Chez Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 All in all an excellent afternoon out, and another £90k banked from the prize kitty. forgot about that. Nice chunk of Barnard fee paid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 The pro-4-5-1 talk might have some merit, but only with our current central midfielders. The reason it looks better than 4-4-2 is because we don't have a midfielder capable of performing consistently alongside Hammond in that system and controlling the game. If we sign a good one of those this week we should play 4-4-2 as we have three of the very best strikers in the division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggface Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 Chez I agree with alot of what your saying but who the **** is jardi! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 The pro-4-5-1 talk might have some merit, but only with our current central midfielders. The reason it looks better than 4-4-2 is because we don't have a midfielder capable of performing consistently alongside Hammond in that system and controlling the game. If we sign a good one of those this week we should play 4-4-2 as we have three of the very best strikers in the division. you could well be right there, but do we have the right quality/type of player to play left and right midfield in a 4-4-2? Lallana doesn't see enough ball at LM which weakens us as a side, and Holmes doesn't track back. On the right Waigo never seems to do quite enough and possibly is better through the middle, James offers little going forward, leaving Antonio, who has looked great coming off the bench rather than starting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBone-Tone Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 It is so much more tense listening on the radio - horrible - I shall give my van a damn good thrashing tomorrow!!! Clutch went on the A303 then had to wait 2 hours for the RAC Good to see my rituals for Saints winning work from a distance of 100miles! COYS I hope you can organise another mishap for the 5th Round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 Chez I agree with alot of what your saying but who the **** is jardi! a mate of Pattersen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 We did look a lot better once we switched to 4-5-1, but I think instead of playing Wotton as an anchor man, we should play Lallana in the hole. Instead of ----DM----- --CM--CM-- RM------LM I think we should play ----CM---CM--- AMR--AMC--AML Lallana doesn't really suit the wing, I think we should play Holmes on the left and Antonio on the right as well. Could work, could not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggface Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 a mate of Pattersen? Ah that's right pattersen jardi & fontie are all bessie mates. Whoa I just forgot their good friend pipa wygoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 We did look a lot better once we switched to 4-5-1, but I think instead of playing Wotton as an anchor man, we should play Lallana in the hole. Instead of ----DM----- --CM--CM-- RM------LM I think we should play ----CM---CM--- AMR--AMC--AML Lallana doesn't really suit the wing, I think we should play Holmes on the left and Antonio on the right as well. Could work, could not. but that's exactly the formation we played in the second half with Lallana playing AMC with Wotton and James in deeper roles. And it did work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 but that's exactly the formation we played in the second half with Lallana playing AMC with Wotton and James in deeper roles. And it did work. The way I saw it we were playing Wotton as an anchor man. I might be wrong though (and probably are). In which case, we should play it more often! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggface Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 Today we got a good result but in all honesty I expected more from Ipswich. They dominated the midfield first half bit were pretty toothless upfront. That said jaidi won every ball. Our goal was against the run if play but what a strike! Fortunate to be one up at 45. Second half much better. Though we still struggled to put 2 passes together until we went 4-3-3/4-5-1, we started to win the 2nd balls from the start. After being starved of service and chances, once we changed our shape & put on Antonio we really took the game to them & gave them something to think about offensively. Mom jaidi, he won every ball. Summary, good performance we need to get a good cm in asap, start with 4-5-1 & keep the ball on the deck more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 The way I saw it we were playing Wotton as an anchor man. I might be wrong though (and probably are). In which case, we should play it more often! yep, with James maybe CM and then Lallana had a free role up the middle allowing him to work hus nuts off and see lots of the ball. I always thought Lallana should have played there last season instead of McGoldrick. Having said that Lallana has done pretty well in the left wing/AML spot. I'm not a fan of Holmes, as he is terrible tracking back, but if we are playing wingers then he wouldn't have to quite as much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 Today we got a good result but in all honesty I expected more from Ipswich. They dominated the midfield first half bit were pretty toothless upfront. That said jaidi won every ball. Our goal was against the run if play but what a strike! Fortunate