Palace 2 - 0 Saints - Post Match Reaction Thread

[itchen]

I was at the game. Thought we outplayed them in the first half. De Ridder and Holmes were going past people at will and Morgan was pinging some incredible passes. The trouble was there was no-one to finish in the box. Forte, although I admire his effort, simply wasn't very good. Ward-Prowse and Reeve both very assured and look good for the future.

 

2-0 flattered Palace. The ref gave us absolutely nothing. And the bloke in front seemed to want to fight anybody and was brave enough to punch someone in the back of the head when, by definition, they weren't looking. No idea what his problem was.

 

But, though I would rather we had won, I'm not that bothered. Saw some promising youngsters get a chance and realise that this is not our first team. To make any sort of prediction or judgment based on that line-up is something only an idiot would do.

[itchen]

Guardian hasn't written us off either http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/oct/25/crystal-palace-southampton-carling-cup .

 

Last paragraph: His [Adkins] players monopolised possession here but were blunted in front of goal, their best opportunity flicked wide by Jonathan Forte, leaving Palace their opportunity to capitalise. In the last eight of this competition for the first time in nine years, and with young talent propelling the team, this corner of south London can afford to be optimistic again.

[Graffito]

Palace got lucky. They won't win the cup. Neither would we have won it. Who gives a ****.

[Professor]

Good time to get out of the CC, so well done NA for picking a team that could do the job.

 

Was also helpful to see where the weaknesses are in the squad. CB - while Jaidi and Seaborne are injured, having to fall back on Jack Cork at CB shows we should have taken on another loan when Seaborne was hurt. Striker - Forte not up to it should be off-loaded asap. Still need the transfer-in in Jan that was tried for and failed in the summer window.

[ericofarabia]

Good time to get out of the CC, so well done NA for picking a team that could do the job.

 

Was also helpful to see where the weaknesses are in the squad. CB - while Jaidi and Seaborne are injured, having to fall back on Jack Cork at CB shows we should have taken on another loan when Seaborne was hurt. Striker - Forte not up to it should be off-loaded asap. Still need the transfer-in in Jan that was tried for and failed in the summer window.

 

Never a good time to lose a match, but I guess we can roll out the old 'now we can concentrate on the league' line. Well until The silly season starts with The Transfer Window and The FA Cup starts at The 3 rd Round instead of before Xmas (please tell me we aren't in the 1st round draw again?).

 

I think starting with anyone of Guly/Barney/Lambert would have seen us through - powderpuff up front, and a bit of a shame for Reeves not to have the opportunity to play alongside a proven talent and look and learn first hand. A bit pointless having 2 wingers with nobody to get on the end of any crosses they might have put over.

 

I guess it could have been a bit of a distraction if we'd drawn one of the big guns next round and that would have become centre of attention in the media and hyped up as a game to see just how far we have progressed as a team. Being top of the league after 13 games is a pretty good indicater to me thanks!!

 

Not heart broken, but winning games is what it is all about at the end of the day, and the moment you don't go balls out to achieve that end you may just lose something in the momentum and mentality that has been built up. Getting our away form back on tack would have been a nice bonus as well!!

[doddisalegend]

I'm a relatively happy clappy type of supporter, but while we have lots of quality youngsters coming through I don't think we have sufficient backup for certain positions. Centre Back and Striker being the main priorities in January I think. We need Championship level players who can step in when injuries and suspensions occurr imo. It might seem harsh on players like Aaron Martin - who was apparently very solid tonight - but if Fonte was to suffer an injury and be kept out for 3 or 4 months, who would feel 100% comfortable having Aaron starting each game and who would feel comfortable with Harlee Dean (our 4th choice centre back while Seaborne is injured) on the bench? Same for up front, if Rickie was to suffer an injury we would be completely screwed.

 

Sounds quite negative and reactionary on the back of tonight's defeat, but I seriously think it's an area that needs to be addressed in January. NA says it's about a squad game, but a squad needs to be deep enough to cope with a crisis.

 

I would Martin has so far proved more than good enough. I'm not happy with Jack cork at CB though so unless Jaidi is going to recover soon an extra CB is a need. TBF to NA I don't think he expected jaidi to be out this long and who would have predicted Seaborne would be lost to us in the way he has been.

