Saints 0-0 WBA - Post Match Thread

[SB]

It's like reading the boring James Milner twitter account, maybe just meet at turnstile A, uhoh...

[shurlock]

I doubt he heard it. I heard nothing from the Northam yesterday (one OWTS apart). Quiet as doormice. Good job the Baggies made some noise otherwise I would have thought I had gone deaf.

 

Agree. The loudest the SMS got was the reaction to the baggies fans who thought they had scored from a header. Summed up the day and atmosphere perfectly.

[monosaint]

Firstly apologies to the bloke I was meant to be buying a ticket off. Left my mobile in a taxi last night so have been unable to contact him.

 

Went to the game anyway and have to say I do worry about us if we play like this the rest of the season. Pelle is terrible, JWP kept giving it away, build up was incredibly slow and we barely troubled foster. We need a right winger fast and someone to inject a bit of urgency into our player. The longer we go without a win, the harder this season is going to be. Worrying performance.

 

I wondered what had happened. Tried phoning, texting.. No worries, it was a poor game and not worth the money. Definitely looked like a team that needs to get to know each other. Pelle looked poor in the first half. Could not time his headers at all. Got better in the second half but he was isolated in my view. We had no real threat down the flanks which we need to sort this week. A wide man is a must.

[derry]

Hi derry . I will Catch up with you next time , mike

 

I might have got the wrong seats are you still in block 5 in your Normal seats ?

 

Yes.

[pap]

Back in Liverpool and have a few thoughts.

 

1) Thank feck we didn't lose. When WBA thought they'd scored, so did I and I had that sinking feeling set in. Jeering at them afterwards was amusing.

 

2) Fans were shít. Real poor atmosphere for the first game of the season. I think half the problem is that with the amount of player departures and lack of heroics from the new blood, we've got fk all left to sing, especially as WBA not really northern enough to be told they eat off the floor. Their fans were a bit poor too. Sat on their seats for most of the game, shít fashion sense (stone thrown from comfort of glass house). Our fans that were on Pelle's back were especially shít. Support the team, FFS.

 

3) All hail Fraser. He's the main reason we have that point, and the brightest bit of a very dull game.

 

4) Still haven't had my big fear quelled. Can Koeman actually cut it? Are the team implementing his plans badly, or are the plans bad? Pochettino's style of play was strategically vague, but his general tactics were easy for both players and fans to understand. I'm not getting a sense of how we play yet. Last week's performance was brave, decided on the margins, but was reactive for large parts and offered few clues. This week was RK's opportunity to get some momentum behind his brand of football. I am not yet feeling a direction of travel.

[Crab Lungs]

A plan A is much better than no plan at all

[suewhistle]

Well, although I wasn't happy with Pelle's debut at home I don't think he had much support, either from the team or the fans. In the second half I noticed he received more balls to feet but he certainly didn't get any help from the ref as whenever he came forward towards the ball he was held by Olson. Personally I think he has to learn to be a bit nastier: backing on a bit, using his physique a bit more, the odd treading on the toes if the marker is too close.. There was no overt booing in the Itchen, but a collective sigh of disappoinmtment can be quite noticeable. If we'd got a goal I reckon we'd have got more. West Brom seem a competent team - like us in that regard - but I still reckon we have more quality..

[sadoldgit]

Second game of the season. There is a long way to go. Chill out FFS.

[broken spoke]

A plan A is much better than no plan at all

 

I must admit I was unable to see a plan A, B or C. and that it wasn't a great game to watch, but we did get a point.... !!!

 

All I could remember seeing, was saints did try, but the bus was parked. Which is a tough thing for a newly created team, and this is what we have....

 

Only two matches is also hard to tell whether it is working.... The earliest we can really look at this is November/December

 

Calm down and carry on....

[sadoldgit]

like ralph and les, now?

 

Give it a rest FFS.

[sadoldgit]

Pochettino was not an overnight success. Give RK and the squad some time before you write them off.

[pap]

Pochettino was not an overnight success. Give RK and the squad some time before you write them off.

 

I'm far from writing them off, and I'm fairly realistic about a new setup. I remember suffering plucky losses and improving to dodgy draws before finally going on to establishing a bit of winning form. The Millwall game is a good opportunity to get the first competitive win of the season and kickstart some form.

 

I think it's just the sheer number of variables that's shítting me up a bit.

