SaintVanderbilt

That is one point out of a possible six, not the best of starts. Obviously did not expect Saints to win especially against a star studded line up but the performance left so much to be desired given the result against Watford , Romeu didn't spend so much time on the pitch so it's hard to know exactly what Puel's original gameplan was, His replacement, Clasie had a very poor game...perhaps one of the poorest I have seen in a saints shirt in a while, I figured he'd be the one to play at the base of midfield in a more playmaking role but Puel opted for PEH who while gifted on the ball and tenacious in the tackle is not exemplary at protecting the center backs. I am also really concerned about Puel's inability to change approach and aversion to playing through the middle, this also happened at Watford and I am starting to think this is exactly how Puel wants to play. Hopefully this friday match gives the manager a chance to re-evaluate his approach and perhaps focus on establishing a more solid defensive approach. I never was one of those calling for more transfers but the manager's options from the bench look rather limited and so work needs to be done to secure players that can give us an alternate approach. Disappointing performance but it's still very early in the season and we can still be better

hahaha, what sort of nonsense is this?

I think our biggest issue is the transition to defense after losing the ball, something the 3-5-2 sort of addressed but one could still see the fundamental weakness. A lot of our midfielders are aggressors instead of pure holding midfielders and they are not especially great at proetecting the horizontal space in front of the defense this,coupled with teams targeting the space behind our enthusiastic full backs when they regain the ball, I think this, our behavior when the ball is lost is the real concern. The solution really is to adopt a more defensive oriented mentality and I think Koeman recognizes (he can be very pragmatic during big games) this but his proclivities are much more disposed towards attacking football.

Props to Flores though,I like his interpretation of the 4-4-2 with his strikers dropping deep and stifling the midfield

Bertrand has put in such a committed performance...

It would be great if Koeman could make Romeu sit a little deeper in a holding position instead of his aggressor role right now, the defenders are having to push up to intercept too often and we could get caught out by pace

Seedorf, You heard it here first

I wish JWP would play more like Ramsey

He (Adkins),is being linked with the Sheffield United job

F*** THIS! It's maddening to sit through this week in, week out. I mean for crying out loud can't the players see that we were on the verge of something amazing, our performances this year alone have not justified the position we are currently in and for some reason the media still keeps heaping praise on us. Don't get me wrong,I love this club and what we have achieved plus I know we've been through darker days but the staff and players need to understand that to whom much is given much is expected, Onward to the next season and Europa or not we really need to step up.

Schneiderlin & Fonte MOTM,

Guys,just throwing this out there but what about John Obi Mikel, good holding midfielder

Saint Charlie, I really think you should focus on the positives. He's young and he's got an fantastic personality plus he has access to world class coaching and facilities, with the right guidance I think he will blossom into a world class player

Can anyone explain why?

wow great composure by the players, chelsea's wide men were utterly dangerous

Take off Pelle and Elia, Mane should try to drive the ball into the box more often. Crystal palace will go into halftime knowing that all they need is an early goal

We need to be flexible and change our mentality, we just might get more chances on goal if we stopped looking to control matches, cede possession,sit deep and attack on the counter.

We need to remember that Koeman hasn't really had the benefit of a fully fit XI, but that being said,they need to up the penetration and quality in front of goal so as to make sure that asinine refereeing isn't what the fans go home with.

What about top quality teams we can hold the ball?

How do we exploit teams that sit very tight and deep,because this current approach isn't working and points are beginning to look hard to come by.

Pelle needs to buck up his ideas.

Thanks for the replies,I just wondered what sort of transferable skills he has to move from coaching my city's hockey team to football.

So more like a figure head than say...someone like Ed Woodward?

(Only recently discovered this forum, so apologies in advance if a discussion like this has already taken place.) What does he do?,I really struggle to think of any achievements that are of his own direct doing,mind you this isn't criticism just curiosity.

I'm not fully clear on the league's rules but will a disciplinary committee meet and increase his match ban?