Player Ratings: from those @ the game

[stknowle]

Kelv - Not much to do. 6/10.

 

James - He still scares the **** out of me, but had a decent game today. 7/10.

Jaidi - Rock soild, won almost everything in the air. 8/10.

Trotman - Same again really, thought he had a slow start to the game though. 7/10.

Harding - Started off slow, they scored and maybe he should have done better but after that I thought he was quality. 7/10.

 

Hammond - Yet another soild game imo, passes the ball around nice and got stuck in. 8/10.

Wotton - Shocked when I was him on the pitch, but I thought he did alright - Battled well to get the ball. 7/10.

Mellis - His best game since signing imo, he actually did something today. 8/10.

 

Papa Waigo - Poor for the first 20 minutes and missed a great chance, but after he scored (looked like the defender helped) he was good. He looked so scared to take players on against Rovers but today he looked confident. His crossing was poor but apart from that well done lad!

Rickie Lambert - Soild, great finish for the goal and some decent passing movements created by him, unlucky with that free kick.

Lallana - One of his best games in a Southampton shirt, two great finishes and he looked a real treat all day.

 

Jesus H I would have been shocked if I became one of the players on the pitch. How long did this out of body experience last and did Wotton take your place in the stands while it happened?

[The Kraken]

Quite a few high marks throughout here; I actually thought we played much, much better against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday than we did today. But, credit to the team, once 2-1 up we were never troubled and it was a very comfortable, comprehensive victory.

 

My ratings:

 

Davis: 6 Not troubled apart from the goal

James: 6 Got some good crosses in but looked a bit shaky defensively.

Jaidi: 7 Commanding figure at the back; so good to see a Saints defender who can properly clear the lines.

Trotman: 7 See above.

Harding: 7 Really rate him, often plays with not a great deal of support in front of him but looked very strong today.

Wotton: 6 Holding role, did enough but I'm just not convinced with him, I much prefer Schneiderlin in there (and I'm not his biggest fan either).

Hammond: 7 A real calming influence in the middle, a class act at this level. Outfield skipper role beckons, surely?

Mellis: 6 Some very good moments but tends to drift out of the game at times.

Waigo: 6 Looked out of sorts for long periods of the game, but capable of changing things in an instant. Got his goal, almost made one in the second half with a great bit of skill down the right. Is very raw, but looks capable of getting much better.

Lallana: 8 Excellent, real touch of class and took both goals very well.

Lambert: 8 MOM Still don't think he's getting as much support as we should be giving, but he is a cracking striker and we should be so grateful to have him, he's the teams real focal point. Reminds me so much of Beattie. Too good for League 1 level.

 

Subs:

 

Gillett: 4 I like him but thought he looked poor, and very nervous.

Patterson: 5 Not long enough to get into the game.

Holmes: 5 Looked steady enough in the very short time he was on, a steadying influenece.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Lambert was a revelation for me today - so much more to him as a player than I thought. His passing, workrate flicks and awareness were spot on. A big asset.

 

However I am going to make myself unpopular now - I remain very unconvinced about Waigo. Unorthadox is not the word he really does not have a football brain and unforgiveably he bottled a couple of challenges today. I can understand why everyone wants him to do well because he is different and very watchable but I will be very surprised if he is still in our first team a year from now.

[OldNick]

Lambert was a revelation for me today - so much more to him as a player than I thought. His passing, workrate flicks and awareness were spot on. A big asset.

 

However I am going to make myself unpopular now - I remain very unconvinced about Waigo. Unorthadox is not the word he really does not have a football brain and unforgiveably he bottled a couple of challenges today. I can understand why everyone wants him to do well because he is different and very watchable but I will be very surprised if he is still in our first team a year from now.

His one run when he totally outclassed their defence and Lallana nearly scored was worth the admission. He is so as has been put by others like Wanchope. He will put smiles on faces and also frowns but Id rather have him than not

[Wes Tender]

I agree with many of the comments above. It was great to walk away from the stadium feeling so good about the game. During the game, while three up, people around me in the Northam were saying that we ought to shut up shop and hit them if the opportunity arose. I thought that by carrying on the way that we were playing, there was potential for another two or three goals.

