Saints 1 Ipswich 1 - Reaction Thread

[dugoutdave]

Really dont know what you guys are worried about. I watched you demolish us at Portman Road and have seen every home game Ipswich have played (plus a couple of aways). You still in my opinion remain the best team I have seen all season. I have only had chance obviously to see you on telly so i cant really judge if your play at Portman Road was a typical performance but I honestly cant see you losing out now. I have a couple of clients/friends in Southampton who are also getting nervous but I cant see any reason that you shouldn't be in P.L. next year and bloody good luck to you.

[beatlesaint]

Well needless to say I do not agree with Dave Merrington and all those other self-deluders who think this result doesn't matter, of course it effing matters. We have to win every game now to be in with a shout of automatic promotion and as Dave himself would say "the last thing we want to do now is drop points at home"!

 

Two dismal performances on the trot at a time when Hammers & Reading are winning everything with apparent ease is just totally unacceptable. We simply cannot rely on them to screw up just to save us and who really believes the Pompey points will be scrapped. If we are relying on such sender hopes we are up the effing creek good and proper.

 

As Adkins is so fond fond of saying, "two games every week - but it's the same for everyone" and it IS! Why then were so many of our players knackered at HT? Frankly most of our guys played stinkers and Adam Lallana should hold his head in shame for missing sitters when it was easier to score than not. I don't buy Adam walks on water malarky, he should have come off at HT but Adkins is scared to touch him as usual.

 

Taking Lee off was a travesty of mismanagement when he was by far our best player.

 

If I were Adkins, I'd be feeling very uncomfortable this morning and keeping my head down at Staplewood waiting nervously for a phone-cal from the boss. Try brushing this one off with a smile and a self-deceiving "we'll look at it in the morning, analyse it, see what positives we can take; then draw a blue line under this game and then WE move on"

 

Bull****!

 

Cortese looked like thunder at the final whistle so he must be raking over options in his head in the smae way that Abramovich does

 

Oh boy, you are priceless aren't you ?

 

FYI - West Ham drew their last game at home to Crystal Palace 0-0, up until tonight that was their game before last, hardly "winning everything with ease"

[Dig Dig]

Well needless to say I do not agree with Dave Merrington and all those other self-deluders who think this result doesn't matter, of course it effing matters. We have to win every game now to be in with a shout of automatic promotion and as Dave himself would say "the last thing we want to do now is drop points at home"!

 

Two dismal performances on the trot at a time when Hammers & Reading are winning everything with apparent ease is just totally unacceptable. We simply cannot rely on them to screw up just to save us and who really believes the Pompey points will be scrapped. If we are relying on such sender hopes we are up the effing creek good and proper.

 

As Adkins is so fond fond of saying, "two games every week - but it's the same for everyone" and it IS! Why then were so many of our players knackered at HT? Frankly most of our guys played stinkers and Adam Lallana should hold his head in shame for missing sitters when it was easier to score than not. I don't buy Adam walks on water malarky, he should have come off at HT but Adkins is scared to touch him as usual.

 

Taking Lee off was a travesty of mismanagement when he was by far our best player.

 

If I were Adkins, I'd be feeling very uncomfortable this morning and keeping my head down at Staplewood waiting nervously for a phone-cal from the boss. Try brushing this one off with a smile and a self-deceiving "we'll look at it in the morning, analyse it, see what positives we can take; then draw a blue line under this game and then WE move on"

 

Bull****!

 

Cortese looked like thunder at the final whistle so he must be raking over options in his head in the smae way that Abramovich does

 

HAHAHAHA, Cortese would have to be thicker and as cluseless as you to even think about getting rid of Adkins now.

[Window Cleaner]

HAHAHAHA, Cortese would have to be thicker and as cluseless as you to even think about getting rid of Adkins now.

 

Which he obviously won't do anyway. He's probably more p*ssed off about paying a (relatively) lot of money for Sharp who isn't getting a start and not getting any goals either.

I really do wonder sometimes if our goal scorers are regular enough, not individually but as a unit.We do seem to waste a fair few chances when we really need not to do that.

Edited 7 March, 2012 by Window Cleaner

[captainchris]

Just thinking out louuddenly, posts are changing in theme......Many are talking about what the other teams might do. It is true we are now under pressure and certainly our form is not back to where we might need it to be to win automatic promotion. I'm not sure everything is quite right just now with team selection and tactics. It's not major as we have good players to help us along what ever the selection and tactics but our intensity seems to be just a bit off at times and maybe this linked to the slow build ups we often favour playing predominantly through the middle of the pitchis hampering is us. Perhaps at the end of the day we still lack some pace out wide and with Ricky being superb at converting crosses this seems to be rather bizzar...That might sound quite strong but is it a factor...? Not easy to solve though - that's the problem. Deridder, if played from the start often doesn't perform and we don't really have other pacy realistic options. If we don't make a break through passing through the middle, consequently we only really have Deridder as an option late on. It is disconcerting to see Ricky picking the ball up out wide so often during the game when he is the one you want in the middle waiting for the cross. Still, if we'd taken our chances last night there would be no problem I suppose........

[Give it to Ron]

Not close enough to the action to observe a specific issue, but I will ask nevertheless:

 

Considering the squad at his disposal, is NA really making the best use of it ? People are talking about the players looking knackered, and ineffective or plain incorrect substitutions, a lot at the moment. I know this is the typical "armchair punditry", but it has still got me wondering.

