Wigan 2-2 SAINTS /// Post-Match Reactions

[rshephard3]

Lets also not forget that, in changing managers, we signalled our intent to not accept draws from a winning position away at Wigan and scrapping it out at the bottom. Nigel was doing a damn fine job at that. What is expected is to finish in the top half and push for Europe next season. This is not my expectation but that of the chairman. Despite this being another point towards safety for the rational minded among us, in the overall context of the vision of the club over the next few years, it isn't good enough to play well without winning. Saints have always been good at that. There are winning expectations at the top of the club these days.

[derry]

Last eight games, 6 away, played Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Man Utd, only lost by one goal at MU. 7 points away, 9 points overall could have been more but we are doing ok. Now we have 7 at home and 6 away, about 16 points needed. We had taken four points from the first 10 games but 20 points from the last 15, scored 19 for with 16 against, W4 D7 L3. I think we are playing consistently enough to pick up more than the 16 points.

[krissyboy31]

Just how good was Morgan today? 9/10 would have been 10 if he hadn't have wasted the late free-kick.

[S-Clarke]

Just how good was Morgan today? 9/10 would have been 10 if he hadn't have wasted the late free-kick.

 

One of the best CM's in the PL. Love his energy, and it's becoming a regular occurrence to see him bursting into the box - that was a terrifically well timed run today. Only a few years ago the guy looked like he'd never get into the final third to take a shot, now he's scoring in the PL!

[ART]

Had we flashed 10 million Celtic's way on Gary Hooper instead of wasting 12 million on Ramirez, we'd be winning games like today. Ramirez is the worst purchase Saints have made since David Burnside (RIP) back in Ted's day. Wondering whether Ali Dia wasn't as good.

Points tally worse than at same period in 2005.

[badgerx16]

1) Nobody knows how a team with NA at the helm would have faired in the last 2 games, so there is no justification for the 'points dropped' argument. It's is all conjecture.

 

2) Nobody knows how many points will be required to keep a team up, so making guesses as to how we will reach 36 / 38 / 40 points are again conjecture - take each game as it comes, and as long as we don't drop below 17th we will stay up.

[badgerx16]

Points tally worse than at same period in 2005.

 

2004-2005 : 2nd Feb Played 25 points 18

2012-2013 : 2nd Feb Played 24 points 23

[hypochondriac]

So much for Ramirez playing for mp. He was the worst player on the pitch. Should start the next game on the bench.

[Olallana]

2004-2005 : 2nd Feb Played 25 points 18

2012-2013 : 2nd Feb Played 24 points 23

 

Haha, lawyered!!

[CB Fry]

2004-2005 : 2nd Feb Played 25 points 18

2012-2013 : 2nd Feb Played 24 points 23

 

That was a given. Consistently, without fail, every single time, ART is wrong about pretty much everything.

[Chez]

now that is entertainment. gutted they equalised but great buzz watching us take hold of a game and come back from behind. WIGAN pal said we were robbed and totally out classed them in every department. he was right.

 

its clear how the new manager wants us to play. first and foremost we totally disregard the opposition and just press press press. if you are good enough to play through us fair play but most teams arent. wigan and man uunited wedent. possession wise we have gone back to what we were doing first half of last season. pass teams to death. i like it.

 

boruc 7 one great save. a few poor throws. kicking spot on.

clyne 5 poor from the off. very sloppy for him.

yoshida 4 never gets tight. poor in the air today. lots of crap clearances. some very good passes though.

jos 8 got tight and won everything. composed on the ball. like role reversal on recent weeks.

shaw 9 quiet first half but took

players on in second. strong and pacey. what a player this lad is.

morgan 10 just outstanding. he was just too good for them.

cork 7 our best player in the first half. good going forward from right back but defensively he struggled to cope with the pace.

ramirez 3 one great pass apart he just was not good enough.

puncheon 6 shoot. ffs. not much came off.

rodriguez 8 growing in confidence. starting to take people on now.

lambert 9 won everything and was a huge threat all day.

davis 9 massive impact. grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck

lallana less impact than davis but worked his socks off

Edited 2 February, 2013 by Chez

[Saint Charlie]

Last eight games, 6 away, played Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Man Utd, only lost by one goal at MU. 7 points away, 9 points overall could have been more but we are doing ok. Now we have 7 at home and 6 away, about 16 points needed. We had taken four points from the first 10 games but 20 points from the last 15, scored 19 for with 16 against, W4 D7 L3. I think we are playing consistently enough to pick up more than the 16 points.