[doddisalegend]

I was at the game. Thought we outplayed them in the first half. De Ridder and Holmes were going past people at will and Morgan was pinging some incredible passes. The trouble was there was no-one to finish in the box. Forte, although I admire his effort, simply wasn't very good. Ward-Prowse and Reeve both very assured and look good for the future.

 

2-0 flattered Palace. The ref gave us absolutely nothing. And the bloke in front seemed to want to fight anybody and was brave enough to punch someone in the back of the head when, by definition, they weren't looking. No idea what his problem was.

 

But, though I would rather we had won, I'm not that bothered. Saw some promising youngsters get a chance and realise that this is not our first team. To make any sort of prediction or judgment based on that line-up is something only an idiot would do.

 

That the impression I got from solent a decent finisher up front and the game would have been different.

Edited 26 October, 2011 by doddisalegend

[doddisalegend]

Never a good time to lose a match, but I guess we can roll out the old 'now we can concentrate on the league' line. Well until The silly season starts with The Transfer Window and The FA Cup starts at The 3 rd Round instead of before Xmas (please tell me we aren't in the 1st round draw again?).

 

I think starting with anyone of Guly/Barney/Lambert would have seen us through - powderpuff up front, and a bit of a shame for Reeves not to have the opportunity to play alongside a proven talent and look and learn first hand. A bit pointless having 2 wingers with nobody to get on the end of any crosses they might have put over.

 

I guess it could have been a bit of a distraction if we'd drawn one of the big guns next round and that would have become centre of attention in the media and hyped up as a game to see just how far we have progressed as a team. Being top of the league after 13 games is a pretty good indicater to me thanks!!

 

Not heart broken, but winning games is what it is all about at the end of the day, and the moment you don't go balls out to achieve that end you may just lose something in the momentum and mentality that has been built up. Getting our away form back on tack would have been a nice bonus as well!!

 

Mostly agree but we all know what happened to the last manger to put cups before league Nigel isn't going to make that mistake. Win last night with a strong team and lose on sat to boro might leave NA with some explaining to do to NC.

[alpine_saint]

Not heart broken, but winning games is what it is all about at the end of the day, and the moment you don't go balls out to achieve that end you may just lose something in the momentum and mentality that has been built up. Getting our away form back on tack would have been a nice bonus as well!!

 

I like this summary.

 

I am finding it very hard to be devastated about losing last night and being out of the cup, if I am completely honest, but I am concerned about what it means about team "momentum and mentality". A win last night would have been a nice confidence boost for our next league away game.

[Vershinin]

LOL at some of you lot. Its the ****ing CC. If JWP and Reeves showed promise, job done. Lets worry about what matters, BTW we are 3 points clear at the top of the Championship. Lets get behind the boys on sat and get the three points. COYR

[saint-ed]

First post on here, but I'd like to point out something that no one seems to have picked up on. That was not really a complete reserve team for Palace. That starting XI has amassed 59 league starts between them, whereas the Saints XI only has 22 league starts. When you consider JWP was making his first ever start, and Reeves his second, while Cork, who accounts for half of those 22 league starts was playing out of position. That, IMO, made a massive difference. They were just a little more savvy.

 

At the end of the day, we ran out of steam, partly due to our inability to get a lead and something to hold on to, and partly because none of that side have played competitive football, whereas Palace have.

 

For 60 minutes, we were in total control, moved the ball nicely, and didn't give Palace a sniff. They scored from two mistakes, with their only two shots on target.

 

As a few have pointed out, with a half competent forward, we would have cruised that match. Forte's first touch is appalling, and he spent most of the time on the floor. I would question if he is even League 1 standard.

 

If anything I came away strangely satisfied. If Palace give our first team that much time on the ball, we will tear them apart. In terms of players they have to bring into the side, only really Murray, Speroni, Zaha and either Gardner or Tunchev will improve them, while we'll make another 10 changes at the weekend. Certainly don't see them as being a threat.

 

Positives - What superb numbers for a midweek Carling Cup game. Over 2,500 is an incredible turnout. (The Palace 'Ultras' were embarrassing, leave it to the Eastern Europeans for that kind of thing.)

 

The game highlighted our need for a back-up forward/creative player in the final third.

