Saints 2-2 Norwich - Reaction

[Whitey Grandad]

I accept I wasn't at the game today but how did James cost us 2 points? Was he directly to blame for the 2nd goal, most seem to be blaming Davis. He may have given away a penalty but we were still winning before their 2nd goal went in.

 

As I said last week it seems James has become the scapegoat for those who feel the need to have someone to blame. Its a team game, get off the lad's back. he has been asked to play out of position due to unavailability of Murty and has done a decent job from what I have seen.

Simples. We were winning 1-0 and he gives away the most stupid, pointless, predictable penalty that you will ever see. I would have been happy with 1-0.

[hypochondriac]

All I know is James is not a right back and I'll be glad when he isn't playing there.

[Tractor_Saint]

As I said last week it seems James has become the scapegoat for those who feel the need to have someone to blame. Its a team game, get off the lad's back. he has been asked to play out of position due to unavailability of Murty and has done a decent job from what I have seen.

 

Schoolboy error for the penalty. You stay on your feet in that situation - period. You slide in, you give away a penalty. Had he not done that we'd have been 2-0 up and the game was ours.

[Professor]

Almost needs a separate thread on the defence. Lots of comments here pointing to the weaknesses. Murty should solve one. CB a problem, as Jaidi needs someone more reliable alongside, which is probably not Thomas as he and J are too similar. Unless Lancs comes back from loan improved, or Martin is making the grade, it may need a buy in Jan.

[Draino76]

Losing the lead twice always feels like a loss after 90 minutes. Norwich looked pretty ordinary for 90% of the time and they are third? WTF?

[jawillwill]

Schoolboy error for the penalty. You stay on your feet in that situation - period. You slide in, you give away a penalty. Had he not done that we'd have been 2-0 up and the game was ours.

 

No we wouldn't have been.

[Saint_clark]

Simples. We were winning 1-0 and he gives away the most stupid, pointless, predictable penalty that you will ever see. I would have been happy with 1-0.

 

You could just TELL he was going to slide in and foul him, couldn't you.

[Johnny Shearer]

OMG we lost, I mean we drew. Its not good enough.

 

Seriously I'd take a draw today. Hopefully it'll be a start to another little run.

[RonManager]

You could just TELL he was going to slide in and foul him, couldn't you.

 

I know. That happened right below me. I could see what was going to happen and was shouting 'leave him Lloyd, leave him' as he had run the guy very close to the by line and any cross I think would have been blocked. But no....

 

However, cracking game, honours even. As ever, some things done well, others to be worked on.

 

Great days, thoroughly enjoying this season. Going to all the games I really feel a part of our rebirth, fully appreciating the achievements of Saints since July 8th.

 

We're not firing on all cylinders for all the game just yet. A few more pieces of the jigsaw to do yet and a few more cobwebs to be blown out of the metaphorical Saints exhaust pipe and we'll be purring in the fast lane.

 

Off to Hartlepool for some further real first hand understanding of MY TEAM!!!

 

COYR.

[sfc6mufc3]

Can't help feeling a little down - lost to Brighton and then squander a lead twice and still in the relegation zone.

 

Obviously I can see we are making progress and our recent run has been great - didn't expect us to bt Oldham, Southend, Bristol Rovers and MK Dons.

 

just hope we aren't going back to the form of the start of the season.

 

Bet we get beat on Tuesday - got a bad feeling.

[The Godfather]

Draw was a fair result overall against one of the best teams we've played this season. I thought we just edged the first half then the we started the second half very slowly again and thats what got them back into the game. Although the second half was very good game of football we went through a phase of just whqacking the ball upto Lambert and he had no hope against those two lumps Norwich had at the back.

 

We need to get wins in our next two league games starting with Hartlepool on Tuesday, the sooner we play like we did today against lesser teams the sooner were climb up the table.

Lallana and Connolly were our best players today.

[Saint_Jonny]

Just seen the goals. WTF was James thinking with that tackle, it was ****ing pathetic! Two decent goals scored by Saints though.