 

Agree with this.

[Give it to Ron]

That was a given. Consistently, without fail, every single time, ART is wrong about pretty much everything.

 

Its even better than that :-)

We have 24 points now!

[Olallana]

That was a given. Consistently, without fail, every single time, ART is wrong about pretty much everything.

 

it´s an art being wrong too you know

[Dalek2003]

So. When we were looking more defensively capable than ever under Adkins, we sack him. We then concede two goals from nothing but shoddy defending under Pochettino. I said his appointment would set us back, and so far, I'm not wrong.

 

Two points from nine. We do not have the luxury of time to get used to a new manager.

 

This.

[badgerx16]

Its even better than that :-)

We have 24 points now!

 

That's what happens when you check the BBC website.

[Pilchards]

Felt that Wigan cheated the ref so many times today, Saints played well in spells but Ram & Punch not at the game IMHO.

 

Shaw is quality & Jay Rod will be a star soon.

 

BTW heard on the radio going upto the game that Norwich & QPR tried to get JayRod, was that in the window just gone?

[Genk]

Just back...haven't read the thread fully yet but here is my take:

 

First half we were not at the races at all, seemed to give Wigan too much time and space and hardly produced an opportunity. At half time I was worried.

 

However......second half we were completely different. Davis on for Ramirez was a good change. We pressed Wigan immensely and our closing down was excellent, the players looked incredibly fit, full of energy passing the 80th minute. Numerous opportunities in the second half, limiting Wigan to one real attack which they scored from. Stand out players today for me were:

 

Lambert - Absolutely brilliant, looking in great shape, fantastic touch as always, great passing and good goal

 

Schneiderlin - He is fast becoming a phenomenal midfield player. Great energy, passing and breaking up the play. Excellent performance.

 

Cork - Once again he did all the basic things very well indeed. Like Morgan, his distribution was brilliant.

 

Shaw - Caused their full back all sorts of problems in the second half. Not so good in the first half but nobody really was.

 

Jay Rodriguez - MOTM for me. Some of his touches and skill were a delight to watch. He seems to be playing with confidence now. Good strength and awareness, hoping he keeps it up as he has huge potential.

 

Slightly disappointed with Clyne and Ramirez today. There is no doubt the introduction of Lallana had an impact on us upping the tempo and Davis was very neat and tidy on the ball. Yes it is two points dropped, but with a fit Lallana coming back along with Fonte and Forren at the heart of defence, there is nothing to worry about. We will stay up comfortably playing some good stuff.

[Thedelldays]

[Dalek2003]

Had we flashed 10 million Celtic's way on Gary Hooper instead of wasting 12 million on Ramirez, we'd be winning games like today. Ramirez is the worst purchase Saints have made since David Burnside (RIP) back in Ted's day. Wondering whether Ali Dia wasn't as good.

Points tally worse than at same period in 2005.

 

Plus the distraction caused by the buying of Ramirez in the summer when we should have been shoring up the defence and GK.

I am afraid we will be relegated by a a margin small enough to make the decisions the difference.

[Dr Who?]

I want to know if it is part of our away tactics to just stay in the game first half, and then up the tempo and press up the field? You could not do this for 90 minutes.

 

We were awesome from about 55 minutes and pressed and pressed, then got the breakthrough, only for them to get a cheap equaliser.

 

Was less than impressed with the first 45, but looked a completely different team in the second half, and I could not believe some of the closing down we did.

 

Things I was worried about in the first half, individual defensive mistakes, and no one would shoot. Even Morgan put it out of play 8 yards out!!

 

Still a game of two half, and should have won easy in the end!

[Dalek2003]

I want to know if it is part of our away tactics to just stay in the game first half, and then up the tempo and press up the field? You could not do this for 90 minutes.

 

We were awesome from about 55 minutes and pressed and pressed, then got the breakthrough, only for them to get a cheap equaliser.

 

Was less than impressed with the first 45, but looked a completely different team in the second half, and I could not believe some of the closing down we did.

 

Things I was worried about in the first half, individual defensive mistakes, and no one would shoot. Even Morgan put it out of play 8 yards out!!

 

Still a game of two half, and should have won easy in the end!

 

It's no use you looking on the positive side. We drew against a poor side and now we are in the **** !

[Katalinic]

now that is entertainment. gutted they equalised but great buzz watching us take hold of a game and come back from behind. WIGAN pal said we were robbed and totally out classed them in every department. he was right.