to be one up at 45. Second half much better. Though we still struggled to put 2 passes together until we went 4-3-3/4-5-1, we started to win the 2nd balls from the start. After being starved of service and chances, once we changed our shape & put on Antonio we really took the game to them & gave them something to think about offensively. Mom jaidi, he won every ball. Summary, good performance we need to get a good cm in asap, start with 4-5-1 & keep the ball on the deck more. perfect summary IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 I enjoyed that game immensely this afternoon, for the first 30 minutes I felt that we were showing a little too much respect to Ipswich, or on the flip side were not use to that level of intensive pressure that Ipswich applied in the opening period. What a strike from Thomas! The crowd called for him to shoot and he did with an absolute pile driver, top man! That seemed to settle us into believing that we could hold our own against them, and soak up the pressure that Ipswich applied to half time (I think the sour taste of Millwall has been a lesson learned: which is fantastic). Second half was good too, our back four were very solid and worked well as a unit as the clock ran down and even when the ref magicked up a by association to Mr Ferguson 5 added minutes for Mr Keane whilst feeling a little uneasy I actually had faith that the boys would pull the rabbit out of the hat: something that has been missing from Saints for a good few seasons. In the week on the drive up to MK we were talking about the team, and I felt that in some of the games where the opposition were a bit lacking the team looked bored at times, and I thought that today would be a good test as Ipswich are on the up and a Roy Keane side (once he has them ticking) has a never say die attitude, that showed today and our boys backed up my theory that when put under the cosh they have the steel to have a bloody good go! Well done boys: especially Fish, Thomas, Holmes, and Davis (how cool was that, just letting the ball into the net from the throw in: putting the willies up some of us for a moment and the more informed for a little bit less). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 this is not just a competition. This is not just a 2-1 win. This is a supersweet, league-above-beating, Keane-shafting, confidence-boosting, 90 grand earning Marks and Spencer win:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 Forgot to add to my post: sat in the Chapel when Rickie was sizing up for his free kick that led to Antonio's goal you could see phone camera lights being turning on across the Northam and even including the Ipswich fans! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgeismyname Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 I was lucky enough to be there today and I don't know what game some on here where watching we we're immense today. The back four where very solid Jiadi was all over Stern John (so much so they subbed Stern John of) remember he's the striker we all wanted to stay in the summer. Mills was excellent played some good stuff with Holmes down the flank. Everyone in the team worked really hard closing down and not giving the Ipswhich players time to play. Yes our midifield struggled at times but their midifield is the best part of their team (according to their own fans) and ours was a makeshift midfield. For all the possession the Ipswhich midfield had at times their strikers were totally toothless. The second half we had them pinned down at thier end for long peroids. Barnard looked alright but never looked like scoring worked hard though and even did a bit of defensive work. MOTM was Jiadi though was a man mountain today. Oh and the disalowed goal was never a goal we where sat right behind the guy who took the throw in and it bounced straight into the goal without touching anyone at all. Overall I'm well chuffed a very good performance Why some on here aren't happy I really can't figure. Well said that man/woman!!! That's exactly what I saw out there today. At least someone agrees with me! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 (edited) did you not spot that we went to 4-3-3 in the second half? IMO Barnard might as well have come off at that point. Antonio or Waigo are better options on the right hand side. Barnard wasn't impressive and if fit I'd play Connelly ahead of him. Whether Barnard is capable of leading the line with Connelly (thereby resting Lambert) I'm not sure as he is not very big. I felt a bit sorry fo him really. Signs and immediately is played out of position. I look forward to seeing him against lessor defences as Ipswich centre back pairing were monsters. Yes...but Barnard played 25 mins of the second half - a period we did dominate. I'm pretty sure AP changed the formation at half time/gave players different instructions - no doubt Barnard included. We didn't suddenly pick up after Barnard was subbed, though the injection of pace added a more natural menace. Ultimately, I'm trying to find a positive in things - that we were able to stifle Ipswich and create chances with Barnard on the pitch after a woeful first half in which nothing clicked. The other, more pessimistic interpretation is that we will struggle with Barnard and Lambert in a conventional 4-4-2 and this is not necessarily an Ipswich thing as you suggest- ever since Connolly put himself in the frame with some excellent goals, we've had similar problems against some very ordinary L1 teams. As I say, I cant believe that Barnard was