[vicky]

This is the first match I've been to in 1 1/2 seasons as I've been away travelling and what an entertainer! I came back to find us in League 1 on -10 points so really didn't know what to expect but I can't remember seeing such positive attacking play from Saints for a long time, and they kept going right until the end. Sure, the defence needs tightening, but then we've never really been known for our defence.... Cracking goal from Connelly. Oh, and 21000 for a League 1 match in appalling weather - I think that says it all about Saints. Hopefully we are finally turning the corner.

[Whitey Grandad]

We went 2-1 up, so how is them making is 1-1 relevant to us not winning?

Because we drew 2-2. Let me put it this way: James gave them a goal for free.

[Arizona]

Just seen the goals. WTF was James thinking with that tackle, it was ****ing pathetic! Two decent goals scored by Saints though.

 

Just seen them on the football league show too. James' tackle looks worse than I remember it. Not even close to winning the ball.

 

Our goals were both quality though.

[up and away]

Can't understand the doom and gloom on this forum. Absolutely fantastic match played in atrocious conditions between two teams unrecognisable from the dross representing the two clubs, last season.

 

Yes, disappointed to drop two points after being ahead twice and think Davis should have done better for the second but Norwich were the best side we've played this season and we more than matched them.

 

A really enjoyable match with loads of excitement, but that's what you tend to get when things are so open. Davis maybe should have done better but in those conditions it is very difficult to be too critical. This may well have graced a higher level as Pardew said, but only if you play scant regard to the defensive aspects of the game. I still cannot understand how Gillet is playing every week for Doncaster and doing well, the football must get poorer as you go up the leagues!

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Pretty decent result considering how **** we looked when I saw us last week. First time Saints have been on TV in Australia was against Brighton.

[Saint Without a Halo]

Just for a second dismiss the Brighton game as a 'blip' and consider this ;

 

An entertaining draw against a potential league champion side follows knocking Brizzle Rovs & Charlton, ( both title chasing teams ) out of the cups, and having just had 4 successive league wins, including MK Dons - another top 6 team.

 

What's so bad ?

 

The number of goals we are conceding even to the likes of Torquay and Orient never mind Brighton! If we put this right we will soar up the table!

[SNSUN]

I had to work yesterday, but from the sounds of it, the performance could've been better defensively.

 

That said, had we won against Brighton, a draw in this match would've been a good result.

 

It's a funny old game...

[Toadhall Saint]

Thought it was a good game - either team could have won it. Couple of observations:-

 

1, Our two CB's have stopped talking to each other

 

2, I think this is the second time that KD has saved a penalty only for no one to be running in to clear any potential re bound.

 

3, Lambert doesn't seem to like 442.

[Supersubpuckett]

disappointed with lambert - looked lazy - and our defence is frail BUT very entertaining football and a good result against a very solid side

 

went with a few norwich mates and they thought it was a good result for them

 

AP needs to spend money on a decent centre back

[Teddy Nutkins]

On reflection, i'm satisfied with the point.It was one of those games where the result could of gone either way.

 

We started really slowly a the start of the second half,which eventually led to the penalty,and took a while to get going again.Last two games, has really outlined how opposition coach's are quickly seeing our weak areas, and exploiting them.Again although this week we got away with it, we seem to have more than our fair share of players off the pace.Look out when they all hit form again:cool:

 

Great goals,especially Connolly's, seemed to go in, in slow motion for me. Pure class and well deserved for all the effort he has put in the past two games. i can see us grinding out something on Tuesday.

 

Special mention for our fans,well done stayed with it when we were struggling and last 5 minutes nearly forced the win.

Anyone else have the urge hide the linesman's flag in a very secure area.

