Brighton 2-2 Saints - Match Thread

[The Cat]

17 minutes ago, Chez said:

picked on the basis of his social media profile. 

Don't forget the fist pumping. 

[Baird of the land]

14 hours ago, Dusic said:

Has to be 4-2-2-2 and IMO this is our best team in that shape:

-------------Forster------------

Tino--Bednarek--Salisu--KWP

--------JWP------Romeu------

Stu---------------------Redmond

--------Broja------Adams-------

Personally am amazed how many would pick Lyanco. I know Bednarek has dipped in form for a while but away from home he is still miles more reliable than Lyanco who looks a very jurys out signing to me. 

From this lineup only Perraud (very) and Moi (slightly) are unlucky to miss out.

Personally i've been far more impressed with Lyanco's limited appearances this season than with Bednarek's. Lyanco wasn't great on wednesday but nor was bednarek. To be honest was surprised lyanco played 2 games in 6 days after being out so long.

[fanimal]

That team above but I reckon he will start with Long instead of Broja for the first half at least 

[Lighthouse]

Sad really, there’s not one CB, striker or AM who’s earned their place in the team for this. Pick the two least s**t in each position.

[Baird of the land]

39 minutes ago, fanimal said:

That team above but I reckon he will start with Long instead of Broja for the first half at least 

If the answer to a question is a 35 year old goalshy striker who's contract is expiring then the wrong question is being asked.

[Chez]

Not easy to pick a side right now. We look devoid of confidence and rhythm. We have lost our way. Romeu has had a good season but in recent weeks has been well off the pace, but Diallo isn't pushing him for the spot. Salisu too, but Lyanco and Valery are nowhere near good enough IMO. It's not just individuals, its the team as a whole. Players like Ely are not world beaters, but when we are flowing they bring something to the mix. When we are struggling, they disappear. Players don't seem to know what they are doing. Moving to five at the back might ensure we have men behind the ball, but the balance between attack and defence has completely gone. When asked to flip the switch between men behind the ball/backs against the wall verses the big sides to a more attacking game against the lessor lights, we can't do it.

The good news is that we have played pretty well against brighton in recent seasons (we murdered them at SMS in December despite the result), but its going to be a very tough game. 

 

[BotleySaint]

I predict tomorrow we will look to solidify our 15th place finish.

Edited 23 April, 2022 by BotleySaint

[badgerx16]

Saints better win or it will spoil my birthday.

[Vancouver Saint]

I don't really care who we pick as long as they play like the shirt means something to them. The Burnley game was, to me, the most depressing of the season. We could have gone top 10 but there was no fight, no passion, no energy, just insipid slow-paced, predictable passing across the line against a team who had only won four games all season and no manager - but who obviously cared. 

if Valery starts then Ralph needs to go. Unless Salisu is injured (why don't we know the real reason he's not playing...can't all be bad form related...has someone made an offer for him and he doesn't want to play any more?) it would be inexcusable to play him - he is simply not good enough. Lyanco - don't get the hate - think he's got the bite and fight we need. Stuart Armstrong good but tired, needs a rest. Romeu and JWP good in defensive midfield against strong teams but too slow, predictable passing when we're going forward. Walcott a wrong decision, done. Broja, we all would love to keep him but ain't going to happen - one more game to showcase his talents and do something for us - play Che alongside with him as he is better with a strike partner than a lone wolf. Long - a legend in his own lunchtime, but please, not the future of the club - I'd much rather see a Tella or Adam Armstrong given a chance. Otherwise KWP has proven himself to be a class act, should always get a game. Tino has lost his confidence a bit - needs to be given free rein to maraude forward and press defenders as he did when he first started. I like Perraut - he puts the work in, goes forward but can defend and has the occasional thunderbolt in him. Dialo - meh, Ely - been better but patchy, Bednarek just average, not enough pace, Foster been playing well but still a flapper and not my choice for No.1 - neither is McCarthy - we need a new No.1 goalie as priority for me. Redmond a confidence player, good creator for five or six games then invisible. Djjnepo a lightweight flair player as it turns out - always thought there was more in him than we've seen.

Is there a Tadic effect at the club (good players for us, great players when they leave us)?

Overall, we need an overhaul. 

For the Brighton game, let's just show some real drive, passion and belief for the whole 90 mins + and get to 42 points with a squeaky win.