 

Oh, at this stage of the season and with so much a stake, dropping 2 points at home is hard to excuse or tolerate.

 

Yes he is, he had no choice to play Harding as his only other option was injured. Chaplow/Puncheon both have not played many games lately and Punch was poor on Saturday.

Adkins cannot be held responsible for Hammond not knowing what a Saints player looks like in the first 25 minutes or Lallana missing 2 very good chances or Guly and Lambert missing the target early on.

We played really good stuff in the first 30 minutes.

 

My only real gripe last night was why it takes so long for us to make a substitution - not just whats happening on the pitch but the player warming up getting his shirt on tracksuit off, board held up tactics given its pigging ages!

[Dig Dig]

Which he obviously won't do anyway. He's probably more p*ssed off about paying a (relatively) lot of money for Sharp who isn't getting a start and not getting any goals either.

I really do wonder sometimes if our goal scorers are regular enough, not individually but as a unit.We do seem to waste a fair few chances when we really need not to do that.

 

Nature of beast. You create more than you score. Still top scorers in the league are we not? It's as equally important not to let Jason Scotland mug you off on the edge of the box and curl one in. But our defence has been top class over the last few games so can't really begrudge a mistake too much.

 

Re Sharp, it is amazing how there was this huge clamour about him when he signed but it's actually Lee who's made the biggest impact so far.....many were not expecting much from him. Makes you wonder if the sharp signing was necessary after all, especially if we do go up. Can't see him leading our line with Lambert if we do go up in any case.

[Andy Durman]

DIDN'T WE WIN????? DID CHAPLOW PLAY???? THOUGHT NOT.

 

Please lets not underestimate how important closing the ball down and winning it back is in the beautiful game.

 

Both Cork and Chaplow are vital in this team for that reason alone.

[Saint_clark]

DIDN'T WE WIN????? DID CHAPLOW PLAY???? THOUGHT NOT.

 

Please lets not underestimate how important closing the ball down and winning it back is in the beautiful game.

 

Both Cork and Chaplow are vital in this team for that reason alone.

 

It's really that simple, is it?

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Incredible (or perhaps not) to think that if we had not let in the late goal or had scored one more to win

there would have been far far fewer of the negative postings on here.

Anything other than a win attracts the serial negatives on here like flies to ****.....they just love a moan..

 

 

I dread to think just how bad would it be on here if we were fighting relegation...

 

 

We still have a more thn decent chance of winning promotion,we are currently top FFS,most likely 2nd tonight but you never know.

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Well needless to say I do not agree with Dave Merrington and all those other self-deluders who think this result doesn't matter, of course it effing matters. We have to win every game now to be in with a shout of automatic promotion and as Dave himself would say "the last thing we want to do now is drop points at home"!

 

Two dismal performances on the trot at a time when Hammers & Reading are winning everything with apparent ease is just totally unacceptable. We simply cannot rely on them to screw up just to save us and who really believes the Pompey points will be scrapped. If we are relying on such sender hopes we are up the effing creek good and proper.

 

As Adkins is so fond fond of saying, "two games every week - but it's the same for everyone" and it IS! Why then were so many of our players knackered at HT? Frankly most of our guys played stinkers and Adam Lallana should hold his head in shame for missing sitters when it was easier to score than not. I don't buy Adam walks on water malarky, he should have come off at HT but Adkins is scared to touch him as usual.

 

Taking Lee off was a travesty of mismanagement when he was by far our best player.

 

If I were Adkins, I'd be feeling very uncomfortable this morning and keeping my head down at Staplewood waiting nervously for a phone-cal from the boss. Try brushing this one off with a smile and a self-deceiving "we'll look at it in the morning, analyse it, see what positives we can take; then draw a blue line under this game and then WE move on"

 

Bull****!

 

Cortese looked like thunder at the final whistle so he must be raking over options in his head in the smae way that Abramovich does

 

 

You are utterly,utterly clueless....

[Window Cleaner]

It's really that simple, is it?

 

If Nigel dropped Chaplow completely from the 16 then I assume that he had his reasons for that, perhaps there's a bit of a reaction from his recent knee injury.Cork's been looking a bit run down for a couple of games now and many wanted to see Hammond replace him at least for the Ipswich game.

[dronskisaint]

Well needless to say I do not agree with Dave Merrington and all those other self-deluders who think this result doesn't matter, of course it effing matters. We have to win every game now to be in with a shout of automatic promotion and as Dave himself would say "the last thing we want to do now is drop points at home"!

 

Two dismal performances on the trot at a time when Hammers & Reading are winning everything with apparent ease is just totally unacceptable. We simply cannot rely on them to screw up just to save us and who really believes the Pompey points will be scrapped. If we are relying on such sender hopes we are up the effing creek good and proper.

 

As Adkins is so fond fond of saying, "two games every week - but it's the same for everyone" and it IS! Why then were so many of our players knackered at HT? Frankly most of our guys played stinkers and Adam Lallana should hold his head in shame for missing sitters when it was easier to score than not. I don't buy Adam walks on water malarky, he should have come off at HT but Adkins is scared to touch him as usual.

 

Taking Lee off was a travesty of mismanagement when he was by far our best player.

 

If I were Adkins, I'd be feeling very uncomfortable this morning and keeping my head down at Staplewood waiting nervously for a phone-cal from the boss. Try brushing this one off with a smile and a self-deceiving "we'll look at it in the morning, analyse it, see what positives we can take; then draw a blue line under this game and then WE move on"

 

Bull****!

