Saints V Blackpool Match Thread and Reaction

[doddisalegend]

I think the team should go away for a few days..... they look like they need a break and we are not playing until Sunday, and then it is game after game thick and fast.... they need a break!!!!!!!

 

I didn't think they looked tired today. According to Nigels programme notes Prozone stats show we are the fitest team in the champ. Quite a lot of teams look leggy against us late on in game while we seem quite fresh IMO.

Edited 11 December, 2011 by doddisalegend

[Dr Who?]

I didn't think they looked tired today. According to Nigels prgramme notes Prozone stats show we are the fitest team in the champ. Quite a lot of teams look leggy against us late on in game while we seem quite fresh IMO.

 

Agree we did keep running until the end, and we always do, but I am talking mentally tired. I just feel they need to relax and clear their minds, as this stops mistakes coming into the game, and improves shapness all round, and in front of goal.

 

They deserve some time away, for the fantastic year we have ALL had.

[eelpie]

Following a promising start we allowed Blackpool too much time on the ball They were stringing long passing sequences before they equalised. Saints should have tackled and obstructed them. In the second half the ref wouldn't let us tackle, but the draw was our own fault. We could have won.

[Shrek]

We need to improve our finishing pretty sharpish imo. We really should have scored 5 today.

[saintmatt]

Just to give Bart some consolation, the first incident in El Classico tonight is described on the BBC live feed as 'What an error from Victor Valdes'....

[hypochondriac]

Just to give Bart some consolation, the first incident in El Classico tonight is described on the BBC live feed as 'What an error from Victor Valdes'....

 

Wasn't anywhere near as bad. Was just a misplaced pass.

[Nexstar]

Just watched it on Saints Player and I thought that was Adkins' best interview to date. Very honest, so tactically aware and clearly knew the importance of the derby.

[supersonic]

Bart - 0 - I hate to do that but he was playing like a schoolboy out there. From minute 1 he looked like a rabbit in headlights, no communication, no presence, no skill

Frazer - 6 - kept backing off Phillips too much. His crossing was quite poor apart from the one on the 93rd minute.

Fonte - 6 - didn't do much wrong, just wish we'd stop passing to him every time we get a throw.

Jos - 6 - See Fonte.

Fox - 4 - very hit and miss. Delivery was average, still not convinced by his ability to defend.

Lallana - 5 - showed signs of his brilliance but was anonymous most of the second half. playing in the middle didn't help though

Morgan - 7 - showed good engine and passing, just wish he could shoot

Hammond - 6 - quiet

Cork - 6 - he looks clumsy when he runs, although brilliant player, was quite by his standards today.

Guly - 7 - like marmite. his flair and unpredictability is key to our team

Lambo - 8 - was stood behind chapel and no doubt that was going in. Legend in the making. although should have had a hattrick

 

de ridder - 5 - his decision making worries me sometimes

harding - 7 - shored up defence and was a threat going forward

[scotty]

Just saw the football league programme. Christ almighty, I know everyone on here was saying how poor Bart was but I still wasnt expecting that fiasco. If Kelv is out for any length of time we need another backup keeper, and quickly, january's priorities have changed after today.

[austsaint]

for the fourth game in a row we carried Lallana.

 

Yes, he was quite anonymous in the second half and doesn't look anywhere near his best. An uncomfortable game to watch at times - remarkably Blackpool played more of the crisp "on the deck" passing football and controlled and used the ball much better than us for much of the game. We looked predictable going forward with the Richardson cross from the right becoming too common. Disappointed with Cork and Hammond - thought Guly was creative and Ricky played well. The other area where we looked second best was the pressuring of players in possession - Blackpool constantly harried us in possession while we allowed their advancing midfield and flanks too much space - Richardson hanging back into the box prior to their first goal from the cross was a prime example. Felt so sorry for Bart. Is there a way back for him?

[Cascadia Saint]

As for two negatives, Well aside from the aforementioned Polish goalkeeper's nightmare, neither Guly Do Pardo nor Steve De Ridder can look back on this game with any sense of satisfaction either I'd have thought. Indeed it has to be said that I wonder if De Ridder is up to the demands of English Football.

