to be offside in other circumstances). Were Saints likely to score if the foul hadn't been committed? Yes, I think so.

Not the prettiest but 3 points. Quite likely that KWP move would have led to a goal without the pen if March hadn't cynically taken him out so glad we go the penalty. Brighton have always been a bit keen on clogging. Only surprise it wasn't Dunk who gave it away.

On a related topic, I bought an away shirt for my son with the old sponsor on. The club sent me a code to order a free replacement but I didn't see the email as it went to my spam folder. A nice young man from the club phoned me to make me aware of the offer as it was about to expire. I've now ordered the replacement. I thought this was a nice gesture by the club, deserving of praise. Especially as we weren't bothered by having the "wrong" sponsor in the first place.

Not as much as Mr X.

Glad I don't rely on this forum to see how we're doing. If I did I'd think we were 3-0 down and completely hopeless.

Can I have 1 minute 2 secs.

Nice article in the Grauniad: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/05/james-ward-prowse-free-kick-technique-england-southampton?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Grealish. Great player. Gets fouled often. But not as often as he'd have you believe.

Does anyone know if you can Chromecast from Sky Box Office? I could from BT last week but doesn't seem possible from Sky.

It wasn't the worst tackle in the world but it was the second or third time he had a go as KWP was getting away from him. No attempt to get the ball, just the player. Red card for stupidity as much as for dangerous play.