[Charlie Wayman]

Well, not what you'd call an uneventful match, this was full-blooded end-to-end stuff that enthralled the crowd from beginning to end and would not have disgraced the premier league. It was hard to believe at times that we were watching third division football. Norwich were good, not spectacular but solid, well-organised and skillful and an odds-on bet for at least a play-off place. Saints were at their frustrating best and worst once again, at times magical at others pedestrian and awful. It is strange indeed to watch such an amalgam of sublime movement at one moment followed by sheer bloody incompetence almost immediately afterwards and moments of madness from some of our brighter stars that defy imagination and which seem not to afflict other teams. Who'd be a Saints fan? Who would not have wanted to be there on Saturday. The best match by far at SMS for many a long year. A draw was a fair result. This is our level in this league with this team.

 

The positives to take away? The fast close-linked interplay of Schneiderlen, Lallana and Conolly, the breath-taking arogance of Antonio and the never-say-never, do-or-die, win at all cost approaches of James and Schneiderlen.

 

The penalty, the fluffed shot-stop that led to goals? **** happens, every player has a moment, they'll get over it so will we. Don't expect promotion but please let's get away from the drop zone before Christmas.

and...

 

 

More games like this please!

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Well, not what you'd call an uneventful match, this was full-blooded end-to-end stuff that enthralled the crowd from beginning to end and would not have disgraced the premier league. It was hard to believe at times that we were watching third division football. Norwich were good, not spectacular but solid, well-organised and skillful and an odds-on bet for at least a play-off place. Saints were at their frustrating best and worst once again, at times magical at others pedestrian and awful. It is strange indeed to watch such an amalgam of sublime movement at one moment followed by sheer bloody incompetence almost immediately afterwards and moments of madness from some of our brighter stars that defy imagination and which seem not to afflict other teams. Who'd be a Saints fan? Who would not have wanted to be there on Saturday. The best match by far at SMS for many a long year. A draw was a fair result. This is our level in this league with this team.

 

The positives to take away? The fast close-linked interplay of Schneiderlen, Lallana and Conolly, the breath-taking arogance of Antonio and the never-say-never, do-or-die, win at all cost approaches of James and Schneiderlen.

 

The penalty, the fluffed shot-stop that led to goals? **** happens, every player has a moment, they'll get over it so will we. Don't expect promotion but please let's get away from the drop zone before Christmas.

and...

 

 

More games like this please!

 

Pretty much agree with that Charlie.

 

Brilliance and mediocrity in equal measure in each team and fair result

overall.

[Gis]

Great match. Disappointing result though, I really hope this doesn't start to nibble away at the teams confidence. We need to get out of the relegation zone soon to have a good Christmas.

 

I thought our defence was rubbish in the second half but changed my opinion as I walked back across the Itchen bridge to the car - it must have been a nightmare trying to play in those conditions. All credit to both sets of players.

[Weston Saint]

Very enjoyable game in atrocious conditions. Full credit to both teams.

 

Good to see Lallana staying out left, particularly in the first half. He can score playing in that position as well. Hope he has learned something more from that display. Very industrious, great skill and my man of the match.

 

Our goals were top drawer against a decent side in top form. Their penalty came during a sustained period of pressure and I thought the takle from James was poor, ill times and reflected the game he is having at right back lately.

 

Disappointed with their second goal as Davis parried it when he should have done better. OK, I know the conditions were poor but how many times have we seen him do that.

 

Lambert was quiet but most times he had two players marking him and they effectively shut him out. However that gave Lallana and Connolly more room as he took an extra defender away.

 

I like Jaidi. He is good in the air and a stronge presence in the centre of defence. I have been disappointed with Trottman in recent games, his positioning is suspect and he is missing timings of his defensive headers.

 

Norwich are a good side and a draw should not be sniffed at. We are progressing but we do need to improve our defensive personnel if we are going to be spoken about in the same breath as Charlton, Norwich and Leeds.

 

Playoff chances slipping away fast but I am not concerned. We need to build and consolidate. Use that next season to gain promotion and hit the Championship with our feet running in 2011/12

 

As for winning the JPT, we have Norwich to overcome. We have home advantage but if Norwich put out their full first team it is going to be very difficult. I also thing Leeds are miles ahead of us at present but we do have time to reach their level by using the transfer window to our advantage.