 

Have to disagree on Guly, I thought he was one of our hardest working players today. Always felt like he could come up with something, right up to the final whistle.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Have to disagree on Guly, I thought he was one of our hardest working players today. Always felt like he could come up with something, right up to the final whistle.

 

If that's your opinion then fine we all see things differently. My opinion was that he put a decent shift in alright, but that in itself is not enough, in the same sense that (very different) players like Brett Ormerod or Paul Wotton always worked their shocks off for you but that was often not enough either.

 

Overall I though his contribution yesterday was poor-to-average at best and the leisurely, apparently disinterested, way he was strolling back from a (very) offside position for Lambert's 2nd goal might well have cost us dearly had the lineo concluded he was 'active'. But on his day he's a good player and we'll surely need him at his very best at Fratton Park.

[sidthesquid]

Have to disagree on Guly, I thought he was one of our hardest working players today. Always felt like he could come up with something, right up to the final whistle.

 

I'm not normally one of his greatest fans, but I thought he put a real shift in yesterday. My only complaint is that between yesterday & the Hull game he must have placed six free headers in the six-yard box over or wide when all he needed to do was get it on target.

[austsaint]

If that's your opinion then fine we all see things differently. My opinion was that he put a decent shift in alright, but that in itself is not enough, in the same sense that (very different) players like Brett Ormerod or Paul Wotton always worked their shocks off for you but that was often not enough either.

 

Overall I though his contribution yesterday was poor-to-average at best and the leisurely, apparently disinterested, way he was strolling back from a (very) offside position for Lambert's 2nd goal might well have cost us dearly had the lineo concluded he was 'active'. But on his day he's a good player and we'll surely need him at his very best at Fratton Park.

 

That's a very hard marking of Guly's card - he was easily our most creative player on the day.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

That's a very hard marking of Guly's card - he was easily our most creative player on the day.

 

I can remember one good pass to put Lambert in on goal during the 1st half, but apart from that moment I though he was pretty ineffective in all honesty.

[austsaint]

I can remember one good pass to put Lambert in on goal during the 1st half, but apart from that moment I though he was pretty ineffective in all honesty.

 

Chapel End, as a matter of interest, how did you rate Adam's game and recent form?

[InvictaSaint]

Yes, he was quite anonymous in the second half and doesn't look anywhere near his best. An uncomfortable game to watch at times - remarkably Blackpool played more of the crisp "on the deck" passing football and controlled and used the ball much better than us for much of the game. We looked predictable going forward with the Richardson cross from the right becoming too common. Disappointed with Cork and Hammond - thought Guly was creative and Ricky played well. The other area where we looked second best was the pressuring of players in possession - Blackpool constantly harried us in possession while we allowed their advancing midfield and flanks too much space - Richardson hanging back into the box prior to their first goal from the cross was a prime example. Felt so sorry for Bart. Is there a way back for him?

 

Be that as it may, worth noting that we would not have equalised when we did had Lallana not skipped his way around a couple of players on the edge of the box before the ball eventually reached Richardson who crossed for Rickie to score.

[austsaint]

Be that as it may, worth noting that we would not have equalised when we did had Lallana not skipped his way around a couple of players on the edge of the box before the ball eventually reached Richardson who crossed for Rickie to score.

 

I agree, totally. I thought Adam had a good first half but really faded out after half time.

[Mowgli]

I think in the cold light of day this thread is a pretty good read with lots of quite extreme views based on a single game. Everyone's entitled to an opinion but thank God we have a professional coach to look at the bigger picture. I could well see the same team being named against Pompey with SDR and Bart vying for MOTM. Such are the joys (and frustrations) of supporting Saints. For the record, I thought a draw was a fair result from two teams who played decent football. Bart's mistake was balanced by the deflection for our first goal. Maybe we did enough to win and perhaps would have done with a different referee but these things balance out over the season.The real low points for me was the second goal (which I can still see in slow motion whilst I'm typing) and the songs aimed at Phillips. Those songs made me ashamed to be a Saints fan for a few brief moments

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Chapel End, as a matter of interest, how did you rate Adam's game and recent form?