Edited 23 April, 2022 by Vancouver Saint

[Sarisbury Saint]

27 minutes ago, Vancouver Saint said:

I don't really care who we pick as long as they play like the shirt means something to them. The Burnley game was, to me, the most depressing of the season. We could have gone top 10 but there was no fight, no passion, no energy, just insipid slow-paced, predictable passing across the line against a team who had only won four games all season and no manager - but who obviously cared. 

if Valery starts then Ralph needs to go. Unless Salisu is injured (why don't we know the real reason he's not playing...can't all be bad form related...has someone made an offer for him and he doesn't want to play any more?) it would be inexcusable to play him - he is simply not good enough. Lyanco - don't get the hate - think he's got the bite and fight we need. Stuart Armstrong good but tired, needs a rest. Romeu and JWP good in defensive midfield against strong teams but too slow, predictable passing when we're going forward. Walcott a wrong decision, done. Broja, we all would love to keep him but ain't going to happen - one more game to showcase his talents and do something for us - play Che alongside with him as he is better with a strike partner than a lone wolf. Long - a legend in his own lunchtime, but please, not the future of the club - I'd much rather see a Tella or Adam Armstrong given a chance. Otherwise KWP has proven himself to be a class act, should always get a game. Tino has lost his confidence a bit - needs to be given free rein to maraude forward and press defenders as he did when he first started. I like Perraut - he puts the work in, goes forward but can defend and has the occasional thunderbolt in him. Dialo - meh, Ely - been better but patchy, Bednarek just average, not enough pace, Foster been playing well but still a flapper and not my choice for No.1 - neither is McCarthy - we need a new No.1 goalie as priority for me. Redmond a confidence player, good creator for five or six games then invisible. Djjnepo a lightweight flair player as it turns out - always thought there was more in him than we've seen.

Is there a Tadic effect at the club (good players for us, great players when they leave us)?

Overall, we need an overhaul. 

For the Brighton game, let's just show some real drive, passion and belief for the whole 90 mins + and get to 42 points with a squeaky win.

That was a long rant.

[S-Clarke]

40 minutes ago, Vancouver Saint said:

I don't really care who we pick as long as they play like the shirt means something to them. The Burnley game was, to me, the most depressing of the season. We could have gone top 10 but there was no fight, no passion, no energy, just insipid slow-paced, predictable passing across the line against a team who had only won four games all season and no manager - but who obviously cared. 

if Valery starts then Ralph needs to go. Unless Salisu is injured (why don't we know the real reason he's not playing...can't all be bad form related...has someone made an offer for him and he doesn't want to play any more?) it would be inexcusable to play him - he is simply not good enough. Lyanco - don't get the hate - think he's got the bite and fight we need. Stuart Armstrong good but tired, needs a rest. Romeu and JWP good in defensive midfield against strong teams but too slow, predictable passing when we're going forward. Walcott a wrong decision, done. Broja, we all would love to keep him but ain't going to happen - one more game to showcase his talents and do something for us - play Che alongside with him as he is better with a strike partner than a lone wolf. Long - a legend in his own lunchtime, but please, not the future of the club - I'd much rather see a Tella or Adam Armstrong given a chance. Otherwise KWP has proven himself to be a class act, should always get a game. Tino has lost his confidence a bit - needs to be given free rein to maraude forward and press defenders as he did when he first started. I like Perraut - he puts the work in, goes forward but can defend and has the occasional thunderbolt in him. Dialo - meh, Ely - been better but patchy, Bednarek just average, not enough pace, Foster been playing well but still a flapper and not my choice for No.1 - neither is McCarthy - we need a new No.1 goalie as priority for me. Redmond a confidence player, good creator for five or six games then invisible. Djjnepo a lightweight flair player as it turns out - always thought there was more in him than we've seen.

Is there a Tadic effect at the club (good players for us, great players when they leave us)?

Overall, we need an overhaul. 

For the Brighton game, let's just show some real drive, passion and belief for the whole 90 mins + and get to 42 points with a squeaky win.

I don't think Salisu is injured, I think mentally he's not quite with it for whatever reason. I think speculation/other clubs have unsettled him without question, and he's let that impact his game. I can see why he has been taken out of the firing line, he needs to sort his head out if he's staying. The club may see him as the big sale this summer though if Newcastle want to spend $$$$$, so let's see what happens.