[Professor]

I do agree with SOG. A home draw this season is hardly any worse than a 1-0 defeat away to Norwich last year, a club that eventually was relegated.

 

The majority of Saturday's team played for most of last season, so it was surprising that they did seem to struggle with the passing game that was so fluid last year but I'd expect that to improve as the new players settle into the side. The Koemans saw just what the fans saw and I'm confident they will be working hard this week.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

5pts down already on the same set of fixtures last year. There was always going to be growing pains with such a massive amount of change - hopefully this performance is a reality check for many as to where this team is and where we have settled to be as a club.

[Jackie@home]

Pleased that Koeman highlighted that we were playing far too slowly; we always play better when we play at a fast tempo. Hopefully he will realise that he is more likely to get this with Corky in the side than JWP always playing the safe pass backwards or sideways. The midfield always flows much better with Corky in the side.

 

Ricky Lambert might be getting past his best, but I think we will miss him more than any other player. His first touch and ability to bring others into play from that forward role is difficult to replicate. It's going to take time - they've only being playing together for a few weeks, if that. Last year's team had several players who'd played together for 5 years, and even then, we were struggled to score without Rodriguez.

[James]

5pts down already on the same set of fixtures last year. There was always going to be growing pains with such a massive amount of change - hopefully this performance is a reality check for many as to where this team is and where we have settled to be as a club.

 

Whilst that is technically accurate - the Liverpool away game was a one in a thousand win (on another day we would have been beaten comfortably, I was at the game).

 

I see it more as 2 points down on where we would realistically expect to be which is a shame but we are only 2 games in so am still hopeful for now.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

Whilst that is technically accurate - the Liverpool away game was a one in a thousand win (on another day we would have been beaten comfortably, I was at the game).

 

I see it more as 2 points down on where we would realistically expect to be which is a shame but we are only 2 games in so am still hopeful for now.

 

I agree its by no means a perfect guide as to where you are as a club - other teams change each season of course and league position is relative and the required points total to finish in a certain place will change each year as well but as a general guide it can be used to track progress as a club. Of course, we could beat Man City away this season and beat West Ham at home and there would be no net loss on pts etc.

 

But generally speaking, we're 5pts down on where we were last season in the same fixtures.

[Whitey Grandad]

I agree its by no means a perfect guide as to where you are as a club - other teams change each season of course and league position is relative and the required points total to finish in a certain place will change each year as well but as a general guide it can be used to track progress as a club. Of course, we could beat Man City away this season and beat West Ham at home and there would be no net loss on pts etc.

 

But generally speaking, we're 5pts down on where we were last season in the same fixtures.

 

That's a ridiculous comparison, you can't make any conclusions from 2 games out of 38.

[saintant]

We made the often repeated mistake of starting at a very slow tempo content to knock the ball backwards and sideways with no urgency. I've yet to see a game where a team starts this way and is then suddenly able to up the tempo. Particularly at home we must fly out the blocks and get at the opposition high up the pitch not play tip-tap in our own half. This slow approach to a game never works so I don't know why we do it - set the tempo from kick-off and put the opponent on the back foot.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

That's a ridiculous comparison, you can't make any conclusions from 2 games out of 38.

 

It's a fact - we are 5pts down from the same fixtures last season.

 

You can make your own mind up whether or not any conclusions can be drawn from it. Personally I think we'll be at least 15pts worse off than last season and seeing as we are already 5pts down on corresponding fixtures that is just 10pts worse off from 36 remaining games.

[Bwanamakubwa]

But the year before for the same fixtures we are a point better off. That's why its a ridiculous comparison. I'm guessing if you're expecting all our results to be exactly the same as last year you'll be disappointed.

 

Every season the slate is wiped clean.

[OldNick]

The atmosphere was bound to be poor. In the main the fans are p####d off and it is hard to be upbeat about playing WBA

[ENSKIED]

The atmosphere was bound to be poor. In the main the fans are p####d off and it is hard to be upbeat about playing WBA

 

This has to be true! Who wouldn't be really ****hed off given what's happened to your great club, the team you had stood at threshold of greatness, three good additions and they would have crossed it - no doubt in my mind. On a positive note from an objective and dispassionate PURIST view [Liverpool fan] as I'm sure your are aware Morgan and Wanyama are a great basis to build on . . . . . . IF that's IF you can keep them. [A couple of glorious passes from Morgan on Saturday passes of the highest quality.]