 

It fair to say he's not at his very best I'd say, but Adam Lallana at 90% is still a hell of a lot better than most you'll see in this division. At the far end of St Marys to me, but I was AL methinks who robbed the ball from their right back that led to our first goal.

 

The pathetic beard growing attempt however is a serious mistake.

[Saint Luke]

See the objective view thread, much better read.

[austsaint]

It fair to say he's not at his very best I'd say, but Adam Lallana at 90% is still a hell of a lot better than most you'll see in this division. At the far end of St Marys to me, but I was AL methinks who robbed the ball from their right back that led to our first goal.

 

The pathetic beard growing attempt however is a serious mistake.

 

Fair comment. The beard is a bit naff, isn't it.

[hasper57saint]

Holloway is a moaning pillock first class! He didn't complain when the Ref(?) permitted anything up to a minute for goal kicks by Gilks or throw-ins that gained up to ten yards and the absolute bloody time-wasting throughout the game. That said we weren't as poor as some of the 'armchair brigade' perceived. Right from his first 'fumble' Bart had a bad day at the office.Guly could and should have done better and DID give the ball away far too often. Any defender close to him should have taken on Matt Phillips when he got the ball but preferred to back-track. In my younger days Phillips would have been over the hoardings on the Kingsland side. Whats wrong with a shoulder charge? Have they been outlawed too?

[eastleighhalo]

I thought Blackpools 1st goal had two players offside at the time ...but judging by the lack of debate about the matter on here i can only assume they timed their runs into the box perfectly ? Ive not seen the TV highlights yet so can anyone comment ?

[saints-cris]

I thought Blackpools 1st goal had two players offside at the time ...but judging by the lack of debate about the matter on here i can only assume they timed their runs into the box perfectly ? Ive not seen the TV highlights yet so can anyone comment ?

 

Was onside. Well timed runs

[eastleighhalo]

Was onside. Well timed runs

 

Cheers mate .. feel a bit sorry for the lino now who took lots of abuse from those around me for supposedly getting it wrong lol

[derry]

Cheers mate .. feel a bit sorry for the lino now who took lots of abuse from those around me for supposedly getting it wrong lol

 

He was offside because he strayed offside came back onside then immediately went for the ball. As he went into an offside position during the same phase that ended up with him scoring according to the offside law it meant he was still technically offside as he was the next player to play the ball. He would remain offside until the ball was cleared or played back out which didn't happen. The linesman missed him straying into the offside position. When he went for the header he was in an onside position but was offside already and shouldn't have been allowed to play the ball.

Edited 11 December, 2011 by derry

[Upton72]

Just caught up with Hollow's comments on the FLS; much more measured, perhaps he'd had time to calm down and he was very complementary about NA.

[Whitey Grandad]

He was offside because he strayed offside came back onside then immediately went for the ball. As he went into an offside position during the same phase that ended up with him scoring according to the offside law it meant he was still technically offside as he was the next player to play the ball. He would remain offside until the ball was cleared or played back out which didn't happen. The linesman missed him straying into the offside position. When he went for the header he was in an onside position but was offside already and shouldn't have been allowed to play the ball.

Nah, he was onside when the cross was kicked, which is all that mattered.

[Saint Billy]

He was offside because he strayed offside came back onside then immediately went for the ball. As he went into an offside position during the same phase that ended up with him scoring according to the offside law it meant he was still technically offside as he was the next player to play the ball. He would remain offside until the ball was cleared or played back out which didn't happen. The linesman missed him straying into the offside position. When he went for the header he was in an onside position but was offside already and shouldn't have been allowed to play the ball.

 

I need to go and laydown!

[ottery st mary]

:)I think our defence cocccked uppp big time...

 

Not an expert on goalkeeping and no disrespect to Bart:rolleyes: NOT AN EXPERT ON FOOTER EITHER;)

 

Could he have not taken it that close to line?

Edited 11 December, 2011 by ottery st mary

[svetigpung]

Only watched the game on the box....but

It was a really good game to watch, with two teams both trying to play the ball on the deck.

Had we only taken one of our many close misses , we'd have got 3points there. Someone of the misses were auful and make Barts mistake so crucial.