 

its clear how the new manager wants us to play. first and foremost we totally disregard the opposition and just press press press. if you are good enough to play through us fair play but most teams arent. wigan and man uunited wedent. possession wise we have gone back to what we were doing first half of last season. pass teams to death. i like it.

 

boruc 7 one great save. a few poor throws. kicking spot on.

clyne 5 poor from the off. very sloppy for him.

yoshida 4 never gets tight. poor in the air today. lots of crap clearances. some very good passes though.

jos 8 got tight and won everything. composed on the ball. like role reversal on recent weeks.

shaw 9 quiet first half but took

players on in second. strong and pacey. what a player this lad is.

morgan 10 just outstanding. he was just too good for them.

cork 7 our best player in the first half. good going forward from right back but defensively he struggled to cope with the pace.

ramirez 3 one great pass apart he just was not good enough.

puncheon 6 shoot. ffs. not much came off.

rodriguez 8 growing in confidence. starting to take people on now.

lambert 9 won everything and was a huge threat all day.

davis 9 massive impact. grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck

lallana less impact than davis but worked his socks off

 

Just back - very good assessment although I personally think Cork deserved an 8. The equaliser was gutting and undeserved.

[Charlie Wayman]

Are you saying that Wigan has averaged that rate all season??

 

 

No but they know how to grab their chances when it matters and it has served them well in past seasons. We need just one bully boy character like John Terry who will put his body on the line in those last five minutes to force a goal b y sheer physical presence when nobody else seems able to.

[maysie]

I see Poch has a new translator....

[S-Clarke]

I see Poch has a new translator....

 

I thought that was the case.

 

About time too, as the first one was awful.

[Dr Who?]

now that is entertainment. gutted they equalised but great buzz watching us take hold of a game and come back from behind. WIGAN pal said we were robbed and totally out classed them in every department. he was right.

 

its clear how the new manager wants us to play. first and foremost we totally disregard the opposition and just press press press. if you are good enough to play through us fair play but most teams arent. wigan and man uunited wedent. possession wise we have gone back to what we were doing first half of last season. pass teams to death. i like it.

 

boruc 7 one great save. a few poor throws. kicking spot on.

clyne 5 poor from the off. very sloppy for him.

yoshida 4 never gets tight. poor in the air today. lots of crap clearances. some very good passes though.

jos 8 got tight and won everything. composed on the ball. like role reversal on recent weeks.

shaw 9 quiet first half but took

players on in second. strong and pacey. what a player this lad is.

morgan 10 just outstanding. he was just too good for them.

cork 7 our best player in the first half. good going forward from right back but defensively he struggled to cope with the pace.

ramirez 3 one great pass apart he just was not good enough.

puncheon 6 shoot. ffs. not much came off.

rodriguez 8 growing in confidence. starting to take people on now.

lambert 9 won everything and was a huge threat all day.

davis 9 massive impact. grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck

lallana less impact than davis but worked his socks off

 

In the second half, you are right.

 

In the first half I was worried, and could see a relegation battle ahead, with individual mistakes and lack of idea in the last 3rd.

 

Second half, we looked like we could give anyone a good game.

 

Still Wigan are poor, but Man U and not, and we did the same to them.

[S-Clarke]

In the second half, you are right.

 

In the first half I was worried, and could see a relegation battle ahead, with individual mistakes and lack of idea in the last 3rd.

 

Second half, we looked like we could give anyone a good game.

 

Still Wigan are poor, but Man U and not, and we did the same to them.

 

The first half did worry me a little. We looked a little unsure of what we were actually doing, players were playing passes too short and down blind allys. We did have a lot of possesion and (bar the goal) Wigan barley threatened, but then neither did we. It was a pretty hideous first half to watch.

 

The 2nd half was positive though, the reaction of the players was what you want to see when you're down at the bottom. Don't lie down, jump up to the plate and fight till the end. We gave it a good go, and in the end threw it away which will grate me for a good few days yet.

 

Plenty of positives from the 2nd half, but bits to be worried about based on that first half.

[alpine_saint]

One can view this as a point won, or 2 points lost.

 

Have to say I view it as the latter, and my new-found positivity has evaporated. Very concerned to hear we have less points at this stage than in 2005.

 

And it seems Ramirez has finally convinced many that he is a f**k-off great waste of money that distracted our transfer window efforts from more urgent matters.

 

As I said earlier this week, NC has to stand and face the music over his priorities in the window just closed. Only bought one player because he changed the management, and that player appears like hes not going to be fit enough to play soon enough to make a difference.