 

Barney got a much needed run out. He looked well off the pace, but that is to be expected.

[Sheaf Saint]

I like this summary.

 

I am finding it very hard to be devastated about losing last night and being out of the cup, if I am completely honest, but I am concerned about what it means about team "momentum and mentality". A win last night would have been a nice confidence boost for our next league away game.

 

Never mind Alps, I'm sure you're trying your hardest.

[Toomer]

First post on here, but I'd like to point out something that no one seems to have picked up on. That was not really a complete reserve team for Palace. That starting XI has amassed 59 league starts between them, whereas the Saints XI only has 22 league starts. When you consider JWP was making his first ever start, and Reeves his second, while Cork, who accounts for half of those 22 league starts was playing out of position. That, IMO, made a massive difference. They were just a little more savvy.

 

At the end of the day, we ran out of steam, partly due to our inability to get a lead and something to hold on to, and partly because none of that side have played competitive football, whereas Palace have.

 

For 60 minutes, we were in total control, moved the ball nicely, and didn't give Palace a sniff. They scored from two mistakes, with their only two shots on target.

 

As a few have pointed out, with a half competent forward, we would have cruised that match. Forte's first touch is appalling, and he spent most of the time on the floor. I would question if he is even League 1 standard.

 

If anything I came away strangely satisfied. If Palace give our first team that much time on the ball, we will tear them apart. In terms of players they have to bring into the side, only really Murray, Speroni, Zaha and either Gardner or Tunchev will improve them, while we'll make another 10 changes at the weekend. Certainly don't see them as being a threat.

 

Positives - What superb numbers for a midweek Carling Cup game. Over 2,500 is an incredible turnout. (The Palace 'Ultras' were embarrassing, leave it to the Eastern Europeans for that kind of thing.)

 

The game highlighted our need for a back-up forward/creative player in the final third.

 

Barney got a much needed run out. He looked well off the pace, but that is to be expected.

 

Very good well balanced first post, I only listened to the game on Saints Player and I would agree with most of the above.

[Frank's cousin]

Its strange how things change - at the season, being happy tio be a 'happy clappy' I would have despaired at all those miserable sods being angry at defeat even with 10 chnages etc.... but it is a true testament to how far we have come, the expectations we have for success etc that means we ARE disspointed, are questionning things again... interesting new threads...

[trousers]

First post on here, but I'd like to point out something that no one seems to have picked up on. That was not really a complete reserve team for Palace. That starting XI has amassed 59 league starts between them, whereas the Saints XI only has 22 league starts. When you consider JWP was making his first ever start, and Reeves his second, while Cork, who accounts for half of those 22 league starts was playing out of position. That, IMO, made a massive difference. They were just a little more savvy.

 

At the end of the day, we ran out of steam, partly due to our inability to get a lead and something to hold on to, and partly because none of that side have played competitive football, whereas Palace have.

 

For 60 minutes, we were in total control, moved the ball nicely, and didn't give Palace a sniff. They scored from two mistakes, with their only two shots on target.

 

As a few have pointed out, with a half competent forward, we would have cruised that match. Forte's first touch is appalling, and he spent most of the time on the floor. I would question if he is even League 1 standard.

 

If anything I came away strangely satisfied. If Palace give our first team that much time on the ball, we will tear them apart. In terms of players they have to bring into the side, only really Murray, Speroni, Zaha and either Gardner or Tunchev will improve them, while we'll make another 10 changes at the weekend. Certainly don't see them as being a threat.

 

Positives - What superb numbers for a midweek Carling Cup game. Over 2,500 is an incredible turnout. (The Palace 'Ultras' were embarrassing, leave it to the Eastern Europeans for that kind of thing.)

 

The game highlighted our need for a back-up forward/creative player in the final third.

 

Barney got a much needed run out. He looked well off the pace, but that is to be expected.

 

Great first post. I fear that you're on the wrong forum though with such level headed thought patterns....! ;-)

[Quickfire Double]

I was there last night, came away mostly wondering how that tie would have panned out with Seaborne and Barnard available for 90 mins.

