Post Match Reaction & MotM: SAINTS 1-1 Sunderland

[Saint_clark]

The point I was making, which you and others failed to grasp, was that many on here thought we only had to turn out and we had won. Get it now? We can have 70% of the play and 500 chances but if the ball does not end in the net.................

 

Nobody thought that for christ sake.

[mulletsaint]

Game of the day on Sky.

 

Sorry, bit late there.

[S-Clarke]

It was a game of frustrations really, glad we stuck to it and ground out a draw at least - would have been a travesty to walk away with nothing based on the general domination.

 

I don't agree with the poster who suggested Sunderland were fantastic, they were complete and utter bile. Awful. They will be in serious trouble this year, which makes it even more frustrating that we couldn't beat them.

 

We should have done better with the free headers in both boxes, but unfortunately for us we had a day whereby Lambert and Rodriguez were very, very poor. Nothing happened up top at all really.

 

Osvaldo looks a character, that's for sure, but didn't influence the game a great deal in the 2nd half. A couple of good touches, but was not quite on the same wavelength at times.

 

Overall, one of those real frustrating afternoons. Lots of nice possession and football but not enough clear cut chances created for me (echo's of last year...!). We should ahve scored at least one of those free headers though.

 

JWP was and is outstanding. He has all the ability to be one of the best midfielders in Europe, him and shaw are the next 2 international superstars off of our production line

[grezz]

Sorry to say it was Chambers

 

I know i've been on his case already and this has nothing to do with that opinion but......I think it was Jrod. He went towards where he thought the ball was going and it went right over him. Giaccherini had dropped off him

[manji]

We were OK today, should have won though but the best thing is we are only going to get better.

[Frank's cousin]

It was a game of frustrations really, glad we stuck to it and ground out a draw at least - would have been a travesty to walk away with nothing based on the general domination.

 

I don't agree with the poster who suggested Sunderland were fantastic, they were complete and utter bile. Awful. They will be in serious trouble this year, which makes it even more frustrating that we couldn't beat them.

 

We should have done better with the free headers in both boxes, but unfortunately for us we had a day whereby Lambert and Rodriguez were very, very poor. Nothing happened up top at all really.

 

Osvaldo looks a character, that's for sure, but didn't influence the game a great deal in the 2nd half. A couple of good touches, but was not quite on the same wavelength at times.

 

Overall, one of those real frustrating afternoons. Lots of nice possession and football but not enough clear cut chances created for me (echo's of last year...!). We should ahve scored at least one of those free headers though.

 

JWP was and is outstanding. He has all the ability to be one of the best midfielders in Europe, him and shaw are the next 2 international superstars off of our production line

 

Clasic saints ins ome respect - we dominated, some pretty stuff, but failed to penetrate more incisively. Think we need to score early, that seems to drive us on with confidence and had JPs goal been given, think we would have gone on to win by 2 or 3. Sunderland were awful - played like a Championship away side, with 10 behind the ball and demonstrated the biggest problem with the premiership risches - the fear of defeat and relegation - for me its always why we struggled more against the lower half teams than the top, because we need sides who have confidence to come on to us and attack, for our pasing to be effective. We still do not have the pace and skill of the top sides to carve up 10 man defences consisitently - a definite improvement on last season so far but MP needs to come up with plans to deal with these opostion tactics - becaius at least half the sides we should be beating will employ them when they visit us and BIg Sam will be the next... I just hop we can muller them, because until sides adopting those tactics get beat regularly, rather than being applauded for surviving because of them, we will get this negative shiedt...

[Jonnyboy]

Lol at di canio bringing on a second striker, very rude.

