badgerx16 Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Connolly may well be the final bit in the jigsaw. 5 in a row with the next game and out of the bottom 4. :D:D Has the 'feel good factor' returned ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDARMY79 Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Being a Saints fan is fun again at last!!! That is all I have to say! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Yes but if he had played 4 4 2 at the start what would the score have been. I dont think the subs were inspired they were obvious as most of the posters on here were saying As I said earlier ... we had a plan B and the timing was superb. Completely negating all of Ince's HT talk. One ups man ship of the highest order ..... Incey pwned or whatever the innernet saying is The starting line up and formation had worked in the previous weeks so why change it? The mere fact that when we changed it was a seamless change speaks volumes to the team's pre match build up by the back rrom staff. Everybody knew what was expected of them. Compare that to the last, what 6 managers or so. At HT I stated that despite MK Dons impressive away defensive record I believed we could turn it around and the boys showed they could. The belief in the squad that they could live up to quote Pardews first words "we need a winning mentality"" .. well he seems to be getting the idea across pretty well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 superb! someone predicted 3-1 at half time and the boys delivered! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Connolly may well be the final bit in the jigsaw. 5 in a row with the next game and out of the bottom 4. :D:D Has the 'feel good factor' returned ? Connolly is to have x-ray on a elbow injury. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the saint in winchester Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 I'm starting to think we ARE too good for this league. Heck, can we play Leeds NOW!!!! Well played the lads, and the manager! I love being a Saints fan now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint George Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Man this is so awesome...'Both' the Saints in my life are on a roll.....I just love Sundays 'and' Saturdays now GEAUX SAINTS!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 As I said earlier ... we had a plan B and the timing was superb. Completely negating all of Ince's HT talk. One ups man ship of the highest order ..... Incey pwned or whatever the innernet saying is The starting line up and formation had worked in the previous weeks so why change it? The mere fact that when we changed it was a seamless change speaks volumes to the team's pre match build up by the back rrom staff. Everybody knew what was expected of them. Compare that to the last, what 6 managers or so. At HT I stated that despite MK Dons impressive away defensive record I believed we could turn it around and the boys showed they could. The belief in the squad that they could live up to quote Pardews first words "we need a winning mentality"" .. well he seems to be getting the idea across pretty well I Just dont like 4 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW11_Saint Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Onwards and upwards. Next target is to get out of the bottom 4, then, well... bring it on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlfredKo Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Even the MK Dons commentary said that 3-1 is probably the fair result and we are the best side they have seen this year. Are we too good for League 1? Definitely, we should be in the Prem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genk Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 For the first time in a long time, sat there at half-time I had a feeling knowing that we could turn it around, whereas in the past you don't have that. Fully deserved 3 points, outplayed them for the majority of the match. Antonio is what we had been crying out for earlier in the season, a bit of pace on the wings. Looked incredibly dangerous. What's the situation regarding him?? 1 Month loan must be up soon, so look to extend till January? Am I correct? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaucho Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Just back from game. Do not know how MK Dons are 3rd in table - we completely dominated them. About the only time they were in our half, they scored! Subsitutions were perfect, Antonio had and immediate impact. All in all superb! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Onwards and upwards. Next target is to get out of the bottom 4, then, well... bring it on! It's obviously not as important as points but it's still significant that only five teams have a better goal difference. Given the parity in this division, that 11-point gap between us and the playoff positions can be closed by Christmas. I certainly don't see six teams running away from the rest of us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 For the first time in a long time, sat there at half-time I had a feeling knowing that we could turn it around, whereas in the past you don't have that. Fully deserved 3 points, outplayed them for the majority of the match. Antonio is what we had been crying out for earlier in the season, a bit of pace on the wings. Looked incredibly dangerous. What's the situation regarding him?? 1 Month loan must be up soon, so look to extend till January? Am I correct? Yep - 1 month initially, but i expect the process has started to extend it. I hope we sign him on a perm too. He's so strong and powerful - full backs haven't got a clue how to handle him when he comes on. He defines ''Impact'' sub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crouch Ender Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 superb! someone predicted 3-1 at half time and the boys delivered! ...whereas at half time you perceptively said 'What a load of crap! normal service resumed!' Great result and a convincing performance by all accounts - as others have said, it feels really good to be a Saints fan right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corsacar saint Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 After we equalized we totally ripped them apart.