 

The transfer window feels like an exercise in rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

[S-Clarke]

One can view this as a point won, or 2 points lost.

 

Have to say I view it as the latter, and my new-found positivity has evaporated. Very concerned to hear we have less points at this stage than in 2005.

And it seems Ramirez has finally convinced many that he is a f**k-off great waste of money that distracted our transfer window efforts from more urgent matters.

 

As I said earlier this week, NC has to stand and face the music over his priorities in the window just closed. Only bought one player because he changed the management, and that player appears like hes not going to be fit enough to play soon enough to make a difference.

 

The transfer window feels like an exercise in rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

 

We don't....ignore that mus-guided comment. We actually have 6 more points now than we did then.

[Dr Who?]

It's no use you looking on the positive side. We drew against a poor side and now we are in the **** !

 

How are we in the ****?

 

Everyone in the bottom 3 now drew, and so did we, and Wigan, and QPR were at home. We are still 3 points better off with a better goal difference. Play like we did in the second half, and we will overrun any team, bring on City!

[Dalek2003]

Agree with Alpine over the Ramirez signing and the distraction it caused.

 

Getting rid of NA and especially the timing, made no sense then and even less sense now.

 

Sorry, but Cortese has mad a massive **** up !

[S-Clarke]

 

Sorry, but Cortese has mad a massive **** up !

 

Still way too early to say. It was a massive gamble though

[Dalek2003]

How are we in the ****?

 

Everyone in the bottom 3 now drew, and so did we, and Wigan, and QPR were at home. We are still 3 points better off with a better goal difference. Play like we did in the second half, and we will overrun any team, bring on City!

 

We HAD to get 3 points and we ****ed up, we are now staring down the barrel with a poker up our arse !

,

[alpine_saint]

Agree with Alpine over the Ramirez signing and the distraction it caused.

 

Getting rid of NA and especially the timing, made no sense then and even less sense now.

 

 

Yep, putting aside your reputation, it has to be said you are right about the two massive body blows our first PL season for 7 years has received.

[maysie]

One can view this as a point won, or 2 points lost.

 

Have to say I view it as the latter, and my new-found positivity has evaporated. Very concerned to hear we have less points at this stage than in 2005.

 

And it seems Ramirez has finally convinced many that he is a f**k-off great waste of money that distracted our transfer window efforts from more urgent matters.

 

As I said earlier this week, NC has to stand and face the music over his priorities in the window just closed. Only bought one player because he changed the management, and that player appears like hes not going to be fit enough to play soon enough to make a difference.

 

The transfer window feels like an exercise in rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

 

Well we don't, so you can stop being very concerned.

 

http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2004-2005/table/2005-02-02

[maysie]

Agree with Alpine over the Ramirez signing and the distraction it caused.

 

Getting rid of NA and especially the timing, made no sense then and even less sense now.

 

Sorry, but Cortese has mad a massive **** up !

 

You don't know that yet. He may have made a massive **** up or it could be an inspired decision.

[Dangermouth]

First half they had about 3 real attacks. Superb save from Boruc and nothing he could do for either goal. We dominated but didn't really pressure them and that was disappointing. Would say they didn't deserve the lead based on gameplay but they did make the better chances. 2nd half and we were much better. Needed to either try and get into their box more from wide positions, just like J Rod did for the 2nd goal because that would cause anyone problems and Shaw was doing very well at that and the midfield need to learn or have the confidence to pass the ball to feet or through the middle sometimes or just take someone on, just to make something happen when they're facing the ranked defence of the oppo. Man City will do that to us next week. Also need to learn to move it quicker still. Get that right and the possession we have will lead to much better chances and probably a good few high-number wins with teams getting demoralised as we hammer them. Cork is actually more skillful than I thought he was and could be much more useful in breaking down teams if he was allowed to push up.

 

Overall though definitely 2 points lost.

[max_saints]

I think many are disappointed mostly because of the way we gave away 2 points. after a spirited comeback from 1-0 down to 2-1 up with 5 mins to go we then let a silly goal go in from a set piece. it was just such a disappointment especially after seeing how much the players wanted to get all 3 points, you could see it from the way they celebrated Morgan's goal, the spirit and determination they showed at that moment I was dead certain we would definitely stay up this season. but 5 mins later the lapse of concentration reared it's ugly head again and just like that doubt started creeping in again. and all these compounded by wins from reading and Newcastle.