We've clearly got no-one in the development squad within touching distance of replacing Hooiveld otherwise Jack Cork, who could probably use a rest as much as any of the 1st IX, wouldn't be playing 90 mins out of position and conceding sloppy opening goals. The thought of having Seaborne out and the Hoover going back to Celtic in Jan doesn't sit well, I hope all the stops are being pulled out behind the scenes to ensure we go into the 2nd half of the season with a partner for Fonte and an available backup. I'm surprised we haven't used the loan market again to cover Seaborne's absence.

Forte looked poor. He went to ground as soon as anyone looked at him, which can't have helped us with a ref who looked like he wouldn't help a blind old dear cross the road if she was wearing a Saints shirt. Much is made of his pace, but the few times I've seen him, defenders have comfortably dealt with that with reasonable positioning. Nothing to show last night he shouldn't be in the dev. squad at best.

Not bothered we're out the cup, but we didn't need to be. And I hate losing to Palace...

[hutch]

Welcome. Ed. We do like stats on here. Can't get enough of 'em.

[disconnect]

Scoreline definitely flattered Palac, as Saints dominated possession for a lot of the match. De Ridder was awesome in the first half, looked pretty tired and not up for it second half (saving himself?). Seemed Saints were scared to shoot - why do we need to pass at least 4 times in and around the box instead of someone just trying one? We got in plenty of good positions and just laid it off to the next player - reminded me of our style when we got relegated from the Championship a few years back.

 

Best players tonight were De Ridder (first half), Martin (very solid), Morgan (very cool and great passing), and Ward Prowse played well too. Holmes was also good first half but faded a bit. Both full backs did ok, Butterfield whipped in a few dangerous balls and Harding had some good link up play on the left but gave away a soft penalty (from what I could see).

 

Reeves was ok - didnt want to shoot (which probably isnt great for someone up front). Forte was pretty poor - but I dont think he got any decisions from the ref which didnt help. Bart didnt have much to do, but couldnt stop the penalty and their other goal was quite soft.

 

Palace were about 4 changes away from their usual Championship team. Only Clyne looked any better than our team and although he scored, we continually took the **** out of Ambrose, supposedly one of the better players in the division. Overall, i'd say we were definitely worth something from the game, just need someone willing to have a shot...!

[Sour Mash]

First post on here, but I'd like to point out something that no one seems to have picked up on. That was not really a complete reserve team for Palace. That starting XI has amassed 59 league starts between them, whereas the Saints XI only has 22 league starts. When you consider JWP was making his first ever start, and Reeves his second, while Cork, who accounts for half of those 22 league starts was playing out of position. That, IMO, made a massive difference. They were just a little more savvy.

 

At the end of the day, we ran out of steam, partly due to our inability to get a lead and something to hold on to, and partly because none of that side have played competitive football, whereas Palace have.

 

For 60 minutes, we were in total control, moved the ball nicely, and didn't give Palace a sniff. They scored from two mistakes, with their only two shots on target.

 

As a few have pointed out, with a half competent forward, we would have cruised that match. Forte's first touch is appalling, and he spent most of the time on the floor. I would question if he is even League 1 standard.

 

If anything I came away strangely satisfied. If Palace give our first team that much time on the ball, we will tear them apart. In terms of players they have to bring into the side, only really Murray, Speroni, Zaha and either Gardner or Tunchev will improve them, while we'll make another 10 changes at the weekend. Certainly don't see them as being a threat.

 

Positives - What superb numbers for a midweek Carling Cup game. Over 2,500 is an incredible turnout. (The Palace 'Ultras' were embarrassing, leave it to the Eastern Europeans for that kind of thing.)

 

The game highlighted our need for a back-up forward/creative player in the final third.

 

Barney got a much needed run out. He looked well off the pace, but that is to be expected.

Spot on first post. We played some good football at times, but it was very similar to some of our recent away performances in the league - lots of possession, lots of passing sideways and backwards, constantly cutting in and laying the ball back without any real penetration or threat.

 

Positives - Reeves and JWP both look to have what it takes to make a name for themselves in the professional game. Neither did THAT much, and JWP probably played it a bit too safe at times constantly picking the ball up from the back 4, only to play it back to them again, but both showed excellent first touches, confidence on the ball and the ability to read the game and compete against pretty decent oppossition. Thought Martin had a good game, Cork was decent enough and Schneiderlin was excellent.