[ We were more than unlucky to go in a goal down to their only shot of the half]. If Paul Ince does not say that we are the best side they have played all season I will be very surprised. Absolutely delighted, that we kept attacking instead of sitting back, when we took the lead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Looking at the table, we have the fith best goal difference in the division. Today, beating the team in third position (and happily pushing them down a position) was a statement of intent. When we beat Charlton at home too soon, we will know that we can beat anybody in this division and teams will be looking over their shoulders' at us. Credit to Pardew for making the tactical changes that turned around the game. The fight that we put up after those substitutions and the change it made, was palpable and lifted the support. Although the first half was scrappy and it was hard to impose ourselves on the game, however our defence was solid and Kelvin had very little to do all match. In particular, Jermaine Easter did not have much impact and credit to the defence for keeping him quiet. I had expressed the opinion that it might be the difference between the two teams that they only had one one player in scoring form, whereas we had players scoring from all over the park. So it proved. We shut out Easter, but they couldn't handle the threat from all corners of the pitch that we showed. Hammond's confidence must be growing, the same with Connolly. Their Goalkeeper really was one of the worst I have seen. Granted that the blustery wind made conditions difficult, but I lost count of the number of times he kicked the ball out of touch or to one of our players. As for their goal, the referee should never have awarded a free kick that led to it. Our defender shoulder charged their player off the ball, which as far as I am aware is not foul play. They did the same to one of our strikers in the second half and we got nothing from it. It did seem that several of the MK Dons' players were far too ready to crumble whenever one of our players came within breathing distance of them and I don't like that in a team. Ince should attempt to instil some balls into his squad and the referee needs to realise that football is a game for men, not pansies. We certainly aren't the team of small young players anymore that were prone to being bullied by the big players in the lower divisions. We have some huge players in our team now, yet they are players with skill too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Yep - 1 month initially, but i expect the process has started to extend it. I hope we sign him on a perm too. He's so strong and powerful - full backs haven't got a clue how to handle him when he comes on. He defines ''Impact'' sub. I'd like to see him extended to the window, and then - if things keep going the way they are now - we might see the next test of whether Marcus is willing to put his hand in his pocket for another real impact player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Game over - never in doubt once we got into the lead - and I must say this team is one of the best we have had in a long time, not just in terms of quality...but a sheer determination, sprit and a will to win. The MK Dons are one of the best teams in L1, but in all departments we were just better than them today, stronger, sharper and faster- that's not down to them having a bad day, it's just down to us having more quality. Watch out the top 6 is all I can say. We’re on our way... A point that was endlessly repeated by the MK Dons Commentators (Saints Player kept losing signal so I listened to theirs). They were constantly saying how good we were and that there was no shame into losing to us. at one stage they said if we continue to play like this at home all season we will not lose another game here this season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Originally Posted by John B Yes but if he had played 4 4 2 at the start what would the score have been. I dont think the subs were inspired they were obvious as most of the posters on here were saying As I said earlier ... we had a plan B and the timing was superb. Completely negating all of Ince's HT talk. One ups man ship of the highest order ..... Incey pwned or whatever the innernet saying is The starting line up and formation had worked in the previous weeks so why change it? The mere fact that when we changed it was a seamless change speaks volumes to the team's pre match build up by the back rrom staff. Everybody knew what was expected of them. Compare that to the last, what 6 managers or so. At HT I stated that despite MK Dons impressive away defensive record I believed we could turn it around and the boys showed they could. The belief in the squad that they could live up to quote Pardews first words "we need a winning mentality"" .. well he seems to be getting the idea across pretty well The very fact we have been winning is even more reason to keep going the way we are. At least we have a seamless option to convert when required. I still feel we would be left exposed starting 442 because of our personnel for midfield, I believe Pardew has got it 100% right. The results and goals being testament to that fact and our domination. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjk Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Best game I've seen for a long time we should make the play offs comfortably at this rate.We must sign Trotman and Antonio,two great players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 A point that was endlessly repeated by the MK Dons Commentators (Saints Player kept losing signal so I listened to theirs). They were constantly saying how good we were and that there was no shame into losing to us. at one stage they said if we continue to play like this at home all season we will not lose another game here this season Good to hear that sort of view from an oppo follower. I'd agree with them too, if we play like that every game there is no one in this division that could handle us (esp. in the 2nd half). i was so impressed at how well we chased them down and harried them all over the pitch. We did it until the 94th min too which shows that our fitness levels are there for all to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Just back from the game. Apart from the free kick (which was taken beautifully) MK didnt really get much of a look