 

What a pleasure to see Micky Channon at half time and looking fit and well. Only thing missing was his run with his windmill arm action. A real star who brightened up the awful weather conditions.

[benjii]

Thought it was a good game - either team could have won it. Couple of observations:-

 

1, Our two CB's have stopped talking to each other

 

2, I think this is the second time that KD has saved a penalty only for no one to be running in to clear any potential re bound.

 

3, Lambert doesn't seem to like 442.

 

The rebound went straight to the taker who, for obvious reasons, was further forward than anyone else. It was just tough luck.

 

In the same way, someone was tracking back for the second goal. Watch the replay. The ball went to the attacker's side so he got to it first. Had it bounced right off Davis instead of left the defender would have got to it first.

 

As for Lambert not liking 4-4-2, I imagine he's spent most of his career playing in that formation. He has had a couple of quiet games, he has been ill. Why do people always look to make ridiculous conclusions from isolated incidents? Logically feeble, that's what it is.

[benjii]

Very enjoyable game in atrocious conditions. Full credit to both teams.

 

Good to see Lallana staying out left, particularly in the first half. He can score playing in that position as well. Hope he has learned something more from that display. Very industrious, great skill and my man of the match.

 

Our goals were top drawer against a decent side in top form. Their penalty came during a sustained period of pressure and I thought the takle from James was poor, ill times and reflected the game he is having at right back lately.

 

Disappointed with their second goal as Davis parried it when he should have done better. OK, I know the conditions were poor but how many times have we seen him do that.

 

Lambert was quiet but most times he had two players marking him and they effectively shut him out. However that gave Lallana and Connolly more room as he took an extra defender away.

 

I like Jaidi. He is good in the air and a stronge presence in the centre of defence. I have been disappointed with Trottman in recent games, his positioning is suspect and he is missing timings of his defensive headers.

 

Norwich are a good side and a draw should not be sniffed at. We are progressing but we do need to improve our defensive personnel if we are going to be spoken about in the same breath as Charlton, Norwich and Leeds.

 

Playoff chances slipping away fast but I am not concerned. We need to build and consolidate. Use that next season to gain promotion and hit the Championship with our feet running in 2011/12

 

As for winning the JPT, we have Norwich to overcome. We have home advantage but if Norwich put out their full first team it is going to be very difficult. I also thing Leeds are miles ahead of us at present but we do have time to reach their level by using the transfer window to our advantage.

 

What a pleasure to see Micky Channon at half time and looking fit and well. Only thing missing was his run with his windmill arm action. A real star who brightened up the awful weather conditions.

 

Great post. Agree 100%. I was waiting for the windmill too! I hope his degree certificate capsule (I'm sure it has a more impressive Latin name) was waterproof!

[NY Saint]

Sounds like Lambert was kept quiet again and we battled hard against a top 6 team. Not unhappy with 2-2 though am a little concerned about the amount of goals conceded.

 

Not that worried about Lambert really, as we scoring goals from all over the place including against Arsenal yesterday according to the Daily Express. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/141803/Southampton-s-Darren-Bent-strikes-to-smash-Arsenal-dreams

[dronskisaint]

A good mix of views...I have to say to the doom & gloomers -one defeat in nine is it?Get real - A very few weeks ago we almost didn't have a team!

 

I, reluctantly, accept that a draw was a fair result. We scored two great goals, they scored two rebounds. Kelvin was so unlucky with the penalty - so many places it could rebound to & it went straight to the feet of the taker at a nice pace & height...that happens as does similar sh*t every week everywhere. Naive challenge to give it away from a good young player playing out of position - he looks much happier in midfield but credit him for his commitment to playing his heart out wherever AP asks him to - he'll learn - particularly if the supporters don't turn against him!

 

Norwich were good, make no mistake about it - their run is no fluke. I thought we restricted them pretty well & kept them playing their passing game away from the danger zone...how many shots did KD have to save? We were more than a match for them on occasions & easily as skilful...just a little less organised but I'd put that down to their pre-season being a different proposition to ours....it'll come. Play offs are/were always going to be a long shot - let's take what we have & build on it.