 

Cortese looked like thunder at the final whistle so he must be raking over options in his head in the smae way that Abramovich does

 

Just too wrong on too many levels to give the credibility of a detailed reply.

 

I think you came off at the wrong motorway junction

[Whitey Grandad]

Very disappointing but any team can fluke a goal at any time and at 1-0 you're always vulnerable. The reason we didn't win last night was our failure to convert any one of several good chances, two for Lallana, two for Guly and Lambert's second. It's a long season and there are still a lot of games to be played. Our rivals are going to have games like ours last night.

[Window Cleaner]

Our rivals are going to have games like ours last night.

 

 

Hopefully sooner than later then, I'd really like to see Leicester step up and beat Reading this week-end, just for a new dose of feel good factor on a personal basis.

[VectisSaint]

We have whipping boys every season. This season it's Guly and Harding ,with shout outs to, Hammond and Bart when they plays. I mean Jos was blatantly at fault for the Ipswich goal yet reading this thread you could be mistaken for thinking it was Guly, Harding and Hammond that caused us to get a draw.

2 out of 3 I agree, Guly was not a problem last night although he did run out of steam in 2nd half. Actually did some very good work breaking down Ipswich attacks and making good passes. Harding, I have no idea what anyone sees he did particularly wrong, 1st half especially was very effective and I never felt even the slightest anxiety when ipswich were attacking down our right. I don't believe he was directly at fault for goal, it was due to a slip by Morgan I think (but as i was down other end of ground could not see). Saints fans need to realise how unbelievably fortunate we are to have a backup of the quality of Harding (and backup both on left and right). Personally i don't think there is a lot to choose between Harding and Fox, although Fox has looked much better of late (better than before not better than Harding). But I do disagree about Hammond. He was appalling last night, guilty time and time again of giving the ball away cheaply after others (Lee and Guly especially) had worked their socks off to win the ball back. Also it is evident that when Hamond plays Morgan is not as effective. It is clear that their roles are slightly different when they play together. Morgan with Cork is a top class player, Morgam with Hammo is closer to average. I can see now why our management team prefers to leave Hammond on the bench and play Morgam with Cork.

 

I know this won't go down well, but also have to say, that take away his goal and SRL was completely rubbish last night (I know, I know, he's in the team to score goals, and he is brilliant at that). But last night he did nothing else, his touch was bad (unusally), he did not win any headers and generally looked out of sorts.

 

The worst aspect of last night (apart from the fact we dropped 2 very important points) was how often we put ourselves into difficult situations by sloppy passes at the back, much of the Ipswich pressure was due to our sloppiness, its happened before and it is something NA needs to address.

 

Very ****ed off with the result, don't agree with those who think it doesn't matter that we dropped 2 points, its not the number of points that are important it was the timing, this week we needed to make the most of our home games. Reading will clearly not win every game for the rest of the season. They will probably win their next one though, and it gives them a massive pshycological boost to be effectively level with us on points (given the game in hand). When you are on a run of 7 or 8 wins and you still haven't made inroads into an opponents lead you begin to sense that it is not your year.

[Saint_clark]

Lambert looked like he had a shoulder problem for most of the game after the centreback used him as a step ladder and the ref gave nothing. He stayed down for about 20 seconds after it.

[Lets B Avenue]

(but as i was down other end of ground could not see).

 

 

I know this won't go down well, but also have to say, that take away his goal and SRL was completely rubbish last night (I know, I know, he's in the team to score goals, and he is brilliant at that). But last night he did nothing else, his touch was bad (unusally), he did not win any headers and generally looked out of sorts.

 

[/quote

 

 

I feel one comment backs up the other.

[doddisalegend]

(but as i was down other end of ground could not see).

 

 

I know this won't go down well, but also have to say, that take away his goal and SRL was completely rubbish last night (I know, I know, he's in the team to score goals, and he is brilliant at that). But last night he did nothing else, his touch was bad (unusally), he did not win any headers and generally looked out of sorts.

 

[/quote

 

 

I feel one comment backs up the other.

 

Only if he watched one half...............

[Chez]

Schneiderlin is a keep possession player whose whole game is based on just passing, sideways, backwards it doesn't matter to him. A lot of his sideways and backwards passes just inevitably end up back with Davis. For me he is a wasted talent that is far too conservative.

do me a favour. Every central midfielder plays it sideways. You want them to keep possession at all costs and he does it better than anyone else. I wouldn't swap Noble for Morgan. Wasted talent, what a load of ****e. Morgan had a good game last night. Defensively he was outstanding, constantly nipping in and taking the ball off toes. We are just fine in the middle. The fact we created 5 or 6 great chances - one brilliantly laid on by Hammond BTW - shows that our passing method works just fine.

 

 

Jos had Scotland penned against the touchline then firstly let him turn, then didn't force him down the line, letting him come inside was suicide

agreed. **** poor defending. Get tight and don't let him turn.

 

Sharp doesn't look the part yet, he looks very chunky to me but maybe that's his shape.

I wonder when he will be ready? Have we bought him for next season? Doesn't look anywhere near Premiership quality to me.

[Lets B Avenue]

 

Only if he watched one half...............

 

By claiming that SRL didnt win any headers, I would suggest that its his eyesight, rather than where he sits, is the main problem.

[Chez]

I know this won't go down well, but also have to say, that take away his goal and SRL was completely rubbish last night (I know, I know, he's in the team to score goals, and he is brilliant at that). But last night he did nothing else, his touch was bad (unusally), he did not win any headers and generally looked out of sorts.