Certainly happy with keeping Perruad and Lyanco in and around the squad for the coming seasons, like you say they both have the grit and determination that has been lacking in previous signings. (Hoedt, Vestergaard, Lemina etc). You could do a lot worse than having players like them around.

[Jonnyboy]

9 hours ago, Baird of the land said:

Personally i've been far more impressed with Lyanco's limited appearances this season than with Bednarek's. Lyanco wasn't great on wednesday but nor was bednarek. To be honest was surprised lyanco played 2 games in 6 days after being out so long.

Bednarek gets goals. All our defenders let in goals. 

[S-Clarke]

4 minutes ago, Jonnyboy said:

Bednarek gets goals. All our defenders let in goals. 

That's a bit of a slim argument for Bednarek! His prime job is to defend and I think he's always been pretty bog-average at that. He'll have spells where he's average and does a job, but then he'll have his out of form periods where he is just inept and a walking negative goal difference. 

At the end of the day we haven't had a positive goal difference since he's been a regular in the side, that probably tells you a lot. Certainly a position we need to spend a decent chunk on in the summer, not on a young player to grow in...but someone to start from day 1.

[Vancouver Saint]

27 minutes ago, Sarisbury Saint said:

That was a long rant.

Yeah, feel a bit better now...just a bit!

[woodsaint1]

                     Forster

KWP     Salisu   Stephens   Perraud

Tella      JWP     Romeu     Redmond

          Adams  A Armstrong

Need to inject some fresh faces and legs after Thursdays debacle. Broja doesnt deserve a start with his form and with nothing really left to play for I would give AA and Tella some game time. Think we'll get a draw. 1-1

[Jonnyboy]

21 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

That's a bit of a slim argument for Bednarek! His prime job is to defend and I think he's always been pretty bog-average at that. He'll have spells where he's average and does a job, but then he'll have his out of form periods where he is just inept and a walking negative goal difference. 

At the end of the day we haven't had a positive goal difference since he's been a regular in the side, that probably tells you a lot. Certainly a position we need to spend a decent chunk on in the summer, not on a young player to grow in...but someone to start from day 1.

To be fair to him we haven't had that kind of centre back since the days of Fonte and VVD. Bottom half teams tend to have negative GD. 

One thing I liked against Burnley was he was in the refs face a lot when Burnley were time wasting. 

 

Edited 23 April, 2022 by Jonnyboy

[VectisSaint]

2 hours ago, Vancouver Saint said:

I don't really care who we pick as long ...

if Valery starts then Ralph needs to go.

So you do care who we pick.

[Shroppie]

I still have a spare concession ticket if it anyone's interested.

[Thereisonlyonemickychannon]

Ralph is lightweight

[davefoggy]

3 hours ago, badgerx16 said:

Saints better win or it will spoil my birthday.

I wouldn't even bother lighting your candles mate, sorry

[badgerx16]

18 minutes ago, davefoggy said:

I wouldn't even bother lighting your candles mate, sorry

We had the birthday cake today at a family party.

[suewhistle]

8 hours ago, Chez said:

Players like Ely are not world beaters, but when we are flowing they bring something to the mix. When we are struggling, they disappear.

I'd agree. A neutral in the pub I watched the game in made the comment that Hassenhutl seems OK when we are doing well but doesn't seem to be so able when we are not, and was suggesting that he was probably too nice with the team. I said maybe he said more in the privacy of the changing rooms, but it was interesting that he had that perspective. 

As to team selection I really don't know. S. Armstrong needs a rest as he just doesn't look sharp, and trying things that would have succeeded earlier in the season but now half a yard too slow. Maybe Salisu has been afflicted with the issue that led to his delayed introduction to the team? Up front neither the departing Broja or Long are starters, but the alternatives are meh too, so maybe give Tella a chance? With both Stuart and more so Ely there's a lack of pace, and it's a more useful attribute when the flow has gone. Although a bit lightweight I think it's the one thing Smallbone has going for him.

I'm just glad I'm not picking the team...

 

[Micky]

Unfortunately I see nothing other than yet another loss.  I rate Graham Potter and think he's done OK with what he got available to him.  As far as I can tell, we have been on the beach for some weeks now.  They say you're only as good as your last game, if true we need to go from absolute shyte to pretty good in the space of a couple of days to get anything.  With our goal shy strikers we are relying on others to get the goals, so not looking good there.  All of the teams below us have games in hand as well, we'll be lucky to finish above 15th at this rate. 