brought in to warm the bench. But that's one possible conclusion if you believe that 4-3-3/4-5-1 is more effective than 4-4-2 and there are other players who while not head-to-head/individually superior to Barnard or Connolly (and I think Connolly is a better player than Barnard) nonetheless fit that formation. What to do??? Edited 23 January, 2010 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dronskisaint Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 Just got back from the game, and what a result! Went thinking we'd sneak a draw and get a replay but i've come away really pleasantly surprised. Our fans were great today, made a lot of noise and the boys really upped their game to overcome quite a good Ipswich side. Was great to stick two fingers up at Roy Keane and get a bit of revenge. P*mpey in the next round please! Davis 6 - Didn't really have much to do in the first half, dealt well with heavy pressure in the second half. Thomas 8 (MoM) - Great performance from Thommo. Fantastic goal from him, and he was really solid in the air and strong in the tackle. Got caught out of position a few times but Lallana covered well for him. Mills 8 - A very close second for my man of the match. Average in the first half but really got stuck in well in the second half and made some excellent tackles. Does Harding have some serious competition now? Jaidi 7 - Very solid at the back, never lost a header and also made some brilliant tackles. Perry 7 - Did well against Stern John and made some good tackles, also cleared the ball off the line. Wotton 5.5 - For a supposed midfield 'hardman' he didn't really make himself very present today. Anonymous for most of the game apart from the odd hoof or backwards pass. Would rather see someone else start ahead of him on tuesday. James 6 - Made some good passes and linked up well with Lallana on the wing. Not his best performance, but did okay. Lallana 6 - Again, a bit anonymous but for a few good touches and passes. Obviously the guy isn't a winger and he doesn't really like to run at his marker. Would prefer to see Antonio or Waigo on the wing instead so that Lallana can play a more central role. Holmes 7 - Good game for him today. Always stuck by him when he was injured and on the fringe of the first team and said he'd come good, and he came good today. Couple of lovely passes including some very clever backheels and linked up well with Mills. Barnard 6.5 - Decent debut. Worked really hard up front but didn't have much time on the ball to do anything. Had a couple of good chances earlier on that maybe on another day he would've put away, but he's got the rest of his Saints career to make up for it (starting with a hat-trick against Brentford please!). Lambert 6.5 - Ipswich were all over him, marked him all day and didn't give him any room, but he still did okay. Couple of good flick-ons to carry on attacks and some good crosses and link-up play. Maybe he does need a rest though, looked quite tired out there today. Barnard and Connolly up front on tuesday methinks. Subs Gillett - Did alright, we've got better options in our squad although they're not available at the moment, so hopefully he'll stick around. Antonio - Did well when he came on, strong and pacy and converted a nice little tap-in to put us 2-0 up. Lancashire - Still a bit shaky, but with time his confidence will grow and he'll get better. Unusually for me with anybody's assessment I agree with all of this - excellent summary - we were watching the same game!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 Yes...but Barnard played 25 mins of the second half - a period we did dominate. I'm pretty sure AP changed the formation at half time/gave players different instructions - no doubt Barnard included. We didn't suddenly pick up after Barnard was subbed, though the injection of pace added a more natural menace. Ultimately, I'm trying to find a positive in things - that we were able to stifle Ipswich and create chances with Barnard on the pitch after a woeful first half in which nothing clicked. The other, more pessimistic interpretation is that we will struggle with Barnard and Lambert in a conventional 4-4-2 and this is not necessarily an Ipswich thing as you suggest- ever since Connolly put himself in the frame with some excellent goals, we've had similar problems against some very ordinary L1 teams. As I say, I cant believe that Barnard was brought in to warm the bench. But that's one possible conclusion if you believe that 4-3-3/4-5-1 is more effective than 4-4-2 and there are other players who while not head-to-head/individually superior to Barnard or Connolly (and I think Connolly is a better player than Barnard) nonetheless fit that formation. What to do??? Some very good points although I have to say there was a massive difference when we put Antonio on. Barnard ran up and down, but no real threat at all. Antonio did what a right winger is supposed to do, attack with menace. Regarding the choices, great problem to have. Barnard is going to have to impress quick sharp or face a tough task of dislodging Connelly or the 4-3-3. I wonder if Connellys injury is worse than expected???? Pure speculation that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 I wonder if Connellys injury is worse than expected???? Pure speculation that. The signings that AP has made/pursued suggest that you may be right - or that his durability is still a major doubt. He seems very worth having but I'm not sure we can count on him every game, or for 90 minutes when he does