 

.

Game of two halves for Ricky. In the first he won absolutely everything in the air, linked the play and bossed the game. In the second he won nothing. That was the difference between the first and second half displays of the side as a whole.

[Sour Mash]

Lambert looked like he had a shoulder problem for most of the game after the centreback used him as a step ladder and the ref gave nothing. He stayed down for about 20 seconds after it.

Yep. Not really seen any comment on here so far, but I thought the ref let a lot go (no major challenges, but lots of bits and pieces that might sometimes get pulled up). Lambert got whacked a few times as usual and certainly wasn't as effective in the 2nd half as the 1st and with him being so key to our play, it didn't help at all.

[SuperMikey]

Disappointing to concede late on, but I probably would've taken a point before the game as they've been in good form recently. We didn't play well, and Ipswich did well to close us down in midfield and force us to play it long. They gave us no space in the final third for us to knock it around and work space to shoot. I think Ipswich could've won the game if not for a few misses and a good save by Kelvin, so we shouldn't be moaning so much about dropping 2 points.

 

The most important thing is that we beat Barnsley on Saturday.

[Saints Warrior]

Saints have been getting better and the last 2 home games played as a unit. But yesturday the midfield were to far off the front men, the defending was poor at times but good at others. KD saved us from defeat as if they scored first we would not have got back into the game as just too slow.

 

My concerns are that ;

 

Saints dont tackle, just stand 3 meters away from opponent

Saints create chances but still cant get enough shots on target

Saints defence should be a lot better, so are they working too hard as the ball just cuts through the rest of the team

Saints need 7 wins at least to secure a top 2 place. Thats from 11 remaining. Its a big ask.

Saints struggle vs the lower teams and those who now have nothing to play for.

Saints rely on Lalana, KD and lambert too much

[Jack]

I really don't know what game some people were watching last night.

 

Lambert rubbish? - how about the 10+ flick ons he won to let us run in behind/gain possession. And a couple of very good through balls. Oh, and a good finish for our only goal.

 

Lee not delivering? - he was everywhere. Made top quality runs, pulled their defence all over the place, and holds the ball up very well. Didn't get any real chances, but he was involved in a lot of our best play

 

Lallana off his game? - He should have done better with a couple of shots, but was still by far the best player on the pitch.

 

Yes it's disappointing to concede late, but if we hadn't, and won 1-0, none of this rubbish would be posted on here and everyone would be saying how well we played. That was one of our best attacking performances for a while. If we create that many good chances every week, we'll win most games and have no problem getting promoted.

 

So many WUMs and drama queens on here.

[sandwichsaint]

You have to love the odd poor result if only for the reactions on here, I should imagine that all local suppliers are fresh out of incontinence pants this morning. Unfortunately Saints came up with the sort of performance that we have seen too many times - big expectation, possible under-estimation of the oppo (by the fans certainly), no early breakthrough, frustration for the players and the crowd, visitors gaining confidence and starting to believe they will get something from the game, Saints eventually breaking through but never looking wholly convincing, Saints shoot themselves in foot when the game was there for the winning. Disappointing but I guess we just have to suck it up and move on to the next game; maybe last night will come to be seen in time as this season's Walsall away and we can now motor on to the end of the season and a similarly happy ending?

 

Selection? Don't think many people can have too many quibbles with the side picked on the back of the Leeds game? Puncheon wasn't very good at Leeds, Chaplow and Cork both had mixed games and both looked to be running on empty on Saturday (Cork after a lot of games and Chaplow after not enough games), Gully was also OK when he came on Saturday. Harding is a shoo in at LB and Hammond has been pretty solid most times he has played this year. Lee over Sharpe is also a no-brainer on current form. Unfortunately the changes didn't seem to give us the required lift and it was a strangely subdued performance all round with too many players below par on the day.

 

Davis 7, didn't have lots to do but pulled out two smart saves when needed and no chance with the goal. Agree with the distribution thing, would like to see him feed it much more quickly to the feet of the CBs or full backs when they have room to play.

Richardson 5, can't fault his effort but his passing and ball retention was rough all game and rarely threatend when he got fd. Set pieces were pretty poor too.

Fonte 7, pick of the back four and always seemed to have things under control.

Hoov 6, seemed out of sorts (by his high standards), typical committed performance but Ipswich's pressing seemed to rattle him and distribution not great. Shocker for the goal!

Harding 5, reasonable first half and linked up with AL, went missing second half. Where was he for their goal while Jason Scotland helped himself to a gentle evening stroll all around his manor?

Gully 6, excellent first 30 minutes, picked up several interceptions and tackles and kept trying to do the right things. Made a complete mare of his headed chance and went downhill after that. Involved in our best move of the second half but then rushed his finish when with more composure he could have got closer. Rightly subbed.

Hammond 4, I'm a fan but he had one last night. Lots of effort but he seemed to completely forget the basics, consequently gave the ball away way too much. Could be his last start for some time if others stay fit.

Morgan 7, worked hard but not quite at his brilliant best last night. Looked, understandably, leggy and tired.

Lallana 6, some lovely touches and our most threatening attacking outlet. Really poor miss in the one on one, the ball didn't get to him very quickly which gave the keeper time to narrow it and set himself. With hindsight, AL was in tons of room and if he had taken a touch and changed it, either back inside or further to the left the keeper would have been put off balance and he would have almost certainly scored.Also had a couple of really weak efforts on goal in the second half - if he can't score from there then recycle it and work it to someone who can score!

