SaintZamboni

Given the results today (assuming they don’t change whilst I type) we need 5/6 points. Don’t lose to west ham, must beat Bournemouth, try to up our game for arsenal

Didn’t know much about Tedesco so had a browse. This may be of interest to some on the off chance he does become a serious target

1-1 draw. We catch them napping early with 5 minutes of high press. Then 4231 as per the early part of the season. They nick one after 69, we hang on for a deserved point.

United showed today that if you don’t go to city with a plan and some drive you’re absolutely dead. We had a great plan for them last season, shame about the rest of the teams we have to play. Won’t be watching, quick check of the bbc to see how they describe the result. Thrash and woeful Southampton are the words id bet on.

Up until the last comment I agreed with you. Rugby players aren’t loud mouth morons anymore than footballers or fans

I’ve been a long time Ralph apologist. I still like him as a manager, I think he actually gives a shit and for a period he brought us some high energy, exciting football (even if we took some beatings on the way). Today was the straw that broke the camels back. We had some moments and I’m still excited by the youngsters we’ve signed but mostly it was a rough watch. Disjointed, sloppy and no identity. I don’t want us to be a nothing side. When Ralph started he had lines drawn all over the training fields so he could instill the pressing cues. Why the fuck did they ever erase them? We’re purposeless at the moment and it shows. We know Ralph can do better and he’s not. Our form is torrid and we’re horrible to watch. Next weekend is a hiding to nothing so either go and perform (and inevitably lose) or go (resign/sack). Let’s find someone else who likes to press but maybe has some fresh eyes and ideas on the situation.

Looks like we’re back to 4222 to me and I’m happy. Save the 4231 for away games. Happy to see Larios start because he’ll be the width, along with KWP. I like Perraud but he always looks just a touch short of pace or puff when he plays. 2 strikers playing and Aribo and Stu creating is way better than Elyo and AA. optimistic about this for the first game in a while

Thought it might be worth looking up managerial changes last season and how it worked out for the team concerned. 10 managerial changes (excluding caretakers - 2 were at Watford). 5 of those teams finished below saints. United and Spurs are in their own mini league and another (Newcastle) started to spend their way out of mischief. Villa finished 1 place above us. Changing the manager clearly doesn’t always solve the problem so I’d rather we stick with Ralph. There must be succession planning taking place anyway.

The most frustrating thing for me is that there was a period where Saints would go out in the first half and blow teams away. We’d be all over teams, registering 15/20 shots and looking thoroughly up for it and dangerous as heck. Sure, we then ran out of puff and lost a lot in the second half but now we’re looking more organized we have lost that dynamism. Why can’t we do a bit of both? Why is it all or nothing?

Weakest of the top 6 is a ridiculous statement. They’re playing in a different league to sides like us, spending almost as much money in signings as it cost to buy the whole of our club! Leeds lost two key players sure but how much did they spend replacing them? 100 million. We’re also ‘pony’ at the moment so losing to Villa and Wolves is frustrating but to suggest we haven’t had a challenging start is nonsense.

I’d much rather we go back to the high press, high line carnage of previous seasons than this . Let’s fucking give it a go and if we get in front maybe think about tightening up after

Are we respecting her rule over dominions like Canada where genocide and oppression of First Nations groups has ensured? Or are we not allowed to discuss those subjects because they don’t garner respect? People don’t have to show respect in the same way you do and it’s perfectly acceptable to question things without it being disrespectful.

FFS Looked like a huge scuff

We’re playing some good stuff and wolves seem to be playing on the counter which, so far, isn’t overly stressing us. We could do with a bit more pace and directness when we get forward though. Kalajdzic done after 40?

I agree. Think it’s more important to have someone like Gakpo for games we would be looking to win and potentially dominate. Elyo, JWP and AA was great for solidity last night but swapping out one or two of them for Aribo and Gakpo/new signing would be more explosive.

The only winner of that race should be the one offering a permanent deal

I wonder if we’re looking at him as a way to get JWP further forward as well. At Leicester we looked like we were playing 4231 a decent amount . Prowse moving up with Armstrong (either)/Aribo/Elyo might open up more chances for the whipped crosses we saw.

I thought that was a pretty good performance from a team still working things out. Leicester had a lot of the ball in the first half but I didn’t feel like we were going to be split apart time and time again, as has been the case in the past. Mara needs to develop his all round game but the kid has something and his finish was so cool and looked easy. After the Leicester goal we were far and away the better team. Moved the ball, made space and built pressure instead of the snatching passes of the first half. We didn’t come off the gas late on either, which no doubt helped with the defending. ABK is going to be a beast, plays hard and seems composed for a young CB. Lavia is class. The shape change worked well I thought. 4231/4222 seemed to give us what we needed and I hope we stick with it against United. 4 points from losing positions and some positive performances, hope this is the start of a brighter season.

What an improvement. The ball is moving, it’s sticking at feet and we’re building pressure. What the fuck were we doing before!

Shape looks ok so far but we need a better way out than trying to constantly split the defence on the break. Got to settle on the ball too

No my being funny but MLS teams play in similar heat and higher humidity than you’ll be dealing with. The fans are also out in it, just wear a hat and sunscreen and take it easy on the pre game bevs!

Bazunu KWP--ABK--Salisu--Perraud -------JWP---Lavia------ -----Aribo----Armstrong -----Adams---Mara/Armstrong---- Would go with this as well, or the 4321 posted above. Spend this week working on the pressing triggers and some turnover attacking play. Let’s get back on the front foot for goodness sake! My big concern is that Ralph will try to be cute and out think Marsch who also comes from the RB stable. Don’t. Do what you do best. Hope we do this and we’ll win 2-0.

Go back to the 4222 and let’s get playing again. Put some pressure onto other teams and get our identity back. Otherwise, what’s the point in Hassenhuttl?

Rough start where we’ll pick up a point or two by being solid and uninspiring. Perhaps a heavy defeat thrown in. Then we’ll find improved performances and wind up 12th with much optimism surrounding our now experienced young talent. Out of the league cup early, FA cup 1/4s where we’ll draw Liverpool or City and none of the big teams will be drawn together.

That’s such a weird thing to say. ‘If their interest should materialize’, they’re not interested but if they were he’d prefer them…no sh*t