play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 23 January, 2010 Share Posted 23 January, 2010 We're going to wembley 4 times! Maybe Could be Five Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arizona Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Just seen the highlights. Boosh! No stopping that effort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior Mullet Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Lambert 6 average game. Terrible first half where he gave the ball away cheaply, improved in the second. A lot of poor service mind you. No real combination work with Barnard but not a lot to work with and then Barnard moved outside. Barnard 6 one half decent chance not taken and a fair bit of running, but for me he looked very average. Tackled and won some flick ons, but he has no real pace, didn't hold it up that well and caused very little problems. No service and then moved to right wing. Hoped for more. I'm sure he will improe and he will have moire time against League 1 defenders. Oh dear, yet another fan on here that does not understand the role of a forward player. LOL. Lambo was terrific today - he held the ball very well, won most things in the air, drew defenders in and created chances for others. His shot let to the winning goal and was very unlucky not to get a spectacular third goal for us from about 40 yards out that would have sealed it. Barnard has a good first touch, never gave the ball away, looked good in tight situations and was always looking to get strikes on goal. Did well for the team when switched to an unfamiliar right midfield role in the second half. Showed glipses of pace. Looks like he can lead the line in a way Connoly, Papa and Lallana can't which is exactlywhat we need when Pardew gives Lambo the rest he has been saying the big guy needs. There we go, a more considered view from a fellow strikers perspective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Wotton 5.5 - For a supposed midfield 'hardman' he didn't really make himself very present today. Anonymous for most of the game apart from the odd hoof or backwards pass. Would rather see someone else start ahead of him on tuesday. He isn't great on the ball, his passing is ordinary, but he did a good job tracking their midfielders forward runs and got in the way a lot. I don't think they would have scored their goal if he was still on the pitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 He isn't great on the ball, his passing is ordinary, but he did a good job tracking their midfielders forward runs and got in the way a lot. I don't think they would have scored their goal if he was still on the pitch. I agree. He did a lot of covering and other unglamorous work. It was nice to see him get a good round of applause when he was subbed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 I know we've never reeaallly had a big problem with it, but it caught my attention today how everytime we conceded a freekick, there was always a Saints player stood in front of the ball, making sure it couldn't be taken quickly. Good to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaptopSaint Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 The signings that AP has made/pursued suggest that you may be right - or that his durability is still a major doubt. He seems very worth having but I'm not sure we can count on him every game, or for 90 minutes when he does play. I think Murty Connolly and Perry can all DAJFU this season. But you have to wonder whether they'll be around much after that. Fair play to DC though he's come back from a career threatening injury and been brilliant for us when fit. Really hope to see a lot more of him but have to be realistic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldsarum Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Highlights now on ITV player seems to take an age to download compared to BBC player http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/facup/manualstories/videowatchfacupfourthroundgoals3467/default.htmlGHLights not on ITV player seems to take an age to download compared to BBC player Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northam soul Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Thoroughly enjoyed today and well done saints but i have to agree with weston saint and others. I know we are missing hammond and schneiderlin so it was hard to judge on that basis but we were totally outplayed in midfield first half. It improved in the second when barnard dropped deeper but wotton and james offered nothing going forward. People cannot criticise lambert when he had very little support and expected to win and chase the hoofs from those behind him, our midfield do not create chances for him. Barnard worked hard but i do not see how he is a replacement for lambert as a totally different player. He was likened to ormerod and thats not far off. Hope to see this new midfield signing at brentford on tuesday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Thomas' goal was Golacesque, although better... GREAT memories. We all remember that Golac goal, but that video clip also showed Steve Moran's goal-poaching style - typical Moran that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berkers Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 I think the ovation he got when subbed said it all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berkers Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Sorry, meant Wotton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 I enjoyed that game