 

We had started rather poorly and it looked as if it would turn out to be a scrappy, boring game, either a draw, or one team scoring from a lucky break. But pretty well with the first clear opportunity, Lambert was hitting a beautiful ball on the volley and straight into the net, the Gillingham defence in disarray. Although they equalised, our heads didn't drop and we regained our lead again through Papa Waigo's first proper goal for the club. Confidence started to grow and the play began to flow. A few minutes to half time and my son headed down to the concourse opining that there would be no further goals before half time. What a mistake! And what a good goal from Lallana, working well up front with Lambert.

 

Highlight performances came from Lambert and Lallana. Lambert in particular looked deadly today. What a difference it made getting good service. That was down to Lallana and Waigo. Waigo is a raw talent at the moment, but once he gets used to the lower division English game and gains a better understanding of his team mates' ways, he can only improve. As it was, he did show some good flashes of his potential. Wotton deserves a mention purely because I had been a harsh critic of his and he deserves credit for a solid and rugged display anchoring the midfield. Another player who has had his critics was Mellis, who undoubtedly had his best game for us yet. Against Bristol, he was supposed to stay out wide, but drifted inside, exposing Harding. Today, his brief allowed him to roam in the centre and he really proved to be a menace to Gillingham with his movement and passing. Hammond and James were both worthy of a 7, so solid and did their jobs ably. The defence was excellent, with very little getting past Harding, Jaidi and Trotton. Kelvin had little to do and I believe that if it weren't for the strong wind, that shot for their goal might well have gone wide of the right post.

 

To be entirely fair and not wishing to detract credit from the victory, but Gillingham looked a poor side. Of course, it could be that we made them look a poor team. I am hopeful that the confidence boost that we will have received today and the fact that we are now free from the -10 point penalty, will mean that we will continue to play with this belief and verve, so that we become a cut above the mediocre teams like Gillingham and gain the respect and fear of the other teams in this division.

 

The cup match on Tuesday is a timely one, as if we get a good result then too, we will have a further confidence boost.

 

Perhaps we might have turned a corner, with luck.

[NickG]

Lambert was a revelation for me today - so much more to him as a player than I thought. His passing, workrate flicks and awareness were spot on. A big asset.

 

However I am going to make myself unpopular now - I remain very unconvinced about Waigo. Unorthadox is not the word he really does not have a football brain and unforgiveably he bottled a couple of challenges today. I can understand why everyone wants him to do well because he is different and very watchable but I will be very surprised if he is still in our first team a year from now.

 

mixed game but thought Merrington's criticism of him not having a football brain was bit of a cheap one. He saw a few lovely passes others would not have.

[View From The Top]

I thought Wotton and Hammond were immense in midfield.

 

One to hold and one to drive.

 

Also allowed Mellis to play his natural game.

[acersaint]

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together. Wasn't at game but am impressed with the reports on Lambert and Lallana sounds like they could become a dominant force in L1. Papa sounds like a character and there's nothing wrong with one of those in your team. The big factor for me today is that you have to go to 11th place in the league to find the next team on a positive goal diff. As my late Dad ( an ardent Saints fan ) used to say you build your team from the back. Oh happy day now onwards and upwards please.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

His one run when he totally outclassed their defence and Lallana nearly scored was worth the admission. He is so as has been put by others like Wanchope. He will put smiles on faces and also frowns but Id rather have him than not

 

Fair point and I know what you mean but a "world beater" he aint. As soon as we all accept that Nick then perhaps he can find his true groove in the squad.

[slickmick]

Davis 6 - Thought he was slow on the goal. Didn;t seem to realise it was going over him

James 5 - **** poor first half, improved in the second.

Hardng 7 - Decent game,s eemed to get targetted for some rough stuff

Jaidi 8 - The boss.

Trotman 6 - If you accept that he's a defender and that's it, he's bearable.

Mellis 6 - mixed bag

Hammond 7 - adds aggression

Wotton 7 - even though he has half the technical ability, is twice as effective as Morgan

Waigo 7 - interesting. Will delight and frustrate in equal measure

Lambert 9 - Superb display

lallana 9 - I reckon he was taken off cos Pards didn;t want too many headlines for him if he'd scores a 3rd

 

 

Agreed except trotman was worth a 7 at least. He and Jaidi look a good pairing. Best centre half partnership since Clause and Killer.

[slickmick]

Lambert was a revelation for me today - so much more to him as a player than I thought. His passing, workrate flicks and awareness were spot on. A big asset.