Time to give Bart a boost , not the push. You dont become a **** keeper over night. Not many would come here and be

happy to sit on the bench, month after month.

When Steeeeve was through in the 93rd minute , i was sure we were gonna get nr.22.

That's football.

[Brussels Saint]

Ok just got back after the weekend and not read through the other reaction yet, so be interesting to see if others called it like I did.

 

Overall it was a fairly decent performance, in a match where for large parts we were the better side. I felt we lacked a little urgency at times and crispness in our passing, which I guess is normal for a side which is not in great form.

The ref was pretty poor and Blackpool did not offer much, but at times some real class came out.

 

Bart - 3. Felt for him, he started very nervously and the mistake was not a huge surprise. I really think he is a good keeper, but he does seem to be one of those who needs to play for that confidence to come out. Bizarrely probably better as a number 1, than a number 2. Interesting to see how he comes back.

Richardson - 6. Not bad, not great.

Fonte - 6.5. Defended competently and not exceptionally troubled.

Jos - 7. Can see why we bought him. Good commanding performance. Seems to be the go to guy for playing out from the back (which I love btw. Scary but good) mixed results from his next pass, but that will improve as the midfield read him better.

Fox - 6. Sometimes quite good, sometimes decision making seems off. Sense though he does have the potential to put in an exceptional performance.

Morgan - 6.5. Generally good.

Cork -6.5. Neat, tidy, good player.

Deano - 5.5. Just not as good as the others in central midfield. Really did not notice him much and for a player like Deano, if you are not noticing him, then you know somethings up.

Lallana - 5. Needs to hunt the ball more. If you are our best player, you should know it and demand the ball more than anyone else. I'm not convinced Adam thinks of himself as our best player, I want him to have a Cantona-esk ego. He plays football like he's a nice guy and is trying to make friends. Would be much better if he enjoyed proving to opposing players how much better he is than them.

Guly - 8. I watched him closely the whole game as he splits opinion so much, but Sat he was class. Great vision and always looked dangerous. He does though often wander around with shoulders slouched and a look of disinterest, but then instantly when he sees an opportunity, it all changes and there is huge energy and effort. He is a player who wastes zero energy or effort until he sees it's worth it and when he does, he's often right.

Lambert - 7.5. Just a good player. Maybe a great one. Everytime I've seen him play he gets better, his touch, link up play and finishing are premier league quality. If only he was 5 years younger. How did it take him so long in his career to develop into the player he now is?

 

SDR - 6. Definitely an impact player, but he does genuinely look dangerous when he comes on. I'm not sure exactly why he's not a starter, but you understand why without being able to articulate it. Oh and Steve, I know you know and I know you know we know and I know you know they know...............but pass!!!!!!!!!!!

Harding - 6. Good standard Harding performance

Er.......can't remember if anyone else came on....

[Saint_Jonny]

I was at the game and have to say I didn't notice that Guly had a particularly good game. To be honest I was **** faced and knackered from a lot of travelling around and the game sort of passed me by! Pleased to read that people thought he had a good game, he is quality and I think he needs to be feeling confident to get the best out of himself. Hopefully a good sign for next sunday

[dellgirl]

It looked like a different game on t.v. we watched it as soon as we got home,and I was pleased the rest of the world saw that one,we looked much better ! Adam is very off the pace at the moment,too much trickery and not enough finish,it wasn't a bad day at the office as far as previous seasons have gone,we have a weak link who ought not to be playing. Bart ,you just feel sorry for and it depends on his character whether he can bounce back,that position along with ,others on here ,we know where we must strengthen to succeed,we have been shown the light at the end of the tunnel and if they want the support to continue they must go for it in January, the pack are chasing.

[Saint_Randell]

I agree with many on here, Lallana was poor by his standards, but the important word here is 'by his standards'.

 

If I remember rightly it was his pressuarising that led to the first goal. In the second half he went completely missing and I was screaming at the TV; 'Lallana get on the ball and make something happen!'

 

Now it took him to the 92nd minute to actually get on the ball and don't you know it, it led to our second goal.

 

What I'm trying to say is even when he's playing very poor by his standards, he still makes stuff happen. Every player has bad spells, and Lallana is in his at the moment, however luckily for us his bad spell is still better than half of this division.