Lee 7, love his attitude, his speed, his ability, his tenacity and his sheer will to win, what a find! He's come in like a whirlwind but it's going to take time for him to connect with his new teammates and vice-versa. The channel ball for his pace to run onto gives us a useful new dimension when we learn to mix it up. Maybe like to see him in a 4-3-3 where his pace and mobility could really do some damage?

RL 6, looked leggy from the off and struggled to really get into it last night being generally well policed by his marker. Glad the chance fell to him when it did, I wouldn't really have fancied anyone else to stick that in at that stage. His second chance wasn't a chance - the ball from SDR was behind him.

 

SDR 8, the perfect sub against tiring legs and he made the most of a rare chance. I don't think he's a realistic option to start at this stage (big Q?M for me about his defensive ability) but he's definitely an option from the bench in any stalemate situation.

Cork, not on very long

Sharpe, not sure at the moment, he doesn't look fit and he's probably feeling the pressure of a 'big' move. One for next year, if we get him fit and playing properly he will either be a squad player in the Prem or we can get our money back from one of the relegated sides. If we don't go up we are probably looking at next year's new Rickie Lambert ... let's not even go there at this stage.

[Whitey Grandad]

That's a very fair summary, Sandwichsaint.

[Avenue Saint]

You have to love the odd poor result if only for the reactions on here, I should imagine that all local suppliers are fresh out of incontinence pants this morning. Unfortunately Saints came up with the sort of performance that we have seen too many times - big expectation, possible under-estimation of the oppo (by the fans certainly), no early breakthrough, frustration for the players and the crowd, visitors gaining confidence and starting to believe they will get something from the game, Saints eventually breaking through but never looking wholly convincing, Saints shoot themselves in foot when the game was there for the winning. Disappointing but I guess we just have to suck it up and move on to the next game; maybe last night will come to be seen in time as this season's Walsall away and we can now motor on to the end of the season and a similarly happy ending?

 

Selection? Don't think many people can have too many quibbles with the side picked on the back of the Leeds game? Puncheon wasn't very good at Leeds, Chaplow and Cork both had mixed games and both looked to be running on empty on Saturday (Cork after a lot of games and Chaplow after not enough games), Gully was also OK when he came on Saturday. Harding is a shoo in at LB and Hammond has been pretty solid most times he has played this year. Lee over Sharpe is also a no-brainer on current form. Unfortunately the changes didn't seem to give us the required lift and it was a strangely subdued performance all round with too many players below par on the day.

 

Davis 7, didn't have lots to do but pulled out two smart saves when needed and no chance with the goal. Agree with the distribution thing, would like to see him feed it much more quickly to the feet of the CBs or full backs when they have room to play.

Richardson 5, can't fault his effort but his passing and ball retention was rough all game and rarely threatend when he got fd. Set pieces were pretty poor too.

Fonte 7, pick of the back four and always seemed to have things under control.

Hoov 6, seemed out of sorts (by his high standards), typical committed performance but Ipswich's pressing seemed to rattle him and distribution not great. Shocker for the goal!

Harding 5, reasonable first half and linked up with AL, went missing second half. Where was he for their goal while Jason Scotland helped himself to a gentle evening stroll all around his manor?

Gully 6, excellent first 30 minutes, picked up several interceptions and tackles and kept trying to do the right things. Made a complete mare of his headed chance and went downhill after that. Involved in our best move of the second half but then rushed his finish when with more composure he could have got closer. Rightly subbed.

Hammond 4, I'm a fan but he had one last night. Lots of effort but he seemed to completely forget the basics, consequently gave the ball away way too much. Could be his last start for some time if others stay fit.

Morgan 7, worked hard but not quite at his brilliant best last night. Looked, understandably, leggy and tired.

Lallana 6, some lovely touches and our most threatening attacking outlet. Really poor miss in the one on one, the ball didn't get to him very quickly which gave the keeper time to narrow it and set himself. With hindsight, AL was in tons of room and if he had taken a touch and changed it, either back inside or further to the left the keeper would have been put off balance and he would have almost certainly scored.Also had a couple of really weak efforts on goal in the second half - if he can't score from there then recycle it and work it to someone who can score!

Lee 7, love his attitude, his speed, his ability, his tenacity and his sheer will to win, what a find! He's come in like a whirlwind but it's going to take time for him to connect with his new teammates and vice-versa. The channel ball for his pace to run onto gives us a useful new dimension when we learn to mix it up. Maybe like to see him in a 4-3-3 where his pace and mobility could really do some damage?

RL 6, looked leggy from the off and struggled to really get into it last night being generally well policed by his marker. Glad the chance fell to him when it did, I wouldn't really have fancied anyone else to stick that in at that stage. His second chance wasn't a chance - the ball from SDR was behind him.

 

SDR 8, the perfect sub against tiring legs and he made the most of a rare chance. I don't think he's a realistic option to start at this stage (big Q?M for me about his defensive ability) but he's definitely an option from the bench in any stalemate situation.

Cork, not on very long

Sharpe, not sure at the moment, he doesn't look fit and he's probably feeling the pressure of a 'big' move. One for next year, if we get him fit and playing properly he will either be a squad player in the Prem or we can get our money back from one of the relegated sides. If we don't go up we are probably looking at next year's new Rickie Lambert ... let's not even go there at this stage.