 

However I am going to make myself unpopular now - I remain very unconvinced about Waigo. Unorthadox is not the word he really does not have a football brain and unforgiveably he bottled a couple of challenges today. I can understand why everyone wants him to do well because he is different and very watchable but I will be very surprised if he is still in our first team a year from now.

 

 

Waigo reminded me of George (chicken) Lawrence today.

[saints-cris]

Wasnt at the game but was pressing f5 on here all afternoon..

 

So, so nice to see a good report, players being raved about and a general good feeling on here! Sounds like the players we expect to play well, played well. Lallana and Lambert inparticular.

 

I look at the team we have and think we really can push on from here, hell id be happy with this side in the Championship.

 

Can we please, please win at Southend, lets get a run going, blitz out of the relegation zone.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

My ratings for Saints v Gillingham (4-1)

 

K Davis 6.5 - Not much of a chance with the (top quality) conceded goal and did nothing wrong subsequently . Stay fit Kelvin please .

L James 6 - Makeshift RB really but did OK after a rather dodgy start . He improved steadily as the game progressed - like the team .

N Trotman 6 - Big quick useful defender , worth buying if the price is right .

R Jaidi 7 - He's got it all at this level but still missing in action on occasion . Lets fuse his body with Perrys head .

D Harding 6.5 - Might have done better with their goal but made up for it later . Good player .

PWN - 7 Alternatively great and then comedy bad , at least he makes things happen so he's a good signing in my book .

P Wotton 6 - He did his best bless him but a very limited player .

D Hammond 7 - The heart of the team , leads by example & should probably be captain .

J Mellis 5 - Lightweight but quick and a occasional goal threat . I don't really rate him however .

A Lallana 8 MOTM - He's always been a good technical ball player but now starting to turn that potential into real match winning performances . The best player on the pitch by a country mile .

R Lambert 7.5 - Great game great goal , one of the very best strikers in this league for sure .

 

Substitutes :

S Gillett 5 - Good to see him but not much of a chance to show his worth

L Holmes - late sub , looked a bit slow to me .

M Paterson - Only on for a few minutes .

 

Conclusion :

Obviously the best win of the season by far this will go a long way towards restoring your reviewers faltering moral if we can sustain this level of performance over the coming weeks/months .

 

We didn't seem to be playing a rigid 4-4-2 today (It looked something like last seasons 4-3-3) and it did change us from a solid but goal-shy team into a more open and threatening attacking force . It must be said we looked more vulnerable in defence during the opening stages as well - make of that what you will . What really made a difference today is that our attackers converted a much higher percentage of their chances today - long may that continue I hear you say .

 

Best moment of the day - Walking out of SMS after the final whistle I overheard a excited little lad telling his father "this is the best day of my life dad" - lets hope he gets many more like it !

[OldNick]

Best moment of the day - Walking out of SMS after the final whistle I overheard a excited little lad telling his father "this is the best day of my life dad" - lets hope he gets many more like it !

That is what it is all about Charlie. Takes me back 40 years to my childhood whne I was starry eyed. Heartwarming, thanks for posting it

[krissyboy31]

Am I the only one who thinks Lallana is playing up front with Waigo on the wing?

 

Think it was more 4-3-3 with Mellis at time making it 4-2-4. Only when Lallana was taken off did we revert to 4-4-2.

[Ashley Grute]

I thought Wotton alongside Hammond was one of the biggest differences between today and Tuesday-Spiderman is classy but Wotton is more suited to this league- aggressive, solid and really hard working! Looking at some of the views from today, I can't believe that some people only gave Wotton a 6!

[agboola]

Wotton is a limited player, but ask him to do what he can do, sit in front of the back four, pick up their man in the hole, win the ball, give it to a footballer, and you release the other 4 midfielders to be more creative. I thought we started 4-3-3 today and after twenty minutes of dross went to 4-1-4-1, which resulted in a scoreline of er 4 - 1.

Sometimes your best team is not made up of your best players.

[Joesaint]

I thought Wotton alongside Hammond was one of the biggest differences between today and Tuesday-Spiderman is classy but Wotton is more suited to this league- aggressive, solid and really hard working! Looking at some of the views from today, I can't believe that some people only gave Wotton a 6!

 

Have to agree mate, it's not the prem and what we need was what he gave us.

I don't think he is better the Spiderman but with this being a physical league could prove very important.

 

COYR

[View From The Top]

Sometimes your best team is not made up of your best players.