[S-Clarke]

Clasic saints ins ome respect - we dominated' date=' some pretty stuff, but failed to penetrate more incisively. Think we need to score early, that seems to drive us on with confidence and had JPs goal been given, think we would have gone on to win by 2 or 3. Sunderland were awful - played like a Championship away side, with 10 behind the ball and demonstrated the biggest problem with the premiership risches - the fear of defeat and relegation - for me its always why we struggled more against the lower half teams than the top, because we need sides who have confidence to come on to us and attack, for our pasing to be effective. We still do not have the pace and skill of the top sides to carve up 10 man defences consisitently - a definite improvement on last season so far but MP needs to come up with plans to deal with these opostion tactics - becaius at least half the sides we should be beating will employ them when they visit us and BIg Sam will be the next... I just hop we can muller them, because until sides adopting those tactics get beat regularly, rather than being applauded for surviving because of them, we will get this negative shiedt...[/quote']

 

The early goal is the worst thing that could have happened to us, allowed Sunderland to retreat back into their natural dull format, it was 2 banks of 4 a lot of the time, hard to break down - even more so without pace or directness. I said it a lot last year, but it's the one thing I don't feel we've really addressed. When we attack, we look great up until we get to the box. But then we stop, turn around, and go backwards...the pace just stops, completely dies a death. I'd love us to get sometime in the next week who can play anywhere along the front 3, but has an explosive bit of pace about him. That would open up the final third for us entirely. It's all way too slow at the moment, easy to defend against in all honesty.

[musesaint]

JWP - MoTM by a mile.

 

We should have won today ...but I came away wondering what on earth they have fed JWP over the summer? I've always rated him as having huge potential......but seeing him today was almost like I'd missed three years of his career ... That TBH is how far he seems to have come in just a few months. Brilliant.

 

After last week's performance and todays, you can clearly see why MP rates him ...potential to be outstanding ... and he does a fantastic Steven Gerrard pis~s take

[saintbob40]

I wonder sometimes what I must be watching having read this thread. But for the first 20 minutes of the WBA game we have been poor against two poor sides but have been lucky in both games. Wanyama is slow on the ball and if you haven't got pace up front you have to move the ball quickly. We have not done this and look stodgy. Morgan looks lost without Cork.

[S-Clarke]

I wonder sometimes what I must be watching having read this thread. But for the first 20 minutes of the WBA game we have been poor against two poor sides but have been lucky in both games. Wanyama is slow on the ball and if you haven't got pace up front you have to move the ball quickly. We have not done this and look stodgy. Morgan looks lost without Cork.

 

The fact you're the only person posting this shows you're out on your own. Sorry.

 

Wanyama is immense, anyone and everyone in football can appreciate that. We've been the better side in both games, bar a 30min spell in the 2nd half of the WBA game

 

We've been on top possession wise in both games, and although we're not creating enough clear cut chances at the moment, we're a better side on the ball than we were last year.

[Olallana]

I wonder sometimes what I must be watching having read this thread. But for the first 20 minutes of the WBA game we have been poor against two poor sides but have been lucky in both games. Wanyama is slow on the ball and if you haven't got pace up front you have to move the ball quickly. We have not done this and look stodgy. Morgan looks lost without Cork.

 

http://www.specsavers.co.uk

[trousers]

Points from these two games last season = 0; points from these two games this season = 4

 

#progress

[Hedgehog]

Anyone else think we looked better going forward with Clyne coming on for Shaw, was it tactical or an injury to Luke?

[shurlock]

Anyone else think we looked better going forward with Clyne coming on for Shaw, was it tactical or an injury to Luke?

 

Injury- Clyne wasn't playing on his preferred side. I like Chambers but he doesn't give you what Clyne and Shaw do. I hope MP goes back to that tandem for Norwich.

[Convict Colony]

another thing i have been impressed with in both games has been Lovren's tackling, he has got great timing for a tackle and he brings it out of defence very well, you could make a case for him be MOM in both games so far, not bad for a new recruit.

Edited 24 August, 2013 by Convict Colony

[ssaints]

I actually thought we were quite poor. We looked one dimensional and didn't have a plan B until the last five minutes when the direct approach one us the free kick we scored from. Wanyama looked good in the tackle but gave the ball away to much, thought JwP was good but we need him playing further up the field and also central. Thought Lallana had moments but didn't really offer width or look willing to take defenders on the outside.

