Whitey Grandad Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 Quantify "years". Adkins didn't have the chance to establish a "style" in the Prem, under Pochettino we defended from the front and tried to score on turnovers by winning the ball high up the field and recycled possession around midfield when we couldn't get a fast break, and last season under Koeman we had a very defensive formation with fullbacks getting forward to give the side width, but we were never particularly possession-minded (unlike, say, Swansea) and struggled to score on the occasions where we were too predictable. This season we haven't really got a single style yet, but the signs are that we've reverted to defending from a couple of unsuccessful attempts at attacking Newcastle and the first half at Everton. I suspect that we've gone defensive in order to stabilise things and provide a basis on which to develop.
verlaine1979 Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 last season under Koeman we had a very defensive formation with fullbacks getting forward to give the side width Considering people have been repeating the 'we don't play with wingers' mantra since the Championship, it's fair to say that we've been relying on the fullbacks to provide width for a lot longer than a season. What does feel increasingly the case though is that now pretty much everything either goes long or goes wide. Without Toby to step out of defence with the ball, Fonte/Yoshida either go for a hoof onto Pelle's head, or the ball gets cycled through to one of our three defensive midfielders (yes, three usually) who pops it out wide to meet the run off a fullback who will just be passing half-way by the time the ball is released.
DuncanRG Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 Quantify "years". Adkins didn't have the chance to establish a "style" in the Prem, under Pochettino we defended from the front and tried to score on turnovers by winning the ball high up the field and recycled possession around midfield when we couldn't get a fast break, and last season under Koeman we had a very defensive formation with fullbacks getting forward to give the side width, but we were never particularly possession-minded (unlike, say, Swansea) and struggled to score on the occasions where we were too predictable. This season we haven't really got a single style yet, but the signs are that we've reverted to defending from a couple of unsuccessful attempts at attacking Newcastle and the first half at Everton. Adkins played very positively in the half a season he had, and of course before that in the lower leagues. Throwing bodies forward cost us defensively in those early premiership days as much as the mistakes in the back four. I think you're confusing good defending with playing defensively. Defensive play is understood to mean putting bodies deep and behind the ball, rather than by defending from the front. Playing with two holding midfielders is of course more defensive than one, but pressing high isn't and we've always tried to pass, move and attack in numbers. Our 'defensive' style this year (Sunday aside) has been through poor passing and movement, meaning we give away the ball and get attacked more. We've still put numbers forward when possible and kept a high line. (For what it's worth I don't think many Premiership sides play defensively at all, it's a fast, attacking league)
The9 Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 I suspect that we've gone defensive in order to stabilise things and provide a basis on which to develop. Agreed.
The9 Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 Considering people have been repeating the 'we don't play with wingers' mantra since the Championship, it's fair to say that we've been relying on the fullbacks to provide width for a lot longer than a season. What does feel increasingly the case though is that now pretty much everything either goes long or goes wide. Without Toby to step out of defence with the ball, Fonte/Yoshida either go for a hoof onto Pelle's head, or the ball gets cycled through to one of our three defensive midfielders (yes, three usually) who pops it out wide to meet the run off a fullback who will just be passing half-way by the time the ball is released. I don't remember this Alderweireld dribbling being a feature. Now Schneiderlin bringing the ball forward, that's a thing neither Wanyama nor Romeu do as well. And don't get me started on "three defensive midfielders".
The9 Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 I think you're confusing good defending with playing defensively. What I said was "usual tactics of defending", so don't know where you got either idea from.
Kingsbridge Saint Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 Early goal and then waste time for fun. Karma.