 

Something the mongs on here should remember.

[captainchris]

He actually did well today. I'm not his biggest fan but today he played well. If he was quicker and more agile he'd be very useful to us because I think he's got a good football brain.

 

Lambert and Lallana were class. Hammond good, James good, defence in general good. Yeah, pretty good!

 

This is by far the funniest post I've ever seen on here - Wotton and football brain ummmmm now that's put a big smile on my face......

[gjphilsaint]

Great to hear that the team is finally beginning to settle down and players (Lallana) are being playing in thier optimum positions.

[surrey1saint]

Davis 7 - Not much to do really...couple of good claims.

 

James 7 - was ok, got done a couple of times for being a bit slow (in his mind) in the first 20mins but really got to grips with the game in the 2nd half.

 

Jaidi - 8 nothing got past him - man mountain

 

Trotman 8 - ditto really - a really strong central partnership we have now.

 

Harding 8 - Excellent i thought, bursting forward, cutting inside and running at defenders...and a good display defensively too. Love him

 

Mellis 8 - was a bit skeptical about his inclusion after his team performance v Rovers, but he was excellent i felt. Always popping up in and around the box. He started out on the left...but then went to play through the middle after about 20mins with lambert - where i felt he was pretty good. Lively pacey and has good ability.

 

Hammond 8 - Solid. A leader in the middle, keeps us playing and keeps the shape of the midfield 4.

 

Wotton 7 - I thought he was good - don't underestimate his involvement in the score line today, kept harrying in midfield and pressuring their players. Ok...he's not a gifted player by any-means, but he gives you 100%.

 

Papa 9 - Brilliant, after about 20mins. Had a slow start to the game..but then came alive. He has pace to burn and gave us that natural width down the right we've been crying for. He beat their man time and time again. It's great to actually have an outlet over the top...and we were a real threat on the break for once.

 

Adam - 9 MOTM for me. Brilliant, he's really upped his game in the last month. You cannot fault his effort this season but now he's adding goals to his tally to. Crackling little player.

 

Lambert 9 - The ultimate front man. He has everything for this level. Holds it up, can pass it, can volley it, can head it..can score......he's going to be a hero for us.

 

 

Subs...

 

Gillet 7 - did ok, didn't get long but did his chances no harm.

 

Patto - n/a - was only on 2mins

 

Holmes - n/a - again..really only got 2/3mins.

 

A good summary.Adam,Lambert and Papa were all terrific today.

Edited 3 October, 2009 by surrey1saint
Addition

[chrisobee]

This is by far the funniest post I've ever seen on here - Wotton and football brain ummmmm now that's put a big smile on my face......

 

Well clearly someone at Plymouth had some regard for him making him captain and helping them to 2 promotions in the process. He's a very defense minded player ( used to play CB). Was named in the PFA League 2 team of the year in 2002 so I suggest he's not totally without his good qualities.

[stockbridge_saint]

i thought lambert was superb throughout with lallana and mellis good as well but i was not impressed by Papa. I thought he was off the pace of the game really, few good moments maybe.

[niceandfriendly]

This is by far the funniest post I've ever seen on here - Wotton and football brain ummmmm now that's put a big smile on my face......

 

Well I'm glad I made you smile But I think your post is harsh on Wotton. I've always thought that he'd be a good player if only he had the legs.

 

Edit: Although saying that, against Swindon he was dreadful and obviously didn't have his brain in gear that evening.

Edited 3 October, 2009 by niceandfriendly

[SFKA South Woodford]

Can't believe some of the criticism of Waigo today, yes he had a few bad moments, but his good moments more than made up for them and he battled for the ball 'and won it, Saga take note!' and closed down well. He produced a few pieces of absolutely sublime skill in front of the Kingsland stand in the second half, amongst them were the pieces that allowed him to beat their players down the wing and the one in the box to cross from which Lallana should have scored, and one where he won the ball when he got between two Gills players and just when he looked like losing it a great drag back and nutmeg of a gills player as he laid it back to James.

 

The run he went on just after he had scored, and after closing down and winning the ball back for us from their kick off in the first half was excellent not just in terms of skill but also attitude.

 

I agree he's not the finished article and there is room for improvement, but if he keeps improving at this rate he will be a very decent player for this level.