 

We have to play more direct against teams who are happy to sit behind the ball otherwise we just go side to side. I thought we missed the width Clyne gave last season on the overlap. In truth Sunderland were poor but we need o play a lot better at home against the weaker teams against the top five different story. Lets hope we sign a winger.

[S-Clarke]

another thing i have been impressed with in both games has been Lovren's tackling, he has got great timing for a tackle and he bring it out of defence very well, you could make a case for him be MOM in both games so far, not bad for a new recruit.

 

He reads the game very well and as you said, knows how to time a tackle. Jumps pretty impressively and win's most ariel jewels with aplomb. He hasn't really been tested by 'pace' in behind as yet, and that's the only question mark I have over him - but so far, looks like a level above anyone else we've got.

[Manuel]

First half Wanyama was everywhere, second half he barely saw the ball. His physical presence will be great for a wet Tuesday at Hull, but we missed Cork's ability to seamlessly progress the ball forward without any fuss.

What I thought. Benefit of the doubt for Wanyama but I think Cork would have been better today. Wanyama is solid, good defensively but for me didn't create very much at all going forward. Surprising considering we were chasing the game for 80 odd minutes.

[Minsk]

Having watched the disallowed goal on Sky - the linesman got it right.

[Georgie]

Injury- Clyne wasn't playing on his preferred side. I like Chambers but he doesn't give you what Clyne and Shaw do. I hope MP goes back to that tandem for Norwich.

 

Someone on another thread said no injury to shaw - tactical! Hmm

[St_Tel49]

I actually thought we were quite poor. We looked one dimensional and didn't have a plan B until the last five minutes when the direct approach one us the free kick we scored from. Wanyama looked good in the tackle but gave the ball away to much, thought JwP was good but we need him playing further up the field and also central. Thought Lallana had moments but didn't really offer width or look willing to take defenders on the outside.

 

We have to play more direct against teams who are happy to sit behind the ball otherwise we just go side to side. I thought we missed the width Clyne gave last season on the overlap. In truth Sunderland were poor but we need o play a lot better at home against the weaker teams against the top five different story. Lets hope we sign a winger.

What?

[Steeleye Saint]

Nobody thought that for christ sake.

 

I think the players did in the first half- there seemed to be an arrogance out there - the build up was so slow, passing poor at times, lost possession or gave the ball away time and time again - I think a few people must have picked up rose coloured specs on the way in judging by the comments on here. Lucky to get a point.

[ART]

Scheiderlin definitely doesn't look the player he was without Jack Cork. Find the fact that Cork isn't involved worrying, especially with the transfer window still open. Won't take much for those reading the situation to come in with an offer for him. Nigel's Reading is lacking and will struggle without bringing in one or two decent players. Must be some players he will make an offer for but will they be prepared to return to the Championship to get a game?

[St_Tel49]

I thought JWP was MoM by a distance. Playing in a position that players mature into like that he is truly going far (hopefully with us!)

Lallana was a close second - everything positive we did through him.

This was not a JRod sort of a game - no space to run at people, all tight control with his back to goal.

First half Wanyama was everywhere, second half he barely saw the ball. His physical presence will be great for a wet Tuesday at Hull, but we missed Cork's ability to seamlessly progress the ball forward without any fuss.

Chambers looked amazingly assured for a kid in his second ever start.

Osvaldo is a maniac - legend in the making I think

Gaston doesn't deserve to make the current starting XI

If we can truly maintain this form we will be fine despite today being immensely frustrating.

Dare I say that that coincided with Morgan being withdrawn. The fact was that with Ward-Prowse driving the team on he did not need as much possession.

[SaintBobby]

Very pleased with pretty much everything today, expect the result (although I would obviously have taken a point by the time we were still 1-0 down with 3 minutes to go).

 

Voted for Wanyama as MotM, I thought he was immense, that's the first time I'd seen him play and he was everything I hoped he'd be.