LVSaint Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 Were there any good online streams around for the first leg?
verlaine1979 Posted 24 August, 2015 Posted 24 August, 2015 I don't remember this Alderweireld dribbling being a feature. Now Schneiderlin bringing the ball forward, that's a thing neither Wanyama nor Romeu do as well. And don't get me started on "three defensive midfielders". I said step out, not bomb forward like David Luiz. Toby regularly moved 10-15 yards forward, compressing the midfield before playing a pass with far greater accuracy than any of our current back line seem to be capable. Losing the accuracy of his distribution alone has probably changed our possession game as much as anything.
simo Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 I said step out, not bomb forward like David Luiz. Toby regularly moved 10-15 yards forward, compressing the midfield before playing a pass with far greater accuracy than any of our current back line seem to be capable. Losing the accuracy of his distribution alone has probably changed our possession game as much as anything. Could only do that due the the protection offered by Victor And Morgan
austsaint Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 I don't remember this Alderweireld dribbling being a feature. Now Schneiderlin bringing the ball forward, that's a thing neither Wanyama nor Romeu do as well. And don't get me started on "three defensive midfielders". Both Toby and Morgan are also above average dead ball exponents, which to be diplomatic took the pressure of having to include Ward-Prowse or even saddle Davo wit that responsibility.
The9 Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 Both Toby and Morgan are also above average dead ball exponents, which to be diplomatic took the pressure of having to include Ward-Prowse or even saddle Davo wit that responsibility. Ward-Prowse is clearly our best free-kick taker, I just wish he'd aim for the goal.
trousers Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 Ward-Prowse is clearly our best free-kick taker, I just wish he'd aim for the goal. His free-kick in the first leg was a whisker away from being a corker
disconnect Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 Pelle had a good game in the first leg, think he'll get a goal on Thursday, with another coming from a corner (either header of scramble in the box). We deserve it after their awful time wasting last week.
Cheeky Monkey Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 Think we should drop pelle and play Rodriguez and jumani up front. Pace. Bring in the big man if we need him...
Batman Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 Think we should drop pelle and play Rodriguez and jumani up front. Pace. Bring in the big man if we need him... playing a Danish Tony Pulis type team. Doubt we will drop our 'big man'
trousers Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 Ramirez features in today's training gallery... http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20150825-training-gallery-pre-midtjylland-away-england-2646598.aspx
Saint Charlie Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 Ramirez features in today's training gallery... http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20150825-training-gallery-pre-midtjylland-away-england-2646598.aspx As does Tadic. Small sample but no Pelle, Vic or Mane.
VectisSaint Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 (edited) As does Tadic. Small sample but no Pelle, Vic or Mane. Pelle doesn't train because he's too old, anyway that was the reason I was advised before Watford But I see Fonte is training this time. Not surprised about Mane, if he was concussed he won't play or train this week. Can't read much into it though, those who didn't train last week played on Sunday. No Caulker or Martina either. Edited 25 August, 2015 by VectisSaint
Saint Charlie Posted 25 August, 2015 Posted 25 August, 2015 Cuco the Cocktail more likely to score a hattrick than Ramirez starting.
alpine_saint Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Rest Mane for Sunday. If we can't beat these jokers without him we aren't ready for Europe anyway. Stek Cedric Fonte Caulker Targett Wanyama Romeu Long Ramirez Rodriguez Pelle Well, I'd at least have him on the bench.
Saint Charlie Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Why? Because Ramirez won't start and Rhu-endly could in theory so therefore he has more chance.
stanthemanfairoak Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Cheeky Monkey;2241281]Think we should drop pelle and play Rodriguez and jumani up front. Pace. Bring in the big man if we need him...spot on!
DT Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Personally think we're going out, and that MK Dons won't be easy at all either. Then things will slowly get better, concentrating on the league.
DT Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 playing a Danish Tony Pulis type team. Doubt we will drop our 'big man' Definitely need a big man against FC Midgetland
Lallana's Left Peg Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 We won't drop Pelle but it is playing into their hands a bit. Need pace and people to run at them, more subtlety. They'll be fouling us every 5 seconds. Pelle will be vital to us if we presume they will sit back and look to manage the game for 90mins. It's how we play around him that matters. He has a presence and we need that as far forward as possible so he can occupy one, if not two, central defenders.
alehouseboys Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 I still think some are underestimating this side, I'd imagine the Danes will be a totally different proposition at home. I know they got the draw and vital away goal at SMS but I can't see the Danish league champions being too phased at facing us on home soil, particularly after what they saw over here. They did what they had to do at St Mary's, and a pretty efficient job it was too. Tough game ahead.
brett24 Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Got a feeling Wanyama won't be playing tomorrow. Just a gut, not ITK.
nick1579 Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 I can see us maybe winning 1-0 and taking it in extra time . er, what?