 

anyway man of the match for me was lambert, so much more than a goal scorer he was creating chances with superb vision and the way he fearlessly went for the ball for the goal, top class. jrod was equally impressive throughout the game especially the way he beat his man to run into the box for the goal, I'm starting to feel he is miles ahead in terms of value compared to Ramirez (how the fck did Ramirez miss his chance)

[Dangermouth]

This is what some of the Wigan fans think:

 

http://thisnorthernsoul.co.uk/index.php/matches/match-articles/match-reports/1410-woeful-wigan-scrape-undeserved-draw

[Olallana]

The thing with this system to press your opponents is that it will be most effective in the 2nd half due to that the opponents will get tired if you have an effective press on them.

In 1st half their fitness will be good so it wont have as big impact as it will in the 2nd half but you have to do it from minute one to get them tired.

 

It´s about our own fitness too of course but I think we have seen that it wont be the major problem. Of course it looked the other way around against Everton but I think they just weren´t ready for that in that 1st half and then it will be effective too, but the more opponents will be ready that we play like this it will be more of a fitness thing to sustain the pressure on them from minute one of the game.

 

Most football games are decided from minute 60 and til the last minute and from the two last game you can see that it´s when our pressure style will become most effective.

Edited 2 February, 2013 by Olallana

[Monk]

Had we flashed 10 million Celtic's way on Gary Hooper instead of wasting 12 million on Ramirez, we'd be winning games like today. Ramirez is the worst purchase Saints have made since David Burnside (RIP) back in Ted's day. Wondering whether Ali Dia wasn't as good.

Points tally worse than at same period in 2005.

 

you massive ****.

[RedAndWhite91]

Just got home. Disappointed not to hold on. It's a shame we can only seem to play well for 45 minutes at a time, we deserved the two goals after our second half but when you take the lead on 85 minutes, you really should be holding on to that. Thought Schneiderlin was class today. Boruc made a very good save. The referee was awful. Frustrating day, we should have won that.

[Chez]

two points lost? maybe. but coming back from behind takes some doing. thought the side showed tremendous character. the question is can we turn these performances into a couple of wins

[Whitey Grandad]

We HAD to get 3 points and we ****ed up, we are now staring down the barrel with a poker up our arse !

,

Please, let's not start being drama queens. There are other sides who would swap places with us right now.

[pingwing]

I'm just home, Steve Grant has a lot to say to having a few kopperbergs whilst we get battered on the train home (and not coming for a chat)

 

Should have lost on first half performance, should have won on second half performance, so a draw is ok just... Can't muck it up at home like that though! They were GASH and that long haired **** had no idea how to play football. Manager made the right calls, Clyne didn't go forward effectively, Gaston was gash away from home (sadly) Steven Davis was an inspired person to bring on (should start more) can't wait for Lallana to be properly fit soon!

 

Punch needs a kick in the testicles because quite frankly he was utter **** for 80 mins and did the sum total of bugger all. the 4-3-3 only works when we either have 2 wingers playing as wingers or two offensive midfields playing that role. Not an in between!

 

At very least the cack around us didn't get too close. villa few, QPR drew and Wigan drew...

[wild-saint]

horrific result.......another lead blown from another set piece in the 90th min

 

absolutely horrfic result....that is why we are going down IMO

 

oh please, exageration of the week award?

 

whilst we clearly arent safe i think many a sensible fan have seen enough about our team to suggest we have a better than decent chance of staying up.

 

what is it with a few whining fannies on here screaming the house down about our so called dire situation. interesting they are without fail always on here during the game and straight after. go to the game once in a while and maybe u will enjoy following the saints.

[Dr Who?]

Teams at the bottom will let in late goals, especially away from home!

 

We could never be able to press like that for 90 minutes, so we know where we stand at half time. Might see if I can get a second half season ticket.

[RedAndWhite91]

horrific result.......another lead blown from another set piece in the 90th min

 

absolutely horrfic result....that is why we are going down IMO

 

Had we flashed 10 million Celtic's way on Gary Hooper instead of wasting 12 million on Ramirez, we'd be winning games like today. Ramirez is the worst purchase Saints have made since David Burnside (RIP) back in Ted's day. Wondering whether Ali Dia wasn't as good.

Points tally worse than at same period in 2005.

 

We HAD to get 3 points and we ****ed up, we are now staring down the barrel with a poker up our arse !

,

 

Some over the overreactions on this thread are hilarious. Get a f*cking grip!

[warsash saint]

Some over the overreactions on this thread are hilarious. Get a f*cking grip!

 

Do you expect anything less from the usual bedwetters taters?