in. Saints system really worked well at keeping them out and we looked totally dominant in the second half. My MOTM would be Hammond, closely followed by Lallana. But saying that, every player I can think of did a superb job today, well done lads! (apart from waigo maybe, thats two games where hes been in the background a bit, reminds of BWP too much in the way he plays) Ill be driving back to Huddersfield tomorrow with a big smile on my face now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arizona Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Maybe I'm overreacting, but that was probably the best Saints performance I've ever seen (Only Prem game I went to was Villa 2-3 ). Anyway, thought we were breathtaking if I'm honest. Ran the show against what is apparently a top 3 side from start to finish. Had a flat spell for about 7 minutes either side of half time, but even then they were far from on top. Schneiderlin and Antonio absolutely ran the show, the defence was rock solid and Lambert and Connelly took the p*ss up front. Excellent performance, Schneiderlin for MOTM. His crossfield ball to Bonio for the first goal was fantastic. I could so easily have voted for Antonio, Lambert, Jaidi, Hammond, Lallana or Trotters, we were THAT good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenwilkins Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Well done guys - a great afternoon. We can beat anyone in this League now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 My only concern is can we keep the loan players Antonio looks as if he could be a gem IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Never mind 3 points adrift of safety, we are only 11 points adrift of the play offs. That is how good I feel today, we have arguably the best team in the league right now, we should fear no-one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintandy666 Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Really good game, lamberts goal was straight from the training ground and we rarely gave them oppurtunities to be honest. Great subs from Padrew as Antonio turned out to be amazing and really shoved the game in our favour. GREAT WIN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Well done guys - a great afternoon. We can beat anyone in this League now. Yes you are right if we continue winning anything could happen Need luck and few injuries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainchris Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Great result. Antonio was the difference once he came on. Think Papa has a lot to learn about the game before he can be selected as a first choice player - a poor mans Dyer in the first half plus caught offside by yards too often. I would fully endorse previous comments that Antonio is well considering as a permanent buy and was my man of the match. I know it's a great result again but in particular the first half long ball game was a poor strategy. Our team is far better than this tactic shows us to be - please can we keep it on the floor more......We are good enough to do this...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Landrew Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Been thinking that on this quality and form, the playoffs are entirely possible now. Putting into perspective how well Saints are doing at the moment; if we had not been deducted 10 points we'd be 1 point outside of them now, and if Saints had been able to get out of the blocks quickly and not got bogged down earlier in the season, due to effectively being 2 months behind in their preparation, we'd probably be league leaders. As it is, with a 10 point deduction, we'd have been in a playoff position. Yes, it is all what-ifs. But they're good what-ifs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Already mention the impact that our 2 early 2nd half subs made on the game, but I feel a special mention must be made to David Connolly. 2 games in a row he has come on and when given a one on one situation (showing his anticipation and awareness to be there in the first place ) has produced the goods. How many 1 on 1's did BWP screw up last season. (not blaming BWP for getting us relegated all on his own ... he had plenty of help ). Could have been the difference between -10 and 0 this season We now have depth and alternatives available, BUT the loans need to be sorted asap ... don't want the Jack Cork scenario of last season to be repeated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperm_john Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 just got back from the game, JAIDI MOTM for me, won everything in the air ... now enjoying a beer and listening to this absolute saints tune!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedWillie Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 and according to the motm vote thing we played with 10 men...? where's Harding ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Cracking game. Now in Pompey territory to watch a COAST gig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Boy oh boy, did I enjoy that game! Without doubt, the best game of football I've seen at SMS for yonks! We were worthy of a win, against a team 3rd in the Div. We frightened the life out of MK Dons and A LL was my MOTM. I enjoyed seeing D C coming on, he is a superb signing. Well done Saints and well done the fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 The very fact we have been winning is even more reason to keep going the way we are. At least we have a seamless option to convert when required. I still feel we would be left exposed starting 442 because of our personnel for midfield, I believe Pardew has got it 100% right. The results and goals being testament to that fact and our domination. Sorry but I don't think Pards has got it 100% yet. He's definitely assembled a great squad, and now he needs to firm up some of the loans into signings, but he persisted with 4-5-1 and it was only when that format had seen us go a goal down that he changed to 4-4-2. All credit to him for the change, but lets see Connelly on from the start next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 just got back from the game, JAIDI MOTM for me, won everything in the air ... now enjoying a beer and listening to this absolute saints tune!!! I've always loved that song and it has been a part of my pre match ritual for a