 

Loathe to say this but I feel it's object enough to warrant the mention - two things were blatantly missing, a 'cutting edge' and though it's early days somehow my gut tells me Pelle is not the answer, I think he'll flatter to deceive, [hope I'm wrong].The other was 'telling' creativity, I watched the game and the player you'll miss most in those sort of dour affairs [and I suspect there'll be more of them as this new team adjusts - the Prem as we all know is very unforgiving] anyway the player you missed most and will in "unlocking" such games IMHO was - Lallana.

[Bwanamakubwa]

I agree we may miss lallana, though there were plenty of games last season we had the majority of the ball but couldn't unlock defences. It's still something that needs to be addressed

[alpine_saint]

Our fans need to STFU about Pelle.

 

He has just about the toughest job in the Premiership this season, imo. He is the point of the lance of a team that has literally just been eviscerated by the big boys, and therefore its in large part his responsibility to score the goals to keep us up and shut all the w**nker pundits nodding sagely and going "told you so" the f**k up.

 

He is also replacing a club legend and comparisons are inevitably going to be drawn.

 

Jesus, give him time. At least give him Gashton time.

[ENSKIED]

I agree we may miss lallana, though there were plenty of games last season we had the majority of the ball but couldn't unlock defences. It's still something that needs to be addressed

 

Yes I agree and of course that in effect brings us full circle it's [instinctive] creativity that unlocks [dour] defence structures, all games [virtue of the human psyche] falls into patterns and or as is often termed rhythms. The mind seeks the familiar and tunes into the "expected" and that "anticipated" and it's that sudden twist, that switch, that defence splitting pass that run [Lovren was good at this] no one else anticipated, the moment of magic mostly unexpected, unanticipated, therefore they work . . . . . that is required in such games as Saturdays and finding that elusive commodity will IMHO be the real Key to the Saints holding their own or struggling this season. [As the great man once said virtually all games are won or lost in midfield]

[Dalek2003]

Our fans need to STFU about Pelle.

 

He has just about the toughest job in the Premiership this season, imo. He is the point of the lance of a team that has literally just been eviscerated by the big boys, and therefore its in large part his responsibility to score the goals to keep us up and shut all the w**nker pundits nodding sagely and going "told you so" the f**k up.

 

He is also replacing a club legend and comparisons are inevitably going to be drawn.

 

Jesus, give him time. At least give him Gashton time.

 

Agree. Gaston injured again, will we ever see anything useful on him on a CONSISTENT basis ?

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Our fans need to STFU about Pelle.

 

He has just about the toughest job in the Premiership this season, imo. He is the point of the lance of a team that has literally just been eviscerated by the big boys, and therefore its in large part his responsibility to score the goals to keep us up and shut all the w**nker pundits nodding sagely and going "told you so" the f**k up.

 

He is also replacing a club legend and comparisons are inevitably going to be drawn.

 

Jesus, give him time. At least give him Gashton time.

 

Agree except for your persistent childish name calling of Ramirez

[ENSKIED]

Whilst that is technically accurate - the Liverpool away game was a one in a thousand win (on another day we would have been beaten comfortably, I was at the game).

 

I see it more as 2 points down on where we would realistically expect to be which is a shame but we are only 2 games in so am still hopeful for now.

 

It is right to be hopefully and more importantly remain hopeful. However, the fact that the Saints lost against a Liverpool team way below their best must give some pause for thought? Last season you won in similar circumstances, could that result be a barometer or is it just a platform for useless speculation - well time will tell us all.

[OldNick]

Our fans need to STFU about Pelle.

 

He has just about the toughest job in the Premiership this season, imo. He is the point of the lance of a team that has literally just been eviscerated by the big boys, and therefore its in large part his responsibility to score the goals to keep us up and shut all the w**nker pundits nodding sagely and going "told you so" the f**k up.

 

He is also replacing a club legend and comparisons are inevitably going to be drawn.

 

Jesus, give him time. At least give him Gashton time.

I agree Pelle needs time, and the morons who make a quick judgement on him need to give him some space

[alpine_saint]

Agree except for your persistent childish name calling of Ramirez

 

Anything that draws attention to the persistent double-standards some of you demonstrate...