 

Agreed

[Village Saint]

Well needless to say I do not agree with Dave Merrington and all those other self-deluders who think this result doesn't matter, of course it effing matters. We have to win every game now to be in with a shout of automatic promotion and as Dave himself would say "the last thing we want to do now is drop points at home"!

 

Two dismal performances on the trot at a time when Hammers & Reading are winning everything with apparent ease is just totally unacceptable. We simply cannot rely on them to screw up just to save us and who really believes the Pompey points will be scrapped. If we are relying on such sender hopes we are up the effing creek good and proper.

 

As Adkins is so fond fond of saying, "two games every week - but it's the same for everyone" and it IS! Why then were so many of our players knackered at HT? Frankly most of our guys played stinkers and Adam Lallana should hold his head in shame for missing sitters when it was easier to score than not. I don't buy Adam walks on water malarky, he should have come off at HT but Adkins is scared to touch him as usual.

 

Taking Lee off was a travesty of mismanagement when he was by far our best player.

 

If I were Adkins, I'd be feeling very uncomfortable this morning and keeping my head down at Staplewood waiting nervously for a phone-cal from the boss. Try brushing this one off with a smile and a self-deceiving "we'll look at it in the morning, analyse it, see what positives we can take; then draw a blue line under this game and then WE move on"

 

Bull****!

 

Cortese looked like thunder at the final whistle so he must be raking over options in his head in the smae way that Abramovich does

 

What sort of idiot are you. We have just got 4 points from 2 games as tough as they come in this league. We are second in the table with only two other teams even competing for an automatic place. I expected us to win the title and still do (I certainly hope so as I have a lot of money on it) but we are outperforming most people's wildest expectations and playing football which is great to watch. What exactly do you want!!

[Leicestersaint]

This was a very disappointing performance (in terms of scoring goals) and a disappointing result. I can't imagine why anyone would say otherwise. It was also disappointing that we could not defend our lead for just a few minutes until the end.

 

We needed a stronger midfield - Hammond tried hard I know -and i was very surprised that Chaplow was not involved at all - a big mistake i feel.

[ericofarabia]

What sort of idiot are you. We have just got 4 points from 2 games as tough as they come in this league. We are second in the table with only two other teams even competing for an automatic place. I expected us to win the title and still do (I certainly hope so as I have a lot of money on it) but we are outperforming most people's wildest expectations and playing football which is great to watch. What exactly do you want!!

 

Ahem ...... maybe in a few hours time this maybe the case, but at the moment .... as the song goes ... "We are Southampton and we're Top of The League"

[mitch01]

Well needless to say I do not agree with Dave Merrington and all those other self-deluders who think this result doesn't matter, of course it effing matters. We have to win every game now to be in with a shout of automatic promotion and as Dave himself would say "the last thing we want to do now is drop points at home"!

 

Two dismal performances on the trot at a time when Hammers & Reading are winning everything with apparent ease is just totally unacceptable. We simply cannot rely on them to screw up just to save us and who really believes the Pompey points will be scrapped. If we are relying on such sender hopes we are up the effing creek good and proper.

 

As Adkins is so fond fond of saying, "two games every week - but it's the same for everyone" and it IS! Why then were so many of our players knackered at HT? Frankly most of our guys played stinkers and Adam Lallana should hold his head in shame for missing sitters when it was easier to score than not. I don't buy Adam walks on water malarky, he should have come off at HT but Adkins is scared to touch him as usual.

 

Taking Lee off was a travesty of mismanagement when he was by far our best player.

 

If I were Adkins, I'd be feeling very uncomfortable this morning and keeping my head down at Staplewood waiting nervously for a phone-cal from the boss. Try brushing this one off with a smile and a self-deceiving "we'll look at it in the morning, analyse it, see what positives we can take; then draw a blue line under this game and then WE move on"

 

Bull****!

 

Cortese looked like thunder at the final whistle so he must be raking over options in his head in the smae way that Abramovich does

 

Oh my God

[shurlock]

You have to love the odd poor result if only for the reactions on here, I should imagine that all local suppliers are fresh out of incontinence pants this morning. Unfortunately Saints came up with the sort of performance that we have seen too many times - big expectation, possible under-estimation of the oppo (by the fans certainly), no early breakthrough, frustration for the players and the crowd, visitors gaining confidence and starting to believe they will get something from the game, Saints eventually breaking through but never looking wholly convincing, Saints shoot themselves in foot when the game was there for the winning. Disappointing but I guess we just have to suck it up and move on to the next game; maybe last night will come to be seen in time as this season's Walsall away and we can now motor on to the end of the season and a similarly happy ending?

 

Selection? Don't think many people can have too many quibbles with the side picked on the back of the Leeds game? Puncheon wasn't very good at Leeds, Chaplow and Cork both had mixed games and both looked to be running on empty on Saturday (Cork after a lot of games and Chaplow after not enough games), Gully was also OK when he came on Saturday. Harding is a shoo in at LB and Hammond has been pretty solid most times he has played this year. Lee over Sharpe is also a no-brainer on current form. Unfortunately the changes didn't seem to give us the required lift and it was a strangely subdued performance all round with too many players below par on the day.

 

Davis 7, didn't have lots to do but pulled out two smart saves when needed and no chance with the goal. Agree with the distribution thing, would like to see him feed it much more quickly to the feet of the CBs or full backs when they have room to play.

Richardson 5, can't fault his effort but his passing and ball retention was rough all game and rarely threatend when he got fd. Set pieces were pretty poor too.

Fonte 7, pick of the back four and always seemed to have things under control.