immensely this afternoon, for the first 30 minutes I felt that we were showing a little too much respect to Ipswich, or on the flip side were not use to that level of intensive pressure that Ipswich applied in the opening period. What a strike from Thomas! The crowd called for him to shoot and he did with an absolute pile driver, top man! That seemed to settle us into believing that we could hold our own against them, and soak up the pressure that Ipswich applied to half time (I think the sour taste of Millwall has been a lesson learned: which is fantastic). Second half was good too, our back four were very solid and worked well as a unit as the clock ran down and even when the ref magicked up a by association to Mr Ferguson 5 added minutes for Mr Keane whilst feeling a little uneasy I actually had faith that the boys would pull the rabbit out of the hat: something that has been missing from Saints for a good few seasons. In the week on the drive up to MK we were talking about the team, and I felt that in some of the games where the opposition were a bit lacking the team looked bored at times, and I thought that today would be a good test as Ipswich are on the up and a Roy Keane side (once he has them ticking) has a never say die attitude, that showed today and our boys backed up my theory that when put under the cosh they have the steel to have a bloody good go! Well done boys: especially Fish, Thomas, Holmes, and Davis (how cool was that, just letting the ball into the net from the throw in: putting the willies up some of us for a moment and the more informed for a little bit less). Good summary in my view. Ipswich are no mugs now under Keane. They came into the game on the back of 3 wins and a draw - having won away at Blackpool an beaten Coventry at home. We're a League One side, 25 games into a total rebuilding job. It was a great result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 The other, more pessimistic interpretation is that we will struggle with Barnard and Lambert in a conventional 4-4-2 and this is not necessarily an Ipswich thing as you suggest- ever since Connolly put himself in the frame with some excellent goals, we've had similar problems against some very ordinary L1 teams. What a pile of sh*t. You cannot make that sort assumption based on one 1/2 of football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 I agree. He did a lot of covering and other unglamorous work. It was nice to see him get a good round of applause when he was subbed. I agree. He was there to disrupt their play and stop them and not to be creative for us and he did the job very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 (edited) Really, really enjoyed the game and strangely even the last few minutes, not going to get in to team ratings as they all played excellent as a unit. It proved that we can match some better sides now even without some first choice players,i know we were under some pressure but we handled it well. Well done Saints.. Poopey at home please... Edited 24 January, 2010 by ALWAYS_SFC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjwills Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Oh dear, yet another fan on here that does not understand the role of a forward player. LOL. Lambo was terrific today - he held the ball very well, won most things in the air, drew defenders in and created chances for others. His shot let to the winning goal and was very unlucky not to get a spectacular third goal for us from about 40 yards out that would have sealed it. Barnard has a good first touch, never gave the ball away, looked good in tight situations and was always looking to get strikes on goal. Did well for the team when switched to an unfamiliar right midfield role in the second half. Showed glipses of pace. Looks like he can lead the line in a way Connoly, Papa and Lallana can't which is exactlywhat we need when Pardew gives Lambo the rest he has been saying the big guy needs. There we go, a more considered view from a fellow strikers perspective. At last somebody who was watching the same game I was !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHAPEL END CHARLIE Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 (edited) My ratings for Saints v Ipswich (2-1) K Davis 8 - Plenty of work to do and he did it excellently . Makes a difficult job look easier than it realy is . W Thomas 8.5 - He can be outmaneuvered but reliable & competent at RB , His goal will surely be the best of his career & our season . R Jaidi 9 MOTM - What a superb players he is , more Rock of Gibraltar than mere footballer - easily MOTM for me . C Perry 7 - At the tail end of his career here but still a more than competent defender . J Mills 7.5 - So obviously destined to be a very good player you really have to LOL at those on here who can't see it . A Lallana 6.5 - Flashes of the quality we all know exists but we need more from him really , looks like he requires a break to me . L James 6.5 - Pretty anonymous in my view , contrary to popular opinion he may be better at RB than midfield . P Wotton 4 - A shockingly mediocre performance - no change there then . L Holmes 5 - Nothing at all special in all honesty and a return to the reserve team can only be a matter of time . L Barnard 7.5 - Good debut and a tireless worker in both attack & defence , will probably make a lethal combo with Lambert . R Lambert 7 - Getting very little support from midfield here but his work rate is beyond criticism . A tad more pace & he'd be PL class . Substitutes: S Gillett 7 - A welcome (and