 

What do we have? A mixture of youth & experience working together on the blend under a manager who impresses me more each week. He, in turn, appears to have a supportive board behind him who are putting things right behind the scenes & backing those that know the football side to make the right decisions...on the whole I think they are doing just that.

 

Let's look at who we have...In goal Kelvin Davis who doesn't need me to point out his loyalty, leadership & abilities...Bart came in for the Charlton game & looked good enough to walk in to most teams in this league so we have good & good cover

 

Full backs - Harding has been outstanding since becoming the new regimes' first signing - Murty will (in my opinion) be as good on the right when back to fitness but we're a little short of 'purpose built' alternatives should they be injured. Lloydy has been both good & bad but has filled in without complaining & has grown in stature given that run - sure he's made a few errors but he's young & playing out of position ffs - Thomas too had a couple of good games & is great bench cover for the central positions as well - I fear he could be 'done' by a speedy winger (if he hasn't put them in row R by then) but is adequate for those positions. Fish played left back last year for S****horpe...again not a natural left back but adequate & can cover a midfield position on the bench too...& then there's Molyneux but I can't even recall him playing!

 

Central defence - I have a mate who supports Brum - he was gutted when Jaidi left - reckons he looks laid back & relaxed but leaves attackers feeling like they've been kicked by a buffalo - a great mentor for Trotman who, I thought, played generally quite well yesterday - distribution a bit erratic but learning all the time. For cover we have Perry & Thomas...good professionals with a lot of experience.

 

Midfield the balance is good & can be switched about -Lallana & Hammond should be the hub around which the team is built...Morgan shows touches of pure class & will get better with more games - Wotton fulfils a role when we play 4-5-1 & is a good breaker down of play -Mills & Lloydy can (& would prefer undoubtedly) to fill in where necessary plus there's Simon Gillet who played a big part last year who will hopefully find his way again out on loan & return as a player that Pardew can rate & use effectively in almost any midfield position - I still rate him. Then there's Lee Holmes if we can keep him running - along with Lallana, Mellis & Waigo (perhaps) these are players who can turn a game by bursting through from midfield & opening gaps for the front players as well as providing crosses in addition to being capable goalscorers themselves.

 

Up front in Connolly & Lambert we have the two best strikers in the league we're in, no question. We also have Antonio as an impact substitute - ideal to bring on in the last quarter when legs are flagging & hopefully Matt Paterson will come back from loan having learnt his trade a little more & add youth & muscle alternatives when we need it.

 

So - we have a lot to be happy with, in my opinion - great owner, good executive management & a manager who is experienced & is building a team that is pretty to watch (mostly) & becoming more effective & more of a unit with each game played. The signings (on & off-field) have been very good (again in my opinion) & I feel like we have a club again...we looked over the precipice & now I look forward to every game. Of course I'd like to win every game but we have to remember where we started from...no pre-season to speak of, minus ten, new players to blend with existing...traumatic summer & previous seasons - Life could be so much worse.

 

Yesterday my throat hurt, I got soaked, we dropped a point...we played well, we competed with one of the best teams we're likely to face this year, we scored a couple of great goals, we didn't have to listen to our manager spouting crap & excuses after the game, the crowd was excellent (There's only one Gordon Ramsay:-)...!) & I'm happy & proud to be a Saints fan!

[Thedelldays]

A good mix of views...I have to say to the doom & gloomers -one defeat in nine is it?Get real - A very few weeks ago we almost didn't have a team!

 

 

 

[NickG]

A good mix of views...I have to say to the doom & gloomers -one defeat in nine is it?Get real - A very few weeks ago we almost didn't have a team!

 

I, reluctantly, accept that a draw was a fair result. We scored two great goals, they scored two rebounds. Kelvin was so unlucky with the penalty - so many places it could rebound to & it went straight to the feet of the taker at a nice pace & height...that happens as does similar sh*t every week everywhere. Naive challenge to give it away from a good young player playing out of position - he looks much happier in midfield but credit him for his commitment to playing his heart out wherever AP asks him to - he'll learn - particularly if the supporters don't turn against him!