 

Negatives - Rarely looked like scoring. Its great talking about strength in depth, but (being generous) Butterfield looked very rusty, Harding was ok first half, poor 2nd. Wingers - while De Ridder had a poor game and ensured he won't be starting against Boro, at least he looks lively on the ball. Holmes on the other hand looked nothing likea winger in my book. Never beat a man, didn't threaten, didn't get to the bye-line, constantly cut inside and played a safe ball - you may as well not play a winger, but just have a regular left sided midfielder if that's all he's going to do. Forte was poor, but I think we all know that now.

 

My main concern is I just feel the momentum around the club is really starting to slow a bit. I'm a big believer in winning being a habit and once a club has momentum they steam roll teams. We seem to be losing that a bit and while I know it was "only" the Carling Cup and it's going to be a long hard season in the league, we do really need livening up a bit. Fingers crossed the reintroduction of a fit and inform Lallana will be that spark we're lacking at the moment.

 

And yes, we all know that teams play weakened side in the Carling Cup, but we always can generally assume that as they progress through the comp, teams put out stronger sides, not weaker. Everyone understands the logic of resting players, but it's just a pity to get to a key stage of a decent competition and go out to a fairly average side like Palace. Enjoyed seeing Reeves and JWP, but I think the fact that 2.5k Saints travelled shows that plenty would still like us to do well in the comp. The Palace Ultras were gay as f**k as expected, not what English football support is all about.

[dellboypete]

Highlight of the evening for me was the real Eagle before and at half-time. Awesome bird.

 

Have to agree with some and disagree with others on here:

 

1. Could and should have wrapped it up in the first half = Palace weren't in it for the first 20 mins

2. Strike force was toothless overall - Forte looked lost at times

3. relatively impressed with Ward-prowse and Reeves

4. nice to see Lee B back - looked woefully short of match fitness which is understandable. He got a great reception

5. Morgan was left with too much to do in midfield - but I still rate him as a class act

6. SRD tried to do too much - I thought he showed some class at times though

7. It was pretty obvious that CP took the game slightly more seriously than NA - the backbone of their side were regular starters in the championship, not that that showed in the first half (or for much of the second)

8. Credit to the blokes in the flat hats behind us who started loads of the singing - how do they manage to keep going all the time!!!

 

On the train back from the game (relatively local for me) was chatting to Palace fans who didn't believe me that we had 9 or 10 changes from our regular starting 11 and that our key player was still out injured

 

Learnt somethings from this game - get the train from Selhurst and not Thornton Heath if you want to get on it after the game!

[Victor]

Walsh: "Had you not told me that Ward-Prowse was 16, I would never have known."

 

Did he not contemplate the possibility that someone else might have told him?

[Nexstar]

stief87 Steve De Ridder

Sorry to all the people who came down yesterday and had to witness that...#myworstgameever

[Raven on the wing]

Was at the game & we had loads of possession on the flanks but with no target man in the middle we just overplayed it and the momentum was lost. I suppose it is just as important to know who is not up to the job and Forte has had several starts in this competition and has not impressed. How disapointed I am at this result will be determined by the draw for the next round !

Edited 26 October, 2011 by Raven on the wing

[sandwichsaint]

stief87 Steve De Ridder

Sorry to all the people who came down yesterday and had to witness that...#myworstgameever

 

Fair play to him! What an honest assessment.

[verlaine1979]

Regarding JWP and Reeves - thought JWP looked pretty tidy in midfield (though Schneiderlin was on a completely different level), but wasn't impressed with Reeves - he didn't appear to have a particular good first touch, and some of his passing in around the box was dreadful.

 

As for the rest of the team, Holmes looked slow, Forte was dire, Cork didn't look comfortable at CB, De Ridder looked much better on the left cutting in than on the right, Harding provided decent width in the first half, Butterfield struggled to get a cross past his marker, Martin looked fairly solid.

 

I agree with whoever it was who said they looked afraid of shooting - a couple of times in the first half, De Ridder drove into space about 20 yards out with a clear line to goal, but elected each time to attempt a disguised through-ball to Forte or Reeves, who invariably wasted it.