unexpected) return for a more than useful player . M Antonio 7.5 - Not on for long but still scored the winner again . Surely a permanent contract has be earned ? O Lancashire - Late sub . Conclusions : Ipswich dominated our makeshift midfield in the 1st half and we could count ourselves very fortunate that a unlikely wonder goal from Wayne Thomas and some resolute defending saw us leading at the break . We made a game of it later however when the manager shifted us to a very necessary 5 man midfield and we started to play in ITFC'S half for once . So overall Barnard looks to be a good signing and clearly much more of the 'finished article' than Patterson is at this time , Gillett should stay until the end of the season at least IMO . Despite some obvious midfield deficiencies and a dreary start this was a more than creditable win against higher (but strangely lacklustre) opposition . Edited 24 January, 2010 by CHAPEL END CHARLIE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 This was the classic game of two halves. The first half, Ipswich dominated, but the defence responded with grit and determination. Jaidi is a man-mountain and won most of the high balls into the box. Perry has a wealth of experience at a higher level, which meant that he read the game well and formed a good partnership with Jaidi, also experienced at a higher level. The two supposedly weaker links would have been Mills and Thomas, Thomas because right back is not his usual position and Mills because he is still a youngster. Mills might have been expected to have buckled under the pressure that Ipswich threw at him, but played with a steady assurance, helped out by Holmes ahead of him in midfield. But Thomas has possible his best game in a Saints shirt. In FA Cup football, it is always a possibility that unless the higher division team converts its chances, the lower division team might score agianst the run of play; so it proved yet again. Thomas received the ball a good thirty five yards out, to the right of the Ipswich box. The shout "shoot!" rang out from the Northam, more out of irony than expectation. To everybody's amazement, Thomas unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot that arrowed towards the top left corner of the Chapel end goal, an unstoppable goal. It proved to be the turning point of the match. With Pardew able to gee up the lads shortly afterwards, they came out a different team mentally, sensing that they could win the match. Almost right away, they started to play the ball around the park with confidence and suddenly began to look the team from the higher division themselves. The 50/50 balls were being won by us. We went for everything, chasing seemingly lost causes and disrupting Ipswich's composure, putting them onto the back foot. It was a passage of play as good and as entertaining as any I've seen this season. It was almost inevitable that we would be able to increase our lead, playing as we were. A free kick in a dangerous area inevitably cued up Lambert for one of his powerful shots. It was too hot for their keeper to handle and when the ball squirmed from his hands, Antonio was on hand to simply tap in the ball from a yard out. Ipswichs' heads dropped and having used all three of their subs, they had shot their bolt. Saints made their own changes, introducing Antonio, Gillett in the 70th minute for Barnard and James and Lancashire for Wotton in the 87th minute. In particular, the introduction of Antonio has been proven to often introduce an element of speed and uncertainty to the game as he is proving a difficult player for defenders to handle with his direct running. It was good to see Gillett back to bolster our midfield while we have Hammond our injured and Schneiderlin suspended. He has always been a whole-hearted player, but seems to have benefited from his loan spell and looked solid. I must admit that having Lancashire on late and Ipswich scoring their late goal induced a state of panic to many. Quite where the fourth official found 5 minutes of extra time from was a mystery, but we held on doggedly and it would have been a travesty had Ipswich scored again, as we deserved the win. It must register as a surprise to other teams that we are into the last 16, but we could progress still further yet. Pompey would be a good draw for us and then perhaps they might be wound up as a club before the match and we can get a bye into the quarter finals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Oh dear, yet another fan on here that does not understand the role of a forward player. LOL. oh dear, yet another fan on here that thinks his opinion is gospel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vince Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Highlights now on ITV player seems to take an age to download compared to BBC player http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/facup/manualstories/videowatchfacupfourthroundgoals3467/default.htmlGHLights not on ITV player seems to take an age to download compared to BBC player This didn't seem to work for me, but this link did (after having to watch a couple of adverts): http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/facup/matchreports/report-southampton-v-ipswich-514526873.