[shurlock]

Yes I agree and of course that in effect brings us full circle it's [instinctive] creativity that unlocks [dour] defence structures, all games [virtue of the human psyche] falls into patterns and or as is often termed rhythms. The mind seeks the familiar and tunes into the "expected" and that "anticipated" and it's that sudden twist, that switch, that defence splitting pass that run [Lovren was good at this] no one else anticipated, the moment of magic mostly unexpected, unanticipated, therefore they work . . . . . that is required in such games as Saturdays and finding that elusive commodity will IMHO be the real Key to the Saints holding their own or struggling this season. [As the great man once said virtually all games are won or lost in midfield]

 

Is this the famous scouse sense of the absurd I hear all about [insert picture of Roger McGough wearing a fedora talking to a cabbage]? Or do you take your cues from Stuart Hall?

[simo]

I'm not too fussed about the performance yet if we're still playing like that regularly in 5 or 6 games time then I'll worry

[ALWAYS_SFC]

I'm not too fussed about the performance yet if we're still playing like that regularly in 5 or 6 games time then I'll worry

 

Will you call for a boycott.......

[DuncanRG]

Just seen that Pelle has won 15 aerial duels so far, more than any other player in the league.

 

Interesting stat but I suppose the problem on Saturday was where the ball went after he won it, which was normally back to the opposition. More often than not that was because no one was there to pick it up but there were also a couple of poor headers and bits of miscontrol, and a few where Olsson had put him off balance etc.

[Bwanamakubwa]

That can't be right, he doesn't jump!!!!

[StDunko]

No MOTM poll for this game then?

 

My vote would've gone to FF. (Which is a bit worrying when you've just played West Brom at home).

[ENSKIED]

Is this the famous scouse sense of the absurd I hear all about [insert picture of Roger McGough wearing a fedora talking to a cabbage]? Or do you take your cues from Stuart Hall?

 

Why would I take any cues from Mr Hall? For instance I do not play pool, snooker or billiards and if that comment was in anyway utilising stereotyping of us poor Scousers in regards to stealing then I am at pains to point you in the direction of the top of this Forum - ergo the Libel "sticky. Anyway Shurlock me old mate I have "it" on very good authority Stuart Hall isn't Scouse. Indeed that info came straight from the CPS [Creeps Prevention Society] who acknowledge on this occasion, as with a certain infamous DJ [and others] they dramatically failed BUT are now attempting to make up for lost time. How absurd does the government and the BBC appear in all this - one must ask must one not?

 

So that aside then are we Scousers famous for our sense of the absurd? I hope so but I have to admit it's becomes somewhat embarrassing coming from a "culture" that is famous for so much. It could, if one was so disposed lead to one believing one is from a special place. For example did you know that Liverpool has produced more professional footballers than any City in Europe? I read that not long ago. Five at one time made the last England . . . . team irrespective of any further stereotypical comments that's 5 out of 11 players in a country of some what 60 million - speaks volumes for itself we suppose. Something else just occurred to me as I write - it must be an advantage in having a sense of the absurd given the world is an absurd, extremely stupid place must it not? [i refer you to Palestine as one example among millions] That being the case we probably see and understand things those not SO blessed do not and this is where we cane in . . . . . I would at this juncture point you back in the direction of my post for a re-read which by implication you claim is absurd. When the truth possibly is you may, unlike we Scousers, simply not have the capacity for understanding it. But despair ye not! I'll stick around to educate you further be it footy or the arts and sciences.

[Bearsy]

For example did you know that Liverpool has produced more professional footballers than any City in Europe?

 

this struck me unlikely so i investigated on googles. I found report that liverpool has produced "more top-flight footballers than any other English provincial city since the birth of the Premier League in 1992"

 

To make it work tho, they had to break London down into 32 separate boroughs, otherwise it would have wiped floor with liverpool.

[SaintRobbie]

I hope the Northam Stand provide us with some leadership at the next home game instead of allowing elements to criticise Pelle. We need the Northam to wake up. We're not going to have a season where we appear to progress, we might even have one where we threaten to go down.

 

We need the Northam to sing. Take a lead guys. Northam is the 12th man.

[ENSKIED]

this struck me unlikely so i investigated on googles. I found report that liverpool has produced "more top-flight footballers than any other English provincial city since the birth of the Premier League in 1992"

 

To make it work tho, they had to break London down into 32 separate boroughs, otherwise it would have wiped floor with liverpool.