[saint1977]

Bart's performance understandably got the headlines but actually the mistake didn't concern me as much as his all-round display which was disturbingly 'rabbit in the headlights'. The problem looks to be mental rather than physical but Adkins could help him by arranging a midweek friendly if Reading or West Ham wanted to send some reserve players and also giving a few fringe players a chance (Barnard) to get rid of some rust.

 

Even so, the main reason we didn't win the game was the fact we only have one fit striker at the club - Lambert. Fortunately, he also happens to be an excellent one but Adkins and Cortese really should be agreeing fees for strikers now ready for 1 Jan arrivals. Guly had a good all-round game but collided with Jos when an open goal was gaping and missed another slightly harder chance from 6 yards. Morgan also played very well but again missed a couple of opportunities that should be at least working the keeper at this level. We also messed up several times with sloppy final balls, particularly De Ridder at the end. How Ian Holloway could make his post-match comments with a straight face I've no idea.

 

De Ridder is a useful impact sub but I can't see where he'll fit into our set up after Xmas? He seems to be best playing off the strikers but this would block Lallana's good work around the edge of the box. Lallana looked sharper and I thought our centre backs did well considering the carnage behind them and delighted Fonte avoided a caution. Fox needs swapping for Harding IMO for Fratton, we can always bring Fox on for his set pieces if it's going pear-shaped.

 

Bottom line - Blackpool were good in midfield, esp Ferguson but awful at the back and considering the amount of clear chances we had, 2 is a pathetic conversion rate. Get a decent striker and winger in with pace and we'll pull away at the top again but we can't mess around well into the January transfer window, we MUST have them ready for the Brighton game.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

I agree with many on here, Lallana was poor by his standards, but the important word here is 'by his standards'.

 

If I remember rightly it was his pressuarising that led to the first goal. In the second half he went completely missing and I was screaming at the TV; 'Lallana get on the ball and make something happen!'

 

Now it took him to the 92nd minute to actually get on the ball and don't you know it, it led to our second goal.

 

What I'm trying to say is even when he's playing very poor by his standards, he still makes stuff happen. Every player has bad spells, and Lallana is in his at the moment, however luckily for us his bad spell is still better than half of this division.

 

Well despite everything you say being well within the boundaries of fair comment I'd say, it seems Adam's contribution on Saturday was only worth a mere '5' while Guly apparently had a better game than Lambert - who only scored twice !

 

You know that old rule of thumb that a player gets a point just for turning up ? I can only suppose that Guly Do Prado obviously gets 3 points just for coming from Brazil.

Edited 12 December, 2011 by CHAPEL END CHARLIE

[LostBoys]

Nah, he was onside when the cross was kicked, which is all that mattered.

 

Sorry not correct - was offside at the first phase which I hope is why he was not marked by the defence

[Charlie Wayman]

Well, that's 4 from 12 so we are definitely not going as well as we were a month ago. We didn't pass the ball around anywhere nearly enough on Saturday and with no penetration never looked like adding to our total. If we didn't have Lambert we 'd be stuffed. As for that stupid tit in goal what can you say without swearing? How many years has he been here? What's he been doing FFS? As I said before if he'd been any effing good he would have ousted the other old geezer long ago. Now we can see why he hasn't and frankly it's well time to get rid and find a real goalie for the future. Robinson would be great if Bolton get relegated.

[Mr X]

Well, that's 4 from 12 so we are definitely not going as well as we were a month ago. We didn't pass the ball around anywhere nearly enough on Saturday and with no penetration never looked like adding to our total. If we didn't have Lambert we 'd be stuffed. As for that stupid tit in goal what can you say without swearing? How many years has he been here? What's he been doing FFS? As I said before if he'd been any effing good he would have ousted the other old geezer long ago. Now we can see why he hasn't and frankly it's well time to get rid and find a real goalie for the future. Robinson would be great if Bolton get relegated.

 

Have to agree I dont doubt that bart has talent but I dont think its ever been at the level we need it to be. Bart is 24 and has been here six years and Kelvin davis is 36 and bart has never seriously put Kelvins place as no 1 in doubt