 

Norwich were good, make no mistake about it - their run is no fluke. I thought we restricted them pretty well & kept them playing their passing game away from the danger zone...how many shots did KD have to save? We were more than a match for them on occasions & easily as skilful...just a little less organised but I'd put that down to their pre-season being a different proposition to ours....it'll come. Play offs are/were always going to be a long shot - let's take what we have & build on it.

 

What do we have? A mixture of youth & experience working together on the blend under a manager who impresses me more each week. He, in turn, appears to have a supportive board behind him who are putting things right behind the scenes & backing those that know the football side to make the right decisions...on the whole I think they are doing just that.

 

Let's look at who we have...In goal Kelvin Davis who doesn't need me to point out his loyalty, leadership & abilities...Bart came in for the Charlton game & looked good enough to walk in to most teams in this league so we have good & good cover

 

Full backs - Harding has been outstanding since becoming the new regimes' first signing - Murty will (in my opinion) be as good on the right when back to fitness but we're a little short of 'purpose built' alternatives should they be injured. Lloydy has been both good & bad but has filled in without complaining & has grown in stature given that run - sure he's made a few errors but he's young & playing out of position ffs - Thomas too had a couple of good games & is great bench cover for the central positions as well - I fear he could be 'done' by a speedy winger (if he hasn't put them in row R by then) but is adequate for those positions. Fish played left back last year for S****horpe...again not a natural left back but adequate & can cover a midfield position on the bench too...& then there's Molyneux but I can't even recall him playing!

 

Central defence - I have a mate who supports Brum - he was gutted when Jaidi left - reckons he looks laid back & relaxed but leaves attackers feeling like they've been kicked by a buffalo - a great mentor for Trotman who, I thought, played generally quite well yesterday - distribution a bit erratic but learning all the time. For cover we have Perry & Thomas...good professionals with a lot of experience.

 

Midfield the balance is good & can be switched about -Lallana & Hammond should be the hub around which the team is built...Morgan shows touches of pure class & will get better with more games - Wotton fulfils a role when we play 4-5-1 & is a good breaker down of play -Mills & Lloydy can (& would prefer undoubtedly) to fill in where necessary plus there's Simon Gillet who played a big part last year who will hopefully find his way again out on loan & return as a player that Pardew can rate & use effectively in almost any midfield position - I still rate him. Then there's Lee Holmes if we can keep him running - along with Lallana, Mellis & Waigo (perhaps) these are players who can turn a game by bursting through from midfield & opening gaps for the front players as well as providing crosses in addition to being capable goalscorers themselves.

 

Up front in Connolly & Lambert we have the two best strikers in the league we're in, no question. We also have Antonio as an impact substitute - ideal to bring on in the last quarter when legs are flagging & hopefully Matt Paterson will come back from loan having learnt his trade a little more & add youth & muscle alternatives when we need it.

 

So - we have a lot to be happy with, in my opinion - great owner, good executive management & a manager who is experienced & is building a team that is pretty to watch (mostly) & becoming more effective & more of a unit with each game played. The signings (on & off-field) have been very good (again in my opinion) & I feel like we have a club again...we looked over the precipice & now I look forward to every game. Of course I'd like to win every game but we have to remember where we started from...no pre-season to speak of, minus ten, new players to blend with existing...traumatic summer & previous seasons - Life could be so much worse.

 

Yesterday my throat hurt, I got soaked, we dropped a point...we played well, we competed with one of the best teams we're likely to face this year, we scored a couple of great goals, we didn't have to listen to our manager spouting crap & excuses after the game, the crowd was excellent (There's only one Gordon Ramsay:-)...!) & I'm happy & proud to be a Saints fan!

 

good post

[Dr Who?]

Good draw against a very inform side. I am afriad to say we have another inform team on Tuesday if you look at their last 8 games.