 

Sunderland are pretty dire, a bottom six team if they're lucky. They may improve as/when they "gell", but if I was a Sunderland fan I'd take 17th now.

 

Really good start to the season. I think J-Rod is okay, but not in our best eleven. He's a bench player.

 

Ward-Prowe was a revelation. Surely his best performance ever?

 

Ramirez looked good and Oswaldo is very exciting. If you offered me 12th right now, I don't think I'd take it.

[corky morris]

Thought we moved the ball way to slowly & the team lacks genuine pace. Get annoyed we don't leave anyone up for opposition corners. Clyne always cuts inside when he plays left back. Rickie's free kicks were very poor.

Excellent in the attacking sense in the second half with JWP outstanding. Lovren looks very very good. Wanyama great in first half, but faded in the second. Jay Rod needs to do a lot better.

Think we can improve!

[kpturner]

I actually thought we were quite poor. We looked one dimensional and didn't have a plan B until the last five minutes when the direct approach one us the free kick we scored from. Wanyama looked good in the tackle but gave the ball away to much, thought JwP was good but we need him playing further up the field and also central. Thought Lallana had moments but didn't really offer width or look willing to take defenders on the outside.

 

We have to play more direct against teams who are happy to sit behind the ball otherwise we just go side to side. I thought we missed the width Clyne gave last season on the overlap. In truth Sunderland were poor but we need o play a lot better at home against the weaker teams against the top five different story. Lets hope we sign a winger.

Oh no - the "plan B" cliche again.......does anyone know what that is in reality, and why did it only turn up in the last 5 minutes?

 

PS: "WON us a freekick" ....and I don't recall Wanyama giving the ball away too often myself.

[ottery st mary]

we utterly dominated.

thought we were OK in the 1st half, slow getting the ball forward

 

2nd half, it would have been a travesty had we not scored

deffo 2 points dropped

 

thought the CB's looked very solid

Wanyama is a rock

Lallana good in 2nd half

 

gaston looked very lively when coming on

 

have to be honest

lambert and rodriguez were rubbish. missed many chances

 

ref was terrrible

 

my MoM

JWP. he is excellent

 

 

Thanks...same as my report of the game...

 

mom

 

JWP

CHAMBERS

WANYAMA

 

 

Whatever anyone has said of the ref......He is even worse than that..

 

Lee Mason was atrocious....Very poor..

 

I think he kept giving team talks to Sunderland...

Edited 24 August, 2013 by ottery st mary

[terrypward]

Just watched the whole 90 on Sky. Cannot believe we only drew watching it back.... always looks a different game than what you see live. Di Canio was actually likeable in his interview too.... feeling positive!

[mulletsaint]

Just watched the match on Sky so here's my take on it. Thought we were pretty sloppy on the whole, both defensively and in possession. Some of our passing was really poor.

 

I thought Lambert looked like he was trying to prove a point and as a result was just trying too hard and overdoing things. Thought JRod was guilty of similar.

 

Lovren looked class but to be honest he didn't have much to do. Thought Fonte and JWP did well also, especially the latter who was my MOM. Wanyama was solid but gives the ball away too much. I do think we have lost some of our urgency with him replacing Cork. Hopefully this will improve as he settles more.

 

I know some want to drop Rodriguez, but it is really only him out of all the front 3/4 that pressure the ball high up so I'm not sure he'll be the one to make way.

 

I thought that Osvaldo showed some nice touches but was lucky not to be shown the red card. He obviously doesn't deal well with frustration. A few times Rickie and JRod were guilty of ignoring him when he'd taken up good positions, only for them to lose possession or take a specualtive pot shot. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come, as I think they all have a big part to play over the course of the season.

[Dark Munster]

Indeed! I wonder what those who predicted 2-0 and 4-0 are thinking? What about those who predicted 0-1? The were close. I wonder what they're thinking right now. And those who predicted 1-1, what are they thinking. And what about 2-2? I wonder what people who predicted 4-1 are thinking right now? I would love to know what people who forecast 6-2 are thinking? And I'm interested to know what those who thought it would be 1-3 are thinking.