[niceandfriendly]

Can't believe some of the criticism of Waigo today, yes he had a few bad moments, but his good moments more than made up for them and he battled for the ball 'and won it, Saga take note!' and closed down well. He produced a few pieces of absolutely sublime skill in front of the Kingsland stand in the second half, amongst them were the pieces that allowed him to beat their players down the wing and the one in the box to cross from which Lallana should have scored, and one where he won the ball when he got between two Gills players and just when he looked like losing it a great drag back and nutmeg of a gills player as he laid it back to James.

 

The run he went on just after he had scored, and after closing down and winning the ball back for us from their kick off in the first half was excellent not just in terms of skill but also attitude.

 

I agree he's not the finished article and there is room for improvement, but if he keeps improving at this rate he will be a very decent player for this level.

 

Totally agree. He's got very quick feet. I think he'll be good for us.

[Gemmel]

Lambert was a revelation for me today - so much more to him as a player than I thought. His passing, workrate flicks and awareness were spot on. A big asset.

 

However I am going to make myself unpopular now - I remain very unconvinced about Waigo. Unorthadox is not the word he really does not have a football brain and unforgiveably he bottled a couple of challenges today. I can understand why everyone wants him to do well because he is different and very watchable but I will be very surprised if he is still in our first team a year from now.

 

I doubt very few will argue with that.

 

Read on another thread someone gave him a 9........which unless the scorer was Stevie Wonder was a tad kind.

 

Lambert was a different class

[hypochondriac]

Fair point and I know what you mean but a "world beater" he aint. As soon as we all accept that Nick then perhaps he can find his true groove in the squad.

 

But then it's only in your head that people are calling him a world beater.

[Bailey]

Davis ( 7 ) - Solid but unspectacular. Did a decent job when called upon and could do nothing about the goal.

 

James ( 6 ) - Did OK, nothing special. Can really wip a fantastic ball in from the right. Still a slight concern defensively though.

 

Trotman ( 7 ) - Won the majority of his headers and has formed a formidable partnership at the back with Jaidi.

 

Jaidi ( 8 ) - Big fan of Radhi. He is very dominant and commanding; we've been desperate for a player of his style for years!

 

Harding ( 7 ) - Reliable as ever. Supported Lallana and Mellis very well and was sound defensively.

 

Mellis ( 7 ) - One of his better performances. Very industrious and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

 

Hammond ( 8 ) - Proving to be a first-class signing by Pards. Not afraid to get stuck in and breaks up the play brilliantly.

 

Wotton ( 6 ) - Didn't do anything wrong but I'm just not a fan. Was OK, but nothing more than that.

 

Waigo ( 7 ) - Would have been a 6 but for his goal. He drifts in and out of the game and is very much a luxury player.

 

Lambert ( 8 ) - Superb. Fantastic goal and offers so much to the side. Will be a big, big player for us over the course of the season.

 

Lallana ( 9 ) - Took his goals very well and worked well alongside Lambert. Could be the start of a good partnership.

 

Gillett, Holmes and Paterson ( 6 ) - All came on quite late in the game and never really had the chance to get involved.

Edited 4 October, 2009 by Bailey

[NickG]

Davis ( 7 ) - Solid but unspectacular.

 

James ( 7 ) - his crossing is a real danger - and makes goals!

 

Trotman ( 6.5 ) - thought CB's were leaving to much space at the start and didn't seem to be communicating - seemed to get better after Pardew came on and gave him a bollocking and a slap - on the pitch!

Jaidi ( 6.5 ) - as above

 

Harding ( 7 ) - Reliable as ever. Supported Lallana and Mellis very well and was sound defensively.

 

Mellis 8 - One of his better performances. Very industrious and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet - very quickly starting attacks and great interplay with Lallana

 

Hammond ( 8 ) - Proving to be a first-class signing by Pards. Not afraid to get stuck in and breaks up the play brilliantly.

 

Wotton ( 7 ) - did what he was there for- solid, got stuck in, organised others etc, protected defence

 

Waigo ( 8 ) - made things happen

 

Lambert ( 10 ) - what more can a CF do? scored, held the ball up, saw good passes, won headers

 

Lallana ( 9 ) - Took his goals very well and worked well alongside Lambert. Could be the start of a good partnership.

 

(thanks Bailey for saving me typing a lot out)

[LaptopSaint]

Lambert was a revelation for me today - so much more to him as a player than I thought. His passing, workrate flicks and awareness were spot on. A big asset.