[eelpie]

A strange game to watch. terrific support all around me from our fans as usual, while on the pitch we dominated the middle of the pitch and the two

youngsters had a good game and look very promising. It was a bit like watching a team put out by the Dutch duo. Beautiful mid pitch passing skills but

lacking the killer instinct to score up front. Forte as the lone striker was never going to work, and the substitutions should have been made at half ftime if we were going to win. Somehow it didn't seem that we wanted to. At the back of my mind was the important match against Borough on Saturday and the need to rest our first team. So why was Cork playing? He looked shattered on Saturday against Reading and this 90 minutes can't have helped. There must have been someone form the ranks who could have at least started. My main concern was that the match might go to extra time.

 

The stats show 14 Saints fouls against 6 by Palace. No way. The ref was booking Saints for incidents and ignoring Palace infringements. It was by no means a dirty match.

So, am I annoyed that we lost? Irritated yes. But we don't need a cup fixture pile up. If the full first team take it out on Middlesborough, then this minor cup set back will be well worth it.

[supersonic]

Scoreline definitely flattered Palac, as Saints dominated possession for a lot of the match. De Ridder was awesome in the first half, looked pretty tired and not up for it second half (saving himself?)

 

What game were you watching? He was awful. Couldn't pass and every time he tried to run with the ball he lost it. Very poor performance.

 

Their keeper was the most successful pass-rate for us

[Sour Mash]

A strange game to watch. terrific support all around me from our fans as usual, while on the pitch we dominated the middle of the pitch and the two

youngsters had a good game and look very promising. It was a bit like watching a team put out by the Dutch duo. Beautiful mid pitch passing skills but

lacking the killer instinct to score up front. Forte as the lone striker was never going to work, and the substitutions should have been made at half ftime if we were going to win. Somehow it didn't seem that we wanted to. At the back of my mind was the important match against Borough on Saturday and the need to rest our first team. So why was Cork playing? He looked shattered on Saturday against Reading and this 90 minutes can't have helped. There must have been someone form the ranks who could have at least started. My main concern was that the match might go to extra time.

 

The stats show 14 Saints fouls against 6 by Palace. No way. The ref was booking Saints for incidents and ignoring Palace infringements. It was by no means a dirty match.

So, am I annoyed that we lost? Irritated yes. But we don't need a cup fixture pile up. If the full first team take it out on Middlesborough, then this minor cup set back will be well worth it.

The ref was an absolute joke, the worst I've seen all season by a long way. Wouldn't give us anything and had a completely random approach to playing advantage when there was none. Carling Cup is about his level, no-way could he be trusted with an "important" match.

[Window Cleaner]

What game were you watching? He was awful. Couldn't pass and every time he tried to run with the ball he lost it. Very poor performance.

 

Their keeper was the most successful pass-rate for us

 

Admits it himself even,some supporters make heros out of particular players and can't see past the blinkers.

[Junior Mullet]

First post on here, but I'd like to point out something that no one seems to have picked up on. That was not really a complete reserve team for Palace. That starting XI has amassed 59 league starts between them, whereas the Saints XI only has 22 league starts. When you consider JWP was making his first ever start, and Reeves his second, while Cork, who accounts for half of those 22 league starts was playing out of position. That, IMO, made a massive difference. They were just a little more savvy.

 

At the end of the day, we ran out of steam, partly due to our inability to get a lead and something to hold on to, and partly because none of that side have played competitive football, whereas Palace have.

 

For 60 minutes, we were in total control, moved the ball nicely, and didn't give Palace a sniff. They scored from two mistakes, with their only two shots on target.

 

As a few have pointed out, with a half competent forward, we would have cruised that match. Forte's first touch is appalling, and he spent most of the time on the floor. I would question if he is even League 1 standard.

 

If anything I came away strangely satisfied. If Palace give our first team that much time on the ball, we will tear them apart. In terms of players they have to bring into the side, only really Murray, Speroni, Zaha and either Gardner or Tunchev will improve them, while we'll make another 10 changes at the weekend. Certainly don't see them as being a threat.

 

Positives - What superb numbers for a midweek Carling Cup game. Over 2,500 is an incredible turnout. (The Palace 'Ultras' were embarrassing, leave it to the Eastern Europeans for that kind of thing.)

 

The game highlighted our need for a back-up forward/creative player in the final third.

 

Barney got a much needed run out. He looked well off the pace, but that is to be expected.