Hoov 6, seemed out of sorts (by his high standards), typical committed performance but Ipswich's pressing seemed to rattle him and distribution not great. Shocker for the goal!

Harding 5, reasonable first half and linked up with AL, went missing second half. Where was he for their goal while Jason Scotland helped himself to a gentle evening stroll all around his manor?

Gully 6, excellent first 30 minutes, picked up several interceptions and tackles and kept trying to do the right things. Made a complete mare of his headed chance and went downhill after that. Involved in our best move of the second half but then rushed his finish when with more composure he could have got closer. Rightly subbed.

Hammond 4, I'm a fan but he had one last night. Lots of effort but he seemed to completely forget the basics, consequently gave the ball away way too much. Could be his last start for some time if others stay fit.

Morgan 7, worked hard but not quite at his brilliant best last night. Looked, understandably, leggy and tired.

Lallana 6, some lovely touches and our most threatening attacking outlet. Really poor miss in the one on one, the ball didn't get to him very quickly which gave the keeper time to narrow it and set himself. With hindsight, AL was in tons of room and if he had taken a touch and changed it, either back inside or further to the left the keeper would have been put off balance and he would have almost certainly scored.Also had a couple of really weak efforts on goal in the second half - if he can't score from there then recycle it and work it to someone who can score!

Lee 7, love his attitude, his speed, his ability, his tenacity and his sheer will to win, what a find! He's come in like a whirlwind but it's going to take time for him to connect with his new teammates and vice-versa. The channel ball for his pace to run onto gives us a useful new dimension when we learn to mix it up. Maybe like to see him in a 4-3-3 where his pace and mobility could really do some damage?

RL 6, looked leggy from the off and struggled to really get into it last night being generally well policed by his marker. Glad the chance fell to him when it did, I wouldn't really have fancied anyone else to stick that in at that stage. His second chance wasn't a chance - the ball from SDR was behind him.

 

SDR 8, the perfect sub against tiring legs and he made the most of a rare chance. I don't think he's a realistic option to start at this stage (big Q?M for me about his defensive ability) but he's definitely an option from the bench in any stalemate situation.

Cork, not on very long

Sharpe, not sure at the moment, he doesn't look fit and he's probably feeling the pressure of a 'big' move. One for next year, if we get him fit and playing properly he will either be a squad player in the Prem or we can get our money back from one of the relegated sides. If we don't go up we are probably looking at next year's new Rickie Lambert ... let's not even go there at this stage.

 

It was far from a subdued performance in the first half -not to mention it was a relatively fresh team (5 changes from the team that began on Saturday). Thought we were v.bright and won all the second balls. Had we got a goal, it could have been a Derby or Burnley and we could have been out of sight. It was a much better performance than Watford and Leeds and we created more chances than the Cardiff game which people gushed over for reasons unbeknown to me. They came back into it in the 2nd half without really threatening (Chopra's header apart) and we got slightly nervy as the game went on. But is that really a surprise, especially against an in-form side.

 

Agree with your ratings:

Lambert had a poor game by his standards (not so sure if the knock affected him). He drifted to the wings to find a mismatch with the fullbacks but as a result became less potent.

Lallana started really brightly but faded (still think his decision-making and distribution need work - needs to play more first-time balls), though it was a nice change to see us stretching Ipswich by pinging the ball early into space for him and Lee to chase.

Hammond was poor; but his inclusion was understandable after Cork's performance as well as the shift he put in on Saturday.

Guly was excellent in the first half - and whatever people say, he gives us a lot defensively - hence why he was brought on at Leeds. I'm glad Chaplow was left out of the squad - contrary to the mugs on here who were proclaiming the second coming, he's had a subdued return. And as far as balancing defensive and attacking responsibilities, Guly is probably the best we have atm. If Ipswich got room down the flanks, that's largely because we set up with a narrow midfield.

Edited 7 March, 2012 by shurlock

[Frank's cousin]

... nothing unexpected in the reation of some, our 'colourful' biggot Dune, and Mr 'slit your wrists' Wayman, and the more measured and analytical intelligent assessment from Derry - objective, rational and without degenerating into hysterics...

 

Dissapointment at losing is one thing - all fair enough But FFS, do some of you forget that Adkins, and many of the squad are still in the learning process? That if/when promoted we would be 2 years ahead of schedule? Are you forgetting that there are 11-12 games left and we will see many twists and turns yet... Jeez, for me the nail biting ride is is what makes it so bloody interesting, as last season. If someone had said at the season, we would be second after 35 games, with our fate in our hands, and with a squad faces success and failure as one, I would have said they were living in fantasy land. NOthing is decided yet, its going to be tight, so grow some balls and look forward to the exciting last 7 weeks. COYRs

[Dig Dig]

Spot on Frank, the bottlejobs lost it about this time last year as well.

[THEVMAN]

I know this forum is about different opinions but some of the slating of players on here you would think they played for other clubs,and others worrying about who is saints best player.I always thought it was a team thing and we all supported and wanted the same thing but the infighting seems to be getting worse,but sure you get a good laugh watching it all unfold.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

I know this forum is about different opinions but some of the slating of players on here you would think they played for other clubs,and others worrying about who is saints best player.I always thought it was a team thing and we all supported and wanted the same thing but the infighting seems to be getting worse,but sure you get a good laugh watching it all unfold.