100%Red&White Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Their official site pumping up the home fans https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=da&u=http://fcm.dk/home&prev=search The red lamps are lit. MCH Arena is filled to the brim in the decisive showdown between FCM and guests from Southampton All prerequisites for a hell of a fight is present on Thursday when FC Midtjylland should try to play through to the Europa League group stage. The 9,481 seats at MCH Arena is occupied, it is one of the most important matches in Midtjylland's history and FCM have managed to create tension with a good result in England. I hope the central Jutland fans let inhibitions stay at home and create a maximum pressure against Southampton on Thursday. It is the type of matches where the 12th man could be decisive for the match outcome, encourages brand manager Søren Märcher. In other words, the 12th man more important than ever, because we can not plan results, but when the unit is together, we can deliver it, others did not think was possible! The match kicks off at 20.45 and will also appear on TV3 +. Apparently the Malmo fans were outstanding against Celtic last night, the Scandinavians appear to be up for it like most other European fans. Just the Brits that are passive 'supporters' these days then.
brett24 Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Got a feeling Wanyama won't be playing tomorrow. Just a gut, not ITK. According to some guy on Twitter, Wanyama didn't travel today, he was at Southampton's general hospital.
Saint Charlie Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 According to some guy on Twitter, Wanyama didn't travel today, he was at Southampton's general hospital. He wasn't in the training snaps either.
northam soul Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 According to some guy on Twitter, Wanyama didn't travel today, he was at Southampton's general hospital. Re stitching his head or his two left feet
St Marco Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Will be there, looking forward to it. Got a feeling we will win 0-1with Fonte scoring.
angelman Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 4-1 Saints. JWP to get a hat-trick and Steven Davis to get the fourth.
trousers Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Pre match press conference any time now... [video=youtube;-dS_lvnDZM0]
SuperSAINT Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 4-1 Saints. JWP to get a hat-trick and Steven Davis to get the fourth. I'm not that optimistic... But JWP must be due a free-kick to go in. Likewise a Caulker header from a set-piece.
Norm Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Rest Mane for Sunday. If we can't beat these jokers without him we aren't ready for Europe anyway. Stek Cedric Fonte Caulker Targett Wanyama Romeu Long Ramirez Rodriguez Pelle Brave (or foolish?) words.
Batman Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 these pressers are such a waste of time in most parts..
Bobbyboy Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Does Vic have the same illness that Chambers had that time?
Batman Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 jay - everything is great RK - Will wait to see if Mane will play, he has not trained Vic did not travel, he is 'ill'...has a stomach infection will take time for jay. that is normal. still not 100% when he is 100%, he will be an interesting player for the national side. But please do not put pressure (pointed at the journo asking jay about being called up this week) he needs more time, we have to manage him. Jay knows this. When he is at his normal level, he will start every game but he needs sharpness and time Vic not coming has nothing to do with speculation. Doctor signed him off We hope victor is back for sunday, will have to wait we know how they play, we know we have to score, we cant defend a result, we have to go for it and we will go for it expect them to play the same style. More so as they have an away goal we should have won last week, if we play towards our level confident we will win 2nd half last week was how we have to play tomorrow we will go more direct to get the result. main thing tomorrow is to win I expected a hard start to the season and that is what we have. I am not negative about it. Always positive No bids for any of our players New players are not dependant on the result tomorrow
Baird of the land Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Really hope Reed is given his chance to impress tomorrow. If we revert to pushing Davis out of position again it'll be very disappointing.
Roger Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Might be good for wanyama to have a rest before Sunday. But big job for Romeu and JWP now. Imagine them with Davis for this one. I hope jwp doesn't play there nowhere near good enough.
trousers Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 If Wanyama is genuinely ill then I'm a Pompey fan
Saint Charlie Posted 26 August, 2015 Posted 26 August, 2015 Bad timing for Victor to miss a game...for more than one reason.
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