 

That could be written by Nigel Adkins but for the lack of references to busses

[MatthewStiles]

What was so embarrassing about the Palace ultras? I was down the end nearer the Sainsbury's so didn't really notice then much.

 

And the PA didn't half milk it when they scored. First a blast of northernish soul (Edwin Starr's 25 miles I think) and then the Dave Clark 5 with Glad All Over.

[Griffo]

What was so embarrassing about the Palace ultras? I was down the end nearer the Sainsbury's so didn't really notice then much.

 

And the PA didn't half milk it when they scored. First a blast of northernish soul (Edwin Starr's 25 miles I think) and then the Dave Clark 5 with Glad All Over.

 

Bouncing around, jumping up and down, singing songs with no words and generally acting like they were watching a game of football in Italy. Added to the fact there was about 10 of them singing.

[saint1977]

Not too fussed at going out, our squad has plenty of numbers but lacks depth of quality so until we can bolster it in January - and it sounds like Adkins and NC will be very active from the comments post match and also in other recent games. Sadly - as we need pace badly - it sounds as if Forte wasn't listening and seems Butterfield and Harding have cemented their position as reserve full backs. SDR - refreshing to hear his honesty and we'll see more from him. Well done JWP, tough game to make your debut in and bodes well for the future and it sounds like Reeves has made a push for Saturday's line up with Connolly horribly out of form and energy although Barnie's cameo should shake things up a bit and you'd imagine Barnard will be an automatic starter once fully fit.

 

Bit worried about Fonte's fitness, if Martin or Jos get injured or banned we are in huge trouble. Really need a CB coming in on loan still.

[disconnect]

Admits it himself even,some supporters make heros out of particular players and can't see past the blinkers.

 

He was rubbish in the second half. He was easily our most and possibly only dangerous player in the first half. He made Clyne, Ambrose and Ramage look like fools on quite a few occasions - wasnt his fault that after beating players and getting in good positions Forte and Reeves didnt know where to run!

[Nexstar]

He was rubbish in the second half. He was easily our most and possibly only dangerous player in the first half. He made Clyne, Ambrose and Ramage look like fools on quite a few occasions - wasnt his fault that after beating players and getting in good positions Forte and Reeves didnt know where to run!

 

Have to disagree, second half he barely saw the ball and first half he was very poor. His corners were dreadful too.

[Lighthouse]

Bit worried about Fonte's fitness, if Martin or Jos get injured or banned we are in huge trouble. Really need a CB coming in on loan still.

 

Bit of an odd comment after a game he didn't even take part in. He was taken off as a precaution with a tight hamstring at Reading and rested with the other first team players last night. I'm 90% certain he will be back in the starting line up come Saturday. I think we're okay with cover at the moment. We have 4 players capable of playing CB, not including Jaidi and Seaborne. In an emergency we can always get someone else in.

 

Personally I think we needed to be a bit more ruthless in summer regards to letting players go. Jaidi did a great job last season, but he'd have been one of them IMO. Same with Forte and Connolly.

[Saint Garrett]

j_w_prowse James Ward-Prowse

what an experience last night! #stillbuzzing!!!

[Fan The Flames]

Bouncing around, jumping up and down, singing songs with no words and generally acting like they were watching a game of football in Italy. Added to the fact there was about 10 of them singing.

 

The authorities should ban it, I mean young kids jumping around singing and enjoying themselves has no place in modern football.

[Fan The Flames]

People have forgotten that their nipper up front missed 3 relatively easy chances, especially the one in the second half. So this isnt just a story of us being blunt up front.

[Charlie Wayman]

To be fair that isn't quite right. We have actually only won twice in seven games now. That is only 28% win ratio in the past 7 games. Away wise based on the last 5 games we are joint 22nd http://stats.football365.com/dom/ENG/D1/aform.html

Only 2 teams have worse away form then us right now (Pompey and Coventry).

 

It is only a cup game and shouldn't be looked into to much but i think it is pretty safe to say our away form needs looking at.

 

They hate me for saying it, they hate Alpine for saying it so they'll be on your back any moment now.

 

Deep down 'though even those guys who gloss over every set back must be getting a bit anxious.