 

I think it happens at every club, but how fans over react straight after the game is ridiculous. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but what I've noticed massively over the past two seasons is that peoples anxiousness manifests itself very negatively rather than being positive. People can't accept the bigger picture and always think of something that should be better and will whinge, moan, and ***** no matter what. If any players saw how fans react on this place they'd think we're all absolutely pathetic and if they took the same thoughts into games as some fans we'd get stuffed every week.

 

I'm not saying people shouldn't criticise, but some of the things people moan about are stupid. The players aren't robots, they can't always be perfect and over the course of the season we'll have ups and downs.

 

But **** me, top of the league with 12 games to go, squad has good depth and we have every chance of going up. Enjoy it and get behind the lads.

[Leslie Charteris]

...

Jeez, for me the nail biting ride is is what makes it so bloody interesting, as last season. If someone had said at the season, we would be second after 35 games, with our fate in our hands, and with a squad faces success and failure as one, I would have said they were living in fantasy land. COYRs

 

This... bring it on!

[doddisalegend]

I think it happens at every club' date=' but how fans over react straight after the game is ridiculous. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but what I've noticed massively over the past two seasons is that peoples anxiousness manifests itself very negatively rather than being positive. People can't accept the bigger picture and always think of something that should be better and will whinge, moan, and ***** no matter what. If any players saw how fans react on this place they'd think we're all absolutely pathetic and if they took the same thoughts into games as some fans we'd get stuffed every week.

 

I'm not saying people shouldn't criticise, but some of the things people moan about are stupid. The players aren't robots, they can't always be perfect and over the course of the season we'll have ups and downs.

 

But **** me, top of the league with 12 games to go, squad has good depth and we have every chance of going up. Enjoy it and get behind the lads.

 

They don't need to come on here the crowd at SMS don't take long to start moaning if we're not winning as you say " peoples anxiousness manifests itself very negatively rather than being positive" that's only going to get worse as the pressure at the end of the season gets more acute.

[Thedelldays]

They don't need to come on here the crowd at SMS don't take long to start moaning if we're not winning as you say " peoples anxiousness manifests itself very negatively rather than being positive" that's only going to get worse as the pressure at the end of the season gets more acute.

trouble is, saints fans are so used to winning...especially at home and dropping points is now seen as a disaster......dread to think the reaction to some games when we don't beat WBA at SMS in the prem

[Dig Dig]

trouble is, saints fans are so used to winning...especially at home and dropping points is now seen as a disaster......dread to think the reaction to some games when we don't beat WBA at SMS in the prem

 

It's a combination of the expectation to win all the time and also many expecting us to implode and fall to pieces like the saints of old.

[Chez]

Richardson 5, can't fault his effort but his passing and ball retention was rough all game and rarely threatend when he got fd. Set pieces were pretty poor too.

Don't recall his passing being too bad and what set pieces were these then?

 

Hammond 4, I'm a fan but he had one last night. Lots of effort but he seemed to completely forget the basics, consequently gave the ball away way too much. Could be his last start for some time if others stay fit.

that seems harsh considering we totally dominated the midfield in the first half and he played a major part of that. He disappeared in the second half a bit, but hardly a 4. The chance Lallana missed was down to his terrific hard running.

Morgan 7, Looked, understandably, leggy and tired.

No he didn't, he was everywhere.

RL 6, looked leggy from the off

looked bloody great from the off, Where the **** were you sat, Ipswich?

Sharpe, ...and he's probably feeling the pressure of a 'big' move.

rubbish, he's just slow (always has been) and reliant on a chance being put on a plate for him.

[RonManager]

Don't recall his passing being too bad and what set pieces were these then?

 

that seems harsh considering we totally dominated the midfield in the first half and he played a major part of that. He disappeared in the second half a bit, but hardly a 4. The chance Lallana missed was down to his terrific hard running.

No he didn't, he was everywhere.

looked bloody great from the off, Where the **** were you sat, Ipswich?

rubbish, he's just slow (always has been) and reliant on a chance being put on a plate for him.

 

 

_______________________________________________

[Delboy Dave]

No I agree I expect him to run aimless up and down the pitch for a full 90 plus stoppage time with no thought to his postion or the job the manager has given him. Honestly if he doesn't sprint the length of the pitch to cover the left back and then from there sprint into the oppositions box to set up Lambert in the first five miniutes we should sub him.........

 

Who said anything about sprinting and running around aimlessly? I used the word effort, which is something Guly doesn't appear to do much of.

[doddisalegend]

Who said anything about sprinting and running around aimlessly? I used the word effort, which is something Guly doesn't appear to do much of.

 

Which makes me wonder what you're watching? What effort would you like him to put in if it's not running about more. I saw plenty of effort from him closing down and tackling on tuesday. Guly doesn't lack effort that's just another saints web urban myth his biggest problem is his often heavy and poor first touch which gets him into trouble or screws up a useful opening.

[Professor]

Why does the sun go on shining, Why does the sea rush to shore? Don't they know it's the end of the world, Since Tuesday when Saints could only draw.

[Window Cleaner]

Which makes me wonder what you're watching? What effort would you like him to put in if it's not running about more. I saw plenty of effort from him closing down and tackling on tuesday. Guly doesn't lack effort that's just another saints web urban myth his biggest problem is his often heavy and poor first touch which gets him into trouble or screws up a useful opening.

 

To me Guly's biggest fault is that he gets offside pretty often. Other than that no general beefs with the guy.

[hypochondriac]

Le Tiss was at the game BTW. Shame we couldn't have got a better result for the great man.

[Window Cleaner]

full 90 up on Player now