 

However I am going to make myself unpopular now - I remain very unconvinced about Waigo. Unorthadox is not the word he really does not have a football brain and unforgiveably he bottled a couple of challenges today. I can understand why everyone wants him to do well because he is different and very watchable but I will be very surprised if he is still in our first team a year from now.

 

Surely the most relevant point about Papa is that he's played less than a handful of games in English football. Italian footie makes totally different demands. So it's a bit daft for Merrington to say Papa has no football brain - he has talent, he has enthusiasm, above all he has pace... Now he needs to be coached. So let's give him a chance and see how he develops...

[NickG]

agree, wasn't impressed with Merrington's comments.

 

Papa is a forward, he makes things happen. He beat players -even when 3 on him, won the ball back, got dangerous crosses in.

 

Suppose as a pundit he has to justify his place.

[(not THE) Kevin Moore]

On Papa, he reminds me a bit of Wanchope, one minute he's shanking easy crosses into the stand, the next minute he's creating a goal-scoring opportunity.

 

He will unsettle defenders, partly because no-one (not even him) knows with any certainty what he's going to do next.

 

I thought it was an encouraging performance and hopefully he'll continue to improve. Lets not forget he's hardly played in over a year and he has scored goals in Serie A so there has got to be something there.

 

Otherwise Lambert and Lallana where top class and Kelvin was woefully out of position for their shot/shanked cross, not much else to say other than we lost our shape horribly with our rash of substitutions.

[SaintRobbie]

Fair point and I know what you mean but a "world beater" he aint. As soon as we all accept that Nick then perhaps he can find his true groove in the squad.

 

I think with input from a good manager and some experience with the new squad he'll find his place, just as Lallana seems to have started to and certainly Wotton has.

 

Clear evidence with respect to Wotton is if you have a decent manager you get the best out of your players. Wotte load of rubbish.

 

AP's Red and White Army!

[SaintRobbie]

With regards to Papa... I seem to recall a younger Ronaldo at ManUre starting in a similar vain before being given more experience and discipline by his manager.

 

Give AP a chance to shape him.

[Legod Third Coming]

Lambert was a revelation for me today - so much more to him as a player than I thought. His passing, workrate flicks and awareness were spot on. A big asset.

 

However I am going to make myself unpopular now - I remain very unconvinced about Waigo. Unorthadox is not the word he really does not have a football brain and unforgiveably he bottled a couple of challenges today. I can understand why everyone wants him to do well because he is different and very watchable but I will be very surprised if he is still in our first team a year from now.

 

Agreed on Lambert. Two raking wing to wing passes which totally opened the opposition up.

 

As for Waigo, he still looks like Bambi but his finish for the goal was pretty brave I thought.

 

I think he's one of those guys who will only really put himself in harm's way when there's a goal involved! Otherwise, let him skip around and pull the defence apart. Like you, I don't think he will be a regular but he's an asset.

[up and away]

Well clearly someone at Plymouth had some regard for him making him captain and helping them to 2 promotions in the process. He's a very defense minded player ( used to play CB). Was named in the PFA League 2 team of the year in 2002 so I suggest he's not totally without his good qualities.

 

Wooton really was a surprise for me yesterday, but that is about only the second time I can say that from his appearances. Previously not even happy to have him as a reserve but he did his chances no harm at all. Time will tell on this one and Saints.

[Thedelldays]

But then it's only in your head that people are calling him a world beater.

they were though..

 

i got a bit of stick (shocker) for saying I wanted to wait before claiming papa was any good....I was told he must be great as he plays for his country and came from CL fiorentina...

 

I thought he looked poor tuesday night...the times he strayed offside looked like he had no idea...

[sotonnick]

davis 6

james 6

trotman 6

jaidi 6

harding 6

waigo 7

wotton 8

hammond 8

mellis 7

lallana 8

lambert 8 (MOM)

[St. Jason]

Couldn't make today but listened on the radio, was a vital win!

 

did anyone shine today?

 

Man of the Match, would be difficult to choose between Lambert or Llanna for me, also worth noting Melis and James!

 

COYR

[SFKA South Woodford]

Man of the Match, would be difficult to choose between Lambert or Llanna for me, also worth noting Melis and James!

 

COYR

 

The only reason to note James, was for being a pansy and not wanting to get hurt by putting a proper challenge to win the ball!

 

Someone needs to tell him that he's more likely to get hurt going in half hearted than full blooded.