Oi, how come you aren't wondering what those who predicted 0-0 are thinking?

[mulletsaint]

Oh and those blaming Chambers for for the goal can't have seen it right. JRod was the closest to Giacharinni before the corner was taken and Lambert was stood where he ended up. Lambert got drawn in by the other runs and moved towards the front post. JRod tried to pass him on to someone else and stayed where he was.

[ottery st mary]

I predicted 4-0 to the mighty Saints....

 

The team and the ref let me down...otherwise I would have been right..

 

Sunderland number 7 falling over unbalanced and not a free kick that led to their corner and goal...

 

Jay Rod and Rikeee left their shooting boots at home.....

 

I thought that JAY ROD..... WAS IN LINE AND not OFF SIDE FOR THE DISALLOWED GOAL.

[pingwing]

Most frustrating ref performance at St Marys in 3 games? Why do we always get pathetic refs at the moment. Not one of his decisions was right. Handing out cards for nothing then not sending Osvaldo off for a clear yellow. Just embarrassing that he is a professional ref.

 

Other embarrassment is it's been 3 managers and we still can't seem to walk out of the changing room and start playing for the first 10 mins. Year after year we concede early and make things a million times harder for our selves and something needs to be done as it is costing us points. Today we dropped 2 points badly. Sunderland are awful! Organised but just awful. Alteador was their main threat last week and looked abysmal today, no idea why he got 90 mins.

 

Other complaints are levelled at Rodriguez putting in yet another infuriating display of clear potential but being unable to deliver at all (look but don't touch strip club rules seem to apply to him) and also the struggle to play ward-prowse. I like JWP, clear potential but he's not a player who can comfortably go out wide (like Steven Davis) because he's not big enough/confident enough and although this week dropping him into holding midfield worked (because no one would press him from Sunderland) that wont work against bigger teams. He needs to bulk up a bit, it'll take a few years, but I think he's a little rushed (though I am trying not to take away from his fantastic dead ball deliveries all game).

 

Positives though Lambert really suits the deep lying striker role, he commanded the hole and will really be an asset as we get someone else scoring. I thought Lallana was wrongly subbed (Rodriguez should have gone) as he was having one of his best games in the prem. Osvaldo really looks class, so long as he doesn't get sent off he will win us points. Lovern was my MOTM today just with Jos in the same situation it looked like it could have been 2 or 3, all of their chances (after the corner) were lucky niggly ones that relied on someone being thick on the ball, which isn't Lovern.

 

Final frustration is Wanyama. Amazing at winning the ball, amazing long ball distribution, just can't pass 6 yards to save his life! It wasn't too bad as he is committed enough to then win it back but it really broke up the play in the middle.

 

Also Gaston doesn't look 100% fit yet, they looked scared of him, he looked like he was going to fall over or implode when he was on the ball, not quite ready and really wasn't the game changer we needed.

 

Oh well should beat Norwich if we can go forward and work on the finishing all week.

[Roger]

Most frustrating ref performance at St Marys in 3 games? Why do we always get pathetic refs at the moment. Not one of his decisions was right. Handing out cards for nothing then not sending Osvaldo off for a clear yellow. Just embarrassing that he is a professional ref.

 

Other embarrassment is it's been 3 managers and we still can't seem to walk out of the changing room and start playing for the first 10 mins. Year after year we concede early and make things a million times harder for our selves and something needs to be done as it is costing us points. Today we dropped 2 points badly. Sunderland are awful! Organised but just awful. Alteador was their main threat last week and looked abysmal today, no idea why he got 90 mins.

 

Other complaints are levelled at Rodriguez putting in yet another infuriating display of clear potential but being unable to deliver at all (look but don't touch strip club rules seem to apply to him) and also the struggle to play ward-prowse. I like JWP, clear potential but he's not a player who can comfortably go out wide (like Steven Davis) because he's not big enough/confident enough and although this week dropping him into holding midfield worked (because no one would press him from Sunderland) that wont work against bigger teams. He needs to bulk up a bit, it'll take a few years, but I think he's a little rushed (though I am trying not to take away from his fantastic dead ball deliveries all game).