 

:D:D

 

It seems to have made your day taking an opportunity in disparaging Liverpool [or thinking you may have] a city in your own country why could this be? Unless I'm mistaken your glee seems palpable if I'm wrong in that assimilation forgive me, in the meantime do Keep up the bad boy work. So if you googled it then, it mus be true! Can I make an observation since I like you, you seem so typical of the modern era so football started in 1992 did it? One lives and learns. Did you google anything else by any chance you wish to entertain us with? Don't be shy now you big cuddly thing you!

[Window Cleaner]

:D:D

 

It seems to have made your day taking an opportunity in disparaging Liverpool [or thinking you may have] a city in your own country why could this be? Unless I'm mistaken your glee seems palpable if I'm wrong in that assimilation forgive me, in the meantime do Keep up the bad boy work. So if you googled it then, it mus be true! Can I make an observation since I like you, you seem so typical of the modern era so football started in 1992 did it? One lives and learns. Did you google anything else by any chance you wish to entertain us with? Don't be shy now you big cuddly thing you!

 

Steady there Neddy, Bearsy is the court jester around these parts, doubles occasionally as village idiot as well. It's just a role he plays though, highly educated no doubt.

[CamberwellSaint]

Health warning: Opinions based only on the 'Player highlights and MOTM.

 

1. We kept West Brom down to one dangerous cross and one skilful moment (the Ideye chance at the end) in terms of attacking threat all match; the way this was done looked pretty dull but it worked. It's an underrated ability: get through a horrible game where the oppo has parked the bus without losing or getting suspensions.

2. No sign of attacking intent from Clyne, and only a moment or two from Bertrand.

3. Nobody made any stupid mistakes.

4. It looked as if we simply aren't fluent enough yet to unlock sludgy, wet-concrete football like WBAs. They'll be in trouble if that is their best effort away from home (not having had their team torn to shreds over the summer)

5. Embarrassing gaps in the crowd and miserable silence at the final whistle.

6. Tadic involved in everything that was good about our attacking- which wasn't brilliant but was about ten times better than WBA.

 

Others have posted this, but I'll reiterate it:

New manager in post for 6 weeks.

5 of our best players gone immediately before and after that, a 6th longterm injured.

Replacements playing their 2nd competitive game together, in the most relentlessly no-time-to-breathe league in the world.

Team expected to play a passing, fast, skilful brand of football.

 

Give them a f***ing minute, won't you?

[SaintSeb]

Well, it was a very dull game and we do look a bit of a shadow of the team of last season playing some very cautious and at times ponderous football, but as much of a cliche as it is, it really should be remembered that it takes time for new players to adapt and for a team to gel.

 

In terms of individual performances Forster looks assured and any worries about him adapting to the PL should be gone, as someone said when he was signed, they don't shoot or cross differently in Scotland! Defence in general were solid if fairly untroubled, but would have been good to see the full backs more involved in attack, it seemed like they were pushed up so high at times that they were no longer an outlet for Maya, Fonte, Morgan or Vic and so the ball was hoofed aimlessly up towards Pelle instead. As for the big man he was in a catch 22 situation really, with little service but for long balls and the fact he was being well marked by the WBA centre backs he struggled, but no-one was in and around him reacting to the balls he was winning and our crossing left a lot to be desired. Morgan was solid, but outclassed by a certain Victor Wanyama who now seems properly up to speed and looks a real force. Davis and JWP need to start playing with more attacking intent, there's no questioning their desire but they need to make better use of the ball rather than simply recycling possession. Tadic looked lively and the most likely to score but needs everyone else to get on his wave-length quicker. Long, as someone else pointed out doesn't look like a good enough option out wide he should be playing more centrally just off Pelle picking up his flicks and knock downs and Tadic's through balls. Cork only made a cameo appearance but did make our only attempt of the game to counter-attack swiftly, but was fouled.

 

I think it's crucial now that we keep calm and get behind the team (the whole team!), things will improve; the increasingly negative outlook is pointless right now, the events of the summer have unfolded and it's out of our hands. We are supporters and as such we should support the club in what is a time of transition, regardless of opinions on what's occurred over the past few months.