 

Are you seriously trying to say that Mellis was better than Papa yesterday? Papa scored one and had a hand in two of the other goals, the only reason Mellis looked better than usual is because he was in centre mid where he will see a lot more of the ball, even then he didn't do much with it.

[NickG]

I also thought Mellis had a very good game

[Legod Third Coming]

I also thought Mellis had a very good game

 

Me too, I also thought he played well against Rovers.

 

We seem to play a back 4-1-1-3-1 with the three 'front midfielders' - Mellis, Lallana and Waigo on Saturday - changing places throughout the game.

 

That's why people bang on about Mellis coming inside all the time, they all do, and keep the front fluid which makes them hard to mark.

[Charlie Wayman]

Davis 6 - Poor distribution.

James 6 - Not his best game. Skinned at RB but better as a creative mid-fielder. We need Murty back fast.

Jaidi - 7 solid if unspectacular

Trotman 6 - ditto, some poor positioning

Harding 6 - Seemed strangely subdued and uncertain

Mellis 8 - probably our best mid-fielder today. Always a threat.

Hammond 6 - BNot at his best, a bit laboured

Wotton 7 - An extra mark for sheer guts and determination. Will never make a footballer but as a terrier, just great today.

Papa 6 - Looked more involved today and had one or two good runs especially later on. Great individual goal promises more to come

Lallana 7 - Usual headless chicken act in first half but improved scond half and ofcourse two graet goals

Lambert 8 - Best game so far, fitter and wiser, no criticism at all

[krissyboy31]

agree, wasn't impressed with Merrington's comments.

 

Papa is a forward, he makes things happen. He beat players -even when 3 on him, won the ball back, got dangerous crosses in.

 

Suppose as a pundit he has to justify his place.

 

Agreed. This league and level of football are completely foreign to him (literally) and it will take him time to adjust. But he should have had another goal (bit of a sitter) and was unlucky not to have had at least one more assist. I think his unpredictability as well as his skill and pace will be an asset to us. Until recently we have looked "oh too predictable" going forward.

[RedAndWhite91]

Davis - 6 - Did what he needed to do.

 

James - 6 - Improvement on previous games played at right back. Crossing was alright and got stuck in. Generally alright.

 

Trotman - 7 - Him and Jaidi seemed to take a while to get settled in, a bit shaky in first 20 or so but solid for rest.

 

Jaidi -7 - See above.

 

Harding - 7 - A good performance on the back of a disappointing one on Tuesday. Did well up and down the line, tackled well and distributed the ball well.

 

Mellis - 7 - Had a great game but his poor passing stopped him from getting an 8. Apart from that he looked lively and seems to be finding some form.

 

Hammond - 8 - Once again superb in the middle of the park. A great tackler and passer of the ball, well impressed with him so far.

 

Wotton - 6 - Did what he had to do with no dramas, although felt he put as at risk by nearly losing the ball in the middle too often. Some good passes and through balls but still feel he isn't anywhere near as good as Morgan or Hammond.

 

Waigo - 8 - Got forward well, caused a few problems and got a goal. Celebration was top notch as well Still adjusting to this league and England as a whole I reckon but he did well.

 

Lambert - 9 - Won nearly everything, sublime touch, got stuck in, got a goal with a great volley and got an assist. Lambert is quality. MoM for me.

 

Lallana - 9 - Two goals, took on players, looked well up for it and generally impressed. Took his goals well and I just hope we can keep hold of him in January and beyond.

[Clifford Nelson]

Something has just dawned on me. I used to play on the wing (OK it was a long time ago) and I would have hated to be up against a full back like Harding. He reminds me of a hungry yard dog who clamps on to your backside or ankle and refuse to let go. He's great.

[krissyboy31]

Davis ( 7 ) - Solid but unspectacular. Did a decent job when called upon and could do nothing about the goal.

 

I thought he was completely at fault for the goal. A goalkeeper should never have bee lobbed from less than 20 yards out. off his line and out of position! Others should have got a challenge in earlier mind.

[Bailey]

I thought he was completely at fault for the goal. A goalkeeper should never have bee lobbed from less than 20 yards out. off his line and out of position! Others should have got a challenge in earlier mind.

 

Fair comment. My personal opinion was that their goal was a decent strike, but I can see your point of view. Maybe Davis shouldn't have been beaten from his position, but Rooney was very clever and his finish was top draw.