 

I also am hoping that Wycombe have not hit form just over a week before we play them

 

I think mid table this season is the best we can hope for the playoffs are out of reach this season.

[Saints Warrior]

Better than the Brighton game but still not sure about passing the ball 15 times before deciding to cross or give away the ball.

 

Lallana and Connolly showed exactly how we should play up front and thats make same space and shoot...simple, but why cant we do that more often.

 

Someone needs to learn the off side rule!

[Fan The Flames]

Just for a second dismiss the Brighton game as a 'blip' and consider this ;

 

An entertaining draw against a potential league champion side follows knocking Brizzle Rovs & Charlton, ( both title chasing teams ) out of the cups, and having just had 4 successive league wins, including MK Dons - another top 6 team.

 

What's so bad ?

 

Thats where I'm at.

[Whitey Grandad]

Thats where I'm at.

I think a lot of the disappointment is that the game was there for the taking and we let them back into it twice. If we had been twice behind and had come back both times to earn a draw, then I'm sure that everybody would be felling a lot more positive.

[benjii]

Is this the closest ever MOM poll?

[Clifford Nelson]

We lost the battle of the midfield and as a result Norwich controlled long periods of the game. I am not convinced of Schneiderlin in a two man central midfield pairing. It worked with a third midfielder sitting behind the two of them, but not the two on their own. If we are to persevere with this formation, which I'm also not convinced about, then we need a more defensively minded CM. At the moment it takes too long for both Hammond and Schneiderlin to get back after offensive forays.

 

Murty was a clear advantage over James, who ought to be tried back in a central midfield role.

 

Trotman seems a little bit over confident at times which gets him into trouble needlessly, but let's not forget that two matches ago we wanted him signed.

 

Just as against Charlton Waigo managed to create real danger on several occasions in the little time he was on the pitch. Antonio didn't. When it comes to talent it's clear where it is in abundance. Restore him to the starting line-up.

[Thorpe-le-Saint]

I would have taken a point against Norwich I think.

[bungle]

Thought we were poor and lucky to get anything. Disappointed we are persisting with 4-4-2, thought we looked weak in the middle.

 

Then I couldn't figure out what the formation was when Murty came on.

[Under Weststand]

Just back from weekend away watched the goals last night, 2 great goals from us. Davis unlucky with the penalty but poor goalkeeping for the 2nd equaliser. now I like James in midfield , but he really is no full back & gave away a poor penalty. For me the defence is where I want AP to strengthen in Jan. We need a right back to cover for Murty or take over from him. And we need to sort out the central defence, as Trotman seems to be unsettled since Irvine said he was going back to preston in Jan.

[benjii]

Thought we were poor and lucky to get anything. Disappointed we are persisting with 4-4-2, thought we looked weak in the middle.

 

Then I couldn't figure out what the formation was when Murty came on.

 

4-1-2-1-2; the "diamond".

 

We were by far the better team in the first half so I'm not sure it's fair to say we didn't deserve anything.

[mcjwills]

Just back from weekend away watched the goals last night, 2 great goals from us. Davis unlucky with the penalty but poor goalkeeping for the 2nd equaliser. now I like James in midfield , but he really is no full back & gave away a poor penalty. For me the defence is where I want AP to strengthen in Jan. We need a right back to cover for Murty or take over from him. And we need to sort out the central defence, as Trotman seems to be unsettled since Irvine said he was going back to preston in Jan.

 

Sorry but the weather conditions were appalling yesterday, and that with a wet slippery ball probably had a lot to do with KD not holding on to the ball.

[saintsfannick]

cant believe 8 people have voted 4 davis as motm , he cost us the game with the 2nd goal

[saintsfannick]

davis should of palmed it to the side at least

[saint1977]

Very enjoyable game in atrocious conditions. Full credit to both teams.

 

Good to see Lallana staying out left, particularly in the first half. He can score playing in that position as well. Hope he has learned something more from that display. Very industrious, great skill and my man of the match.