 

Positives though Lambert really suits the deep lying striker role, he commanded the hole and will really be an asset as we get someone else scoring. I thought Lallana was wrongly subbed (Rodriguez should have gone) as he was having one of his best games in the prem. Osvaldo really looks class, so long as he doesn't get sent off he will win us points. Lovern was my MOTM today just with Jos in the same situation it looked like it could have been 2 or 3, all of their chances (after the corner) were lucky niggly ones that relied on someone being thick on the ball, which isn't Lovern.

 

Final frustration is Wanyama. Amazing at winning the ball, amazing long ball distribution, just can't pass 6 yards to save his life! It wasn't too bad as he is committed enough to then win it back but it really broke up the play in the middle.

 

Also Gaston doesn't look 100% fit yet, they looked scared of him, he looked like he was going to fall over or implode when he was on the ball, not quite ready and really wasn't the game changer we needed.

 

Oh well should beat Norwich if we can go forward and work on the finishing all week.

 

Complete rubbish about gaston. He looked class today. Think harsh on wanyama too

[mcbendy]

Interesting how so many people watching the same game can come up with so many differing opinions...

 

I've just watched the full 90 on Sky (I live in Scotland, btw). My thoughts:

 

- In the first half in particular Lambert was somewhat off his game. Lots of loose touches and misplaced passes. Also some decent stuff too, so not all bad.

- The two first half penalty shouts were not the strongest.

- Wanyama and JWP were immense throughout. Mulletsaint recons Wanyama gave the ball away lots. Not in the game that I just watched... He was rock solid, dependable and read the game brilliantly.

- In both halves SRL and JRod missed good chances. I'm used to JRod not being clinical in front of goal but SRL is usually better than that.

 

- In terms of attacking threat, we lacked width. In the system we play the width is supposed to come from overlapping runs from the fullbacks. In the first half neither got far enough forward, particularly given our dominance. CC often cut/drifted inside which kept the play narrow. The second half was better and tbh I thought Clyne provided more of a threat than Luke. This despite us only having one out and out defensive midfielder on the pitch by this stage.

 

- Osvaldo was held back in the 2nd half - clear pen.

 

- Ramirez was cut down on the edge of the box. Clear free kick and (2nd) yellow for (I think) Bardsley.

 

- Osvaldo was very very lucky to remain on the pitch. The first yellow was for a kick-trip. It was more than just a sly trip - he kicked out. More violent that the straight red that David Beckham was sent off for in the World Cup for example. In real time it looked like a coming together but when you see it replayed it's nasty. The later challenge was very very late, although he didn't make much contact. Could easily have been sent off...

 

- Both Lallana and Gaston (for his relatively brief spell) were excellent. Much better than JRod. The best performance I've seen from Lallana in a long time. Gaston looked sharp and had a good turn of pace about him. Encouraging.

 

- Overall we dominated the game but were sloppy and too narrow in the final third.

 

- I wouldn't be surprised to see JRod losing his starting place in the next league game. I recon Lallana, JWP, Osvaldo and Lambert will be the starting front four (if we play that system) and Ramirez will come on later in the game like he did today. If we play 4,1,3,2 then JRod may be spared the axe...

[Turkish]

Oi, how come you aren't wondering what those who predicted 0-0 are thinking?

 

He ran out of time as he has to think about Watfords match these weekend,

[Olallana]

Final frustration is Wanyama. Amazing at winning the ball, amazing long ball distribution, just can't pass 6 yards to save his life! It wasn't too bad as he is committed enough to then win it back but it really broke up the play in the middle.

 

Also Gaston doesn't look 100% fit yet, they looked scared of him, he looked like he was going to fall over or implode when he was on the ball, not quite ready and really wasn't the game changer we needed.