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 If, or when, we sign another midfielder I don't think we'll have any problems playing 4-4-2. Also think we'll see 4-2-3-1 at times, especially as it frees up Lallana to play in the middle and get on the ball more. We were much better like this after half time yesterday. Once the new players are in and the squad has had time to be organised in training we'll have more flexibility and the option to play consistently well in a number of formations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Yes...but Barnard played 25 mins of the second half - a period we did dominate. I'm pretty sure AP changed the formation at half time/gave players different instructions - no doubt Barnard included. We didn't suddenly pick up after Barnard was subbed, though the injection of pace added a more natural menace. Ultimately, I'm trying to find a positive in things - that we were able to stifle Ipswich and create chances with Barnard on the pitch after a woeful first half in which nothing clicked. The other, more pessimistic interpretation is that we will struggle with Barnard and Lambert in a conventional 4-4-2 and this is not necessarily an Ipswich thing as you suggest- ever since Connolly put himself in the frame with some excellent goals, we've had similar problems against some very ordinary L1 teams. As I say, I cant believe that Barnard was brought in to warm the bench. But that's one possible conclusion if you believe that 4-3-3/4-5-1 is more effective than 4-4-2 and there are other players who while not head-to-head/individually superior to Barnard or Connolly (and I think Connolly is a better player than Barnard) nonetheless fit that formation. What to do??? Some very good points. I really don't think there is much doubt about 433/451 being more effective than 442 is there? The main problem we have being the loss of midfield control when playing 442, with so many games now highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both systems. The big problem we have is that Pardew does not favour 433/451 and only uses it when forced or desperate. Trying to play 442 has cost us several points so far, which for some strange reason just does not suit our players. Connolly is without doubt the class act of the forwards when fit and it's a real issue fitting him in and maintaining that balance. We certainly got it correct before when only playing Connolly in the second half after starting 451. Personaly I would stick with 433/451 and change it when conditions require. It's not as if 433/451 does not create enough and our midfield has never looked better, overshadowed by sometimes not taking the chances in that system. Pardew is bringing in a midfielder shortly and he may well be able to get 442 to work. My main fear is that Pardew has too many toys to play with now and 442 will be the holy grail that he searches, I just hope he can do so without dropping further points and eliminating the play off's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sold To The Man @ The Bar Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 (edited) Great win, not a great game .... bring on the Arsenal in the next round. Oh and i had £5 on Thomas 1st goal scorer .... also on Thomas and 3.1, just a lambert lob away from 400/1 Edited 24 January, 2010 by Sold To The Man @ The Bar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Ringwood Saint Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 This didn't seem to work for me, but this link did (after having to watch a couple of adverts): http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/facup/matchreports/report-southampton-v-ipswich-514526873.html Great goal From Wayne..... Who made/missed that tackle just before the Ipswich goal? Absolutely floored the player...but didn't stop the ball getting through ???!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Wayman Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Win at all cost, b*gger the football seems to have been the motto of the day. No problem unless that becomes the norm. We were rock solid until pards took James & Wotton off. Maybe they were knackered, maybe had knocks but whatever they were poor changes wit neither Gillett or Wilshire having a clue how to go about their task or where to play. Hence a goal to the Tractor Boys and with mor etime at their disposal, the likelihood is that they would have beaten us. Still, they didn't so there we are into the 5th round and earned probably an away tie to Bolton... on a wet & freezing Wednesday night but hey! that's the glamour of the FA Cup for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamesaint Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Great goal From Wayne..... Who made/missed that tackle just before the Ipswich goal? Absolutely floored the player...but didn't stop the ball getting through ???!! I am sorry to report that it was Olly Lancashire. I do not like to slag our players off .... but the lad needs to get stronger very quickly if he is to have any sort of future here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 This didn't seem to work for me, but this link did (after having to watch a couple of adverts): http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/facup/matchreports/report-southampton-v-ipswich-514526873.html I can't believe they even have adverts on their internet service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 24 January, 2010 Share Posted 24 January, 2010 Great win, not a great game .... bring on the Arsenal in the next round. Oh and i had £5 on Thomas 1st goal scorer .... also on Thomas and 3.1, just a lambert lob away from 400/1 With a win like that you coud have paid for my van repairs! You can anyway if you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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