 

Also this match seems to have cast the die, if Cortese truly instructed Adders to get us out of this cup - and it really does look (as Dave Merrington implied) that we didn't want to win it - then it doesn't bode well for Nigel if he doesn't secure us automatic promotion. Hope he keeps the smiles going after this. Guess we won't be interested in the other cup either so who will bother to turn up?

[Appy]

They hate me for saying it, they hate Alpine for saying it so they'll be on your back any moment now.

 

Deep down 'though even those guys who gloss over every set back must be getting a bit anxious.

 

Also this match seems to have cast the die, if Cortese truly instructed Adders to get us out of this cup - and it really does look (as Dave Merrington implied) that we didn't want to win it - then it doesn't bode well for Nigel if he doesn't secure us automatic promotion. Hope he keeps the smiles going after this. Guess we won't be interested in the other cup either so who will bother to turn up?

 

Give it a rest you bore, at least Arsenal are in the next round, no massive team like Birmingham to stop them this time.

[Window Cleaner]

They hate me for saying it, they hate Alpine for saying it so they'll be on your back any moment now.

 

Deep down 'though even those guys who gloss over every set back must be getting a bit anxious.

 

Also this match seems to have cast the die, if Cortese truly instructed Adders to get us out of this cup - and it really does look (as Dave Merrington implied) that we didn't want to win it - then it doesn't bode well for Nigel if he doesn't secure us automatic promotion. Hope he keeps the smiles going after this. Guess we won't be interested in the other cup either so who will bother to turn up?

 

Don't mind us not wanting to win myself but in that case we should have gone the whole hog and just played the U21s and the academy,no first teamers (ie matchday 16 regulars) whatsoever.

[Saint_clark]

They hate me for saying it, they hate Alpine for saying it so they'll be on your back any moment now.

 

Deep down 'though even those guys who gloss over every set back must be getting a bit anxious.

 

Also this match seems to have cast the die, if Cortese truly instructed Adders to get us out of this cup - and it really does look (as Dave Merrington implied) that we didn't want to win it - then it doesn't bode well for Nigel if he doesn't secure us automatic promotion. Hope he keeps the smiles going after this. Guess we won't be interested in the other cup either so who will bother to turn up?

 

Brilliant. If we didn't want to be in the cup, i'm fairly certain we could just decline to take part.

[Window Cleaner]

Brilliant. If we didn't want to be in the cup, i'm fairly certain we could just decline to take part.

 

Doubt it, Man U tried it with the FA Cup because they had the world clubs championship at the same time, caused one hell of a to do.

 

If you don't want to be in the League Cup or the FA Cup or the JPT you field a ridiculously weak side in the first round

and have done with it (well not the JPT because there are rules about that).I bet we had a better side out against Torquay in the first round than we did last night.At least we would have had 2 senior midfielders to rely on.

Edited 26 October, 2011 by Window Cleaner

[Sour Mash]

Brilliant. If we didn't want to be in the cup, i'm fairly certain we could just decline to take part.

Not really considering all the political stuff that would come with doing so. To be fair we're not too different from most clubs, more than happy to get knocked out.

[Thedelldays]

Don't mind us not wanting to win myself but in that case we should have gone the whole hog and just played the U21s and the academy,no first teamers (ie matchday 16 regulars) whatsoever.

why..why can't adkins throw in the team he wants to throw in...what can't he try cork at CB..why can't he try the new so called CM star (JWP) alongside an established first teamer...why can't he try reeves up front with a quick forward..

 

why does it have to be one or the other...

 

it is clear from the reading game so many players needed a rest...this is not just with saints as palace made many changes and as did other teams........the bulk of the main first team got a well earned rest ready for another two very VERY tough game coming up....

[DanW]

The way Dave Merrington described Zaha, I think it would be wonderful if we could sign him in the future. That's what I took from the game.

[shurlock]

The way Dave Merrington described Zaha, I think it would be wonderful if we could sign him in the future. That's what I took from the game.

 

Thought he mugged the ref for a few free kicks. Not on long enough to see if there was end product to all the tricks.

[vin]

From the highlights on SaintsPlayer seems we had a very good shout for a penalty in the first half for a foul on Reeves.

[Appy]

From the highlights on SaintsPlayer seems we had a very good shout for a penalty in the first half for a foul on Reeves.

 

Thought that when watching the game at work.