 

Our goals were top drawer against a decent side in top form. Their penalty came during a sustained period of pressure and I thought the takle from James was poor, ill times and reflected the game he is having at right back lately.

 

Disappointed with their second goal as Davis parried it when he should have done better. OK, I know the conditions were poor but how many times have we seen him do that.

 

Lambert was quiet but most times he had two players marking him and they effectively shut him out. However that gave Lallana and Connolly more room as he took an extra defender away.

 

I like Jaidi. He is good in the air and a stronge presence in the centre of defence. I have been disappointed with Trottman in recent games, his positioning is suspect and he is missing timings of his defensive headers.

 

Norwich are a good side and a draw should not be sniffed at. We are progressing but we do need to improve our defensive personnel if we are going to be spoken about in the same breath as Charlton, Norwich and Leeds.

 

Playoff chances slipping away fast but I am not concerned. We need to build and consolidate. Use that next season to gain promotion and hit the Championship with our feet running in 2011/12

 

As for winning the JPT, we have Norwich to overcome. We have home advantage but if Norwich put out their full first team it is going to be very difficult. I also thing Leeds are miles ahead of us at present but we do have time to reach their level by using the transfer window to our advantage.

 

What a pleasure to see Micky Channon at half time and looking fit and well. Only thing missing was his run with his windmill arm action. A real star who brightened up the awful weather conditions.

 

Great post, very enjoyable fayre and a million times better than Brighton game. Connolly and Lallana were tremendous, Hammond back to his normal decent standards after a horror show last week, Harding good. Lambert doesn't look fit and Trotman is struggling against movement. James is not and never will be a full back and the foul for their penalty was pathetic. Lloyd should be loaned to a L2 club in January to get midfield experience as I can't see him getting ahead of Hammond, Morgan or even Wotton for a CM berth. That said, Pardew seems to rate him so will have to see what happens but thank God Murty is fit again.

 

I think the January buying needs to be at the back - at least one good quality CB with a turn of pace and a right-back to compete with Murty. We need to offload a dozen or so at least - Saga plus a lot of last year's below average kids like Molyneux, Lancashire and Pulis. That will help Pardew as it can't be good for the club's atmosphere having that many players nowhere near the first XI. Hopefully after January's cull that will put an end to years of bloated SFC squads full of poor players - quality not quantity from now on, no more "one for the future players" - if they aren't good enough to get in the first XI straight away, unless they come from the Academy we don't sign them. Pardew's judgement has been excellent in spotting players thus far so we should trust him.

[the_barmy_saints_army]

how can anyone vote davis

[West End Saint]

Cracking game of Football two very good sides playing good stuff we can consider ourselfs slightly unlucky Kelvin with the peno & he made a mistake with the 2nd.

 

James is not a right back and for me was the weak link not getting on the lads back I like him but not at right back he has cost us recently glad to see Murty back.

 

People have been saying on here Lambert has been poor last 2 games a tad harsh on him I think in previous games he has been so good that a little dip in form stands out he is the best striker in the league & we have played him every game maybe he could do with a rest to freshen up.

 

Lallana had a great game good goal Connoly is quality fab goal glad Trotters put his poor game behind him and did ok.

 

Point gained for me against a good side we are still going in the right direction COYS

[rooney]

Sitting in the Chapel, I did not have the best view of the goals we gave away but seeing the TV replays, they were so disappointing in comparison to the build up and the two superb goals we scored. The pen Lloyd have away was awful as was Kelvin's mishandling from a shot so far out. Those two errors cost us the game I am afraid.

[Andyb1]

Well we have managed to get 2 points from a possible 9 including two matches at home. That is pretty poor.

 

We are conceding too many goals and the central defence, including the keeper, needs close examination.

 

I think a lot of us have perhaps imagined we were better than we actually are. I feel quite gloomy having been quite optimistic a few weeks ago.

 

Thanks for that. I guess you didnt go... Was a gerat game with two good teams. There wont be many better teams than Norwich this season. Thats for sure.