 

Oh well should beat Norwich if we can go forward and work on the finishing all week.

 

 

Wanyama Passing Accuracy: 86% (62/72) All 10 uncompleted passes were looking to be played forward.

[ssaints]

Wanyama Passing Accuracy: 86% (62/72) All 10 uncompleted passes were looking to be played forward.

 

Statistics don't tell the full story. At least 3/4 times he played a simple short pass that was intercepted fair play he won it back a couple of times but against better teams we will get caught on the turn. He did have a good game and adds good physical possession but I want to see him carry the ball through a few challenges and open the play up. Makelele was fantastic at breaking play up for Lampard et al to build play with and I don't have a problem with Wan doing that but I think he can offer more than that.

[SuperMikey]

another thing i have been impressed with in both games has been Lovren's tackling, he has got great timing for a tackle and he brings it out of defence very well, you could make a case for him be MOM in both games so far, not bad for a new recruit.

 

My MOTM for today, and a close 2nd against WBA after Wanyama. He's picked up the "applaud all the fans after the whistle" mantle from Jos too!

[mulletsaint]

Statistics don't tell the full story. At least 3/4 times he played a simple short pass that was intercepted fair play he won it back a couple of times but against better teams we will get caught on the turn. He did have a good game and adds good physical possession but I want to see him carry the ball through a few challenges and open the play up. Makelele was fantastic at breaking play up for Lampard et al to build play with and I don't have a problem with Wan doing that but I think he can offer more than that.

 

I think quite a few of his short range passes weren't exactly to feet or tended to be bobbly. A small thing but it holds play up and puts the recipient of the pass under more pressure than it should. Anyway, it would seem from the stats he did better than I thought.

[SuperMikey]

Also think we missed Morgan Schneiderlin in the second half, lacked a proper ball-player in the middle of the park. Any ideas why he came off?

[mcbendy]

We need Schneiderlin and Wanyama to join up with the front four in turn, we don't need them both sitting at the same time when we have possession.

 

I refer you to my idiots guide thread...

[Junior Mullet]

Thought Osvaldo and Ramirez were on the same wavelength. Would be nice to see Lallana playing alongside those two also. Wanyama looked good and can pass as well as tackle, that's for sure. Time to bench J Rod and then perm any 2 from Lambert, Schneiderlin and JWP for the remaining midfield/forward positions. Fonte is doing enough to keep his place, Lovren looks an excellent buy. Chambers impresses me.

[mcbendy]

Also think we missed Morgan Schneiderlin in the second half, lacked a proper ball-player in the middle of the park. Any ideas why he came off?

 

Yes, because you are not allowed to have 12 players on the pitch. Which of our substitutes did you not think improved the performance of the team?

[Saints foreva]

Lallana's and Fonte's dives in the first half to try and win penalties were an embarrassment.

[SuperMikey]

Yes, because you are not allowed to have 12 players on the pitch. Which of our substitutes did you not think improved the performance of the team?

 

Would've had JayRod off and Osvaldo on personally. Morgan didn't have a great first half, but he's a key player for us and worth keeping on the pitch.

 

Lallana's and Fonte's dives in the first half to try and win penalties were an embarrassment.

 

Lallana's was anything but a dive - watch the replay on MOTD. O'Shea had a fistful of his shirt and dragged him down. Clear pen.

[St_Tel49]

Having watched the disallowed goal on Sky - the linesman got it right.

 

Having watched it on MoD - no he didn't,

[Toon Saint]

Also think we missed Morgan Schneiderlin in the second half, lacked a proper ball-player in the middle of the park. Any ideas why he came off?

 

Morgan didn't train during the week as he had a slight injury to his quadriceps - he was only declared fit for the game quite late on.

 

Don't know whether he was feeling this during the game or it was a tactical change. Could have well have been a bit of both.

 

Shaw apparently aggravated the knee injury he picked up against Real Sociedad, but think he was taken off as more of a precaution.