long time!! I just love watching the Punk/New Wave stuff from that era on TOTPs vids and loling at the dweebs in the audience trying to dance to stuff like The Jam / The Stranglers / The Skids etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Sorry but I don't think Pards has got it 100% yet. He's definitely assembled a great squad, and now he needs to firm up some of the loans into signings, but he persisted with 4-5-1 and it was only when that format had seen us go a goal down that he changed to 4-4-2. All credit to him for the change, but lets see Connelly on from the start next week. Having listened to The MK Dons Commentary site they were saying it was our better than theirs 4-5-1 formation that got the better of them and allowed us to toatally dominate them. A 4-4-2 against their 4-5-1 may have not had the same effect, it might have led to us being over run in midfield. AP defo won the managerial chess game with his change just after HT, throwing into disarray Incey's HT team talk to countrract our dominence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadhall Saint Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Good game never thought we'd lose - onwards and upwards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ribbo Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 I Just dont like 4 5 1 but it's not really 4-5-1, it's more 4-3-2-1 and only 4-5-1 when you need to close out the game, Pardews playing a system to suit the personel he has, hence he can build a midfield 3 have lambert as a target man and the 2 players playing off him, we've not really had a player who could play up with lambert good enough to convince pardew to go 4-4-2, we now have in Connelly.. when we switched formations different spaces and combinations became available, different channels could be played. 2 very good systems to have in AP's locker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 My only concern is can we keep the loan players Antonio looks as if he could be a gem IMO. Not to mention Trotman!! Melis also seems to be getting to grips but unlikely we'll keep (or want) him. Not sure how it works but my reckoning is their club decides if they stay past the initial loan, not the player, and any future transfers etc are made by the club not the individual. Can someone pass a message to PNE and Reading that these two are playing sh!te and need to be off their salary role asap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish fingers Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 just got back from the game, JAIDI MOTM for me, won everything in the air ... now enjoying a beer and listening to this absolute saints tune!!! did he not stupidly give away the free kick for their goal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markr27 Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 As soon as Jaidi made that stupid obstruction, I knew that the ball would end up in the net... after Saints had dominated for the first 20 mins. Personally, I thought Hammond especially was anonymous in the first half, but that may be down to the long ball game. All change second half though, as he (Hammond) was given more freedom to roam with Schneiderlin holding when Antonio came on. Never even 'saw' the second goal coming from that method/source either Connolly was everywhere, and I think the team that played the majority of the 2nd half will start next week, fitness permitting. Well done Saints Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Looking at the table, we have the fith best goal difference in the division. Today, beating the team in third position (and happily pushing them down a position) was a statement of intent. When we beat Charlton at home too soon, we will know that we can beat anybody in this division and teams will be looking over their shoulders' at us. Credit to Pardew for making the tactical changes that turned around the game. The fight that we put up after those substitutions and the change it made, was palpable and lifted the support. Although the first half was scrappy and it was hard to impose ourselves on the game, however our defence was solid and Kelvin had very little to do all match. In particular, Jermaine Easter did not have much impact and credit to the defence for keeping him quiet. I had expressed the opinion that it might be the difference between the two teams that they only had one one player in scoring form, whereas we had players scoring from all over the park. So it proved. We shut out Easter, but they couldn't handle the threat from all corners of the pitch that we showed. Hammond's confidence must be growing, the same with Connolly. Their Goalkeeper really was one of the worst I have seen. Granted that the blustery wind made conditions difficult, but I lost count of the number of times he kicked the ball out of touch or to one of our players. As for their goal, the referee should never have awarded a free kick that led to it. Our defender shoulder charged their player off the ball, which as far as I am aware is not foul play. They did the same to one of our strikers in the second half and we got nothing from it. It did seem that several of the MK Dons' players were far too ready to crumble whenever one of our players came within breathing distance of them and I don't like that in a team. Ince should attempt to instil some balls into his squad and the referee needs to realise that football is a game for men, not pansies. We certainly aren't the team of small young players anymore that were prone to being bullied by the big players in the lower divisions. We have some huge players in our team now, yet they are players with skill too. Very well said Wes, I agree with all of that except for the MK Dons goal. I think it was definitely a foul by Jaidi, not a shoulder barge, he blocked him off deliberately. It was totally needless as the ball was going through to Davis anyway. You could tell by Jaidi's reaction after the goal that he knew he had ****ed up. But fair play, other than that he and Trottman were immense at the back; I really don't think I'v ever seen such a strong defensive combination for us. But you're definitely right about them being complete pansies. Their number 9, who was a complete unit, just crumpled at the slightest touch. Nice to see a Saints team who can bully a side as well as outplay them. Being a Saints fan right now is really enjoyable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Marco Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Not the best i have seen us play but we deffinatly deserved to win the game. The crowd and atmosphere today was awesome. Hopefully now those doubters after the first few games who were bashing Pardew and the team can finally let go of their agendas. They were wrong like 99% of the people on this website were telling them. The days of knee jerk reactions after a couple of games are over. Get behind the team, get behind the manager and get your ass down to the stadium and stand proud with the crowd of the red and white army. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weston Saint Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Good team performance and credit to Pardew as well. First half and for the early part of the second half we played 5 in midfield with Wotton playing in a holding role. It stifled MK Dons just as Pardew wanted. They were not a threat and their goal just before half time came from a dubious free kick decision. A well taken free kick but to me Davis was at fault for not lining p the wall in the correct place. Davis did not have a busy time but what he did have to do (apart from organising the wall) he did well. James is a weakness in defence on the right but when he got forward he put in some decent crosses Jaidi (just about my man of the match) was a rock in defence ably supported by Trottman. Harding looked solid at left back and got forward particularly in the second half Wotton did all that was asked of him but he was always the one to go off when the second half formation changed. Schneiderlin passed the ball well but he needs to have players wide right and left as an outlet. Hammond bossed matters and is now the player we thought we have bought from Colchester. Good goal as well Lallana again busied himself and had some very skilful moments. Gave way late on to Mills as he looked all in. Papa Waigo had a poor game as he kept finding himself offside. It is a bad weakness in his game and making way for Antonio was the correct decision. However he did trouble their left back and because defences to not know what to make of him and his speed they tend to pull to wider to deal with him leaving gaps in the middle. I would still have him start games. He brings something different to the game. Lambert found it difficult on his own in the first half but looked much happier when Connolly came on. Antonio as sub turned to game. He gave a torrid time to their left back who was already knackered dealing with Waigo. Some great runs, strong and very fast. Connolly is a class player at this level, knows where the goal is and is a great foil for Lambert. Smaller in stature than I imagined him to be. If he can stay fit he is the find of the season. Mills came on late and it would be unfair to assess him so I won’t God game and shows how far we have come in a short time. Pardew needed time to find the right players. If he had the benefit of pre season and we had been able to hit the ground running we would be higher up the table than we are and I mean in the top four but for our points deduction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Under Weststand Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Sorry but I don't think Pards has got it 100% yet. He's definitely assembled a great squad, and now he needs to firm up some of the loans into signings, but he persisted with 4-5-1 and it was only when that format had seen us go a goal down that he changed to 4-4-2. All credit to him for the change, but lets see Connelly on from the start next week. The thing is in this league I think we have to win the physical battle before the football can take over, the MK Dons commentators thought we played it just right, & said at half time they expected Saints to come back into it which they did in the end. We now have a team that is strong physically that can out muscle & demoralise a team (how long since we could say that ) before we turn on the style & win. Both systems appear to be working at the moment. It would be nice to think we could go out with classy football & win week in & week out. but in this league the physical battle is just as important if not more so. Agree about some of the loans to signings needing to be made permanent. Wes Tender commented that they weren't up for the fight & were a bit flimsy which surprised me as I've seen them at County last couple of years & they have always been a big strong physical side. So maybe Professor AP had his game plan right after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iowsaintsfan Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Wow! attacked from the off, pressured and closed down, gave them no time to create anything and they paniced! They took their lead with a decent free kick but we should have been leading comfortably by that point. Second half - after the early subs we seemed to know the game was still there to be won and went to get it, such a great will to win and determination, great to see! good to see SMS filling up again too i even heard a little noise from the chapel today (though i was much closer to it!) Next week we could be 18th!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 24 October, 2009 Share Posted 24 October, 2009 Maybe I'm overreacting, but that was probably the best Saints performance I've ever seen (Only Prem game I went to was Villa 2-3 ). Anyway, thought we were breathtaking if I'm honest. Ran the show against what is apparently a top 3 side from start to finish. Had a flat spell for about 7 minutes either side of half time, but even then they were far from on top. Schneiderlin and Antonio absolutely ran the show, the defence was rock solid and Lambert and Connelly took the p*ss up front. Excellent performance, Schneiderlin for MOTM. His crossfield ball to Bonio for the first goal was fantastic. I could so easily have voted for Antonio, Lambert, Jaidi, Hammond, Lallana or Trotters, we were THAT good. You're overreacting. For the first 15 minutes we were ok in a blunted game. Then we were so-so, then we were ordinary. Then we gave away a pathetic cheap free kick. Then half time. Then until 52 minutes we were poor. Then for the last 38 minutes we were very good. HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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