[whoateallthepies]

Well, it was a very dull game and we do look a bit of a shadow of the team of last season playing some very cautious and at times ponderous football, but as much of a cliche as it is, it really should be remembered that it takes time for new players to adapt and for a team to gel.

 

In terms of individual performances Forster looks assured and any worries about him adapting to the PL should be gone, as someone said when he was signed, they don't shoot or cross differently in Scotland! Defence in general were solid if fairly untroubled, but would have been good to see the full backs more involved in attack, it seemed like they were pushed up so high at times that they were no longer an outlet for Maya, Fonte, Morgan or Vic and so the ball was hoofed aimlessly up towards Pelle instead. As for the big man he was in a catch 22 situation really, with little service but for long balls and the fact he was being well marked by the WBA centre backs he struggled, but no-one was in and around him reacting to the balls he was winning and our crossing left a lot to be desired. Morgan was solid, but outclassed by a certain Victor Wanyama who now seems properly up to speed and looks a real force. Davis and JWP need to start playing with more attacking intent, there's no questioning their desire but they need to make better use of the ball rather than simply recycling possession. Tadic looked lively and the most likely to score but needs everyone else to get on his wave-length quicker. Long, as someone else pointed out doesn't look like a good enough option out wide he should be playing more centrally just off Pelle picking up his flicks and knock downs and Tadic's through balls. Cork only made a cameo appearance but did make our only attempt of the game to counter-attack swiftly, but was fouled.

 

I think it's crucial now that we keep calm and get behind the team (the whole team!), things will improve; the increasingly negative outlook is pointless right now, the events of the summer have unfolded and it's out of our hands. We are supporters and as such we should support the club in what is a time of transition, regardless of opinions on what's occurred over the past few months.

 

Of course the fans need to get behind the team, especially if that first win continues to prove elusive. The longer it remains so, the more the confidence will drain from the players. The more the confidence drains away, the harder it becomes to achieve the vital win. That's when the support from the fans is crucial. Especially as the current board will walk away at the first sign of trouble (just my opinion).

[doddisalegend]

Of course the fans need to get behind the team, especially if that first win continues to prove elusive. The longer it remains so, the more the confidence will drain from the players. The more the confidence drains away, the harder it becomes to achieve the vital win. That's when the support from the fans is crucial. Especially as the current board will walk away at the first sign of trouble (just my opinion).

 

Walk away to where? KL owns the club she's hardly going to just walk away and selling a PL football club isn't all that easy as the bloke at Villa has found out.

[ENSKIED]

this struck me unlikely so i investigated on googles. I found report that liverpool has produced "more top-flight footballers than any other English provincial city since the birth of the Premier League in 1992"

 

To make it work tho, they had to break London down into 32 separate boroughs, otherwise it would have wiped floor with liverpool.

 

Just to develop this further just for fun of course Bearsy . . . . . Mk Dons 4 Man U 0 . . . . . Liverpool lad is manager of Mk Dons, Karl Robinson, and the youngest manager in all the Leagues also the youngest man EVER to gain a UEFA Pro Licence. Last night he was aided and abetted by another Scouser Darren Potter, seems like Scousers are raised on footy and Man U's most acclaimed player and their captain of course is you guessed it! Another Scouser. Something about Scousers and Soccer.

[OldNick]

:D:D

 

It seems to have made your day taking an opportunity in disparaging Liverpool [or thinking you may have] a city in your own country why could this be? Unless I'm mistaken your glee seems palpable if I'm wrong in that assimilation forgive me, in the meantime do Keep up the bad boy work. So if you googled it then, it mus be true! Can I make an observation since I like you, you seem so typical of the modern era so football started in 1992 did it? One lives and learns. Did you google anything else by any chance you wish to entertain us with? Don't be shy now you big cuddly thing you!

you take on Bearsy at your peril. He is our Gerrard, and you don't want to make Gerrards Cross.

[ENSKIED]

you take on Bearsy at your peril. He is our Gerrard, and you don't want to make Gerrards Cross.

 

Very good Nick!

 

Bearsy's a good lad so hopefully he won't get too err grizzly with me!

[Jonnyboy]

Pelle seems to be getting a bit if a hard time on here tonight but i did notice his side parting was in exactly the same place after 90 minutes as it was at kick off...bar that fell asleep.

 

To be fair I think his hair is made of lego.