[SaintZamboni]

23 minutes ago, Micky said:

Unfortunately I see nothing other than yet another loss.  I rate Graham Potter and think he's done OK with what he got available to him.  As far as I can tell, we have been on the beach for some weeks now.  They say you're only as good as your last game, if true we need to go from absolute shyte to pretty good in the space of a couple of days to get anything.  With our goal shy strikers we are relying on others to get the goals, so not looking good there.  All of the teams below us have games in hand as well, we'll be lucky to finish above 15th at this rate. 

We’re one point behind and have scored more than Brighton. Ralph has had less to work with than him, half the expenditure according to transfermarkt. So why do you rate potter so highly? Because Brighton are consistently average? 

I’m as frustrated as anyone that we’re so hot and cold but when people credit Brighton, palace (whoever is 9th at the current time) it doesnt show a lot of perspective in my opinion. 
BTW, this post is for many of the comments on here, not just this one.

[SNSUN]

Lewis

Valery

Stephens

Lyanco

Small

Smallbone

Chauke

Diallo

Moi

Walcott

Long 

 

Goals goals goals, Walcott is our saviour.

 

(Note to sober SNSUN, stop posting when pissed.)

[rooney]

Ralph said Salisu effected by Ramadam due to fasting during daylight ours and therefore by implication, would lack strength.

[adrian lord]

I have joined the players on the metaphorical beach. 

[Saint_Tony]

don't know what to expect, we have a decent record there winning on our last 3 visits. Ralph has to do something to change things but it's difficult to see him getting that right. Brighton 0-0 Saints 

[benjii]

-----------Frazer Foster----------

KWP---Lyanco---Salisu-----Perraud

--------------Romeu--------------

-------JWP-----------Diallo--------

----Stu Arm---‐------------Redmond

---------------Adam's-------------

 

P.s. hopefully we get a penalty for a foul about two yards outside the box.

Edited 24 April, 2022 by benjii

[FarehamSaintJames]

On 22/04/2022 at 09:44, FarehamSaintJames said:

I would take a draw at this point. Very concerning the teams around us we've dropped points to this side of Christmas: Newcastle, Watford, Burnley, Aston Villa.
Now with Brighton, Brentford and Crystal Palace's upturn in form I see us finishing 16th. Maybe five points from the relegation zone if we're lucky.

As someone above posted, back to basics for this game:

Forster;
KWP, Stephens, Salisu, Perraud;
Redmond, JWP, Romeu, S. Armstrong;
Adams, A. Armstrong

Bring Salisu back in after his couple of weeks "reflection" of bad performances. Bednarek and Lyanco have both shown they aren't up to it, Bednarek especially, I am sick to death of his attitude and inept ability. Redmond is more creative than Ely. Broja has been poor for weeks now - HE IS NOT OUR PLAYER, he will go back to Chelsea at the end of the season and he won't be coming here again. Time to put some faith in A. Armstrong and give him a run.

After last nights game I'll still be "Ralph In" but my word he is treading a fine line. This is close to being his squad now. His players. His tactics.

He needs a strong finish, anything lower than where we finished last season will raise some serious questions.

When I wrote this a few days ago I was feeling 1-1.

Now I feel a loss, a convincing one at that, 3-0 to Brighton. All but confirming our 16th place finish.

Is this mess on TV anywhere?

[hasper57saint]

I don’t predict scores or outcomes. I just hope to be entertained by my team and at the moment we don’t appear to have much of it. Is there a communication problem with them? Apart from FF no one is bollicking anyone. JWP should be literally kicking their arses. For those Saints who went all the way up to Burnley on Thursday you have my sincere admiration. A refund would be appreciated. However, the Shitehawks are only just along the coast and the forecast is sunny. Let’s hope that when you all return home this afternoon you are smiling. Can we actually reach the top ten before the end of the season? Three points today will help.

COYS

[Streaky]

Ballard and small to start. Fed up with watching the usual crap performances game after game.

[The Cat]

8 minutes ago, Streaky said:

Ballard and small to start. Fed up with watching the usual crap performances game after game.

Ballard played yesterday for the U18's.

[Tank]

13 hours ago, woodsaint1 said:

                     Forster

KWP     Salisu   Stephens   Perraud

Tella      JWP     Romeu     Redmond

          Adams  A Armstrong

Need to inject some fresh faces and legs after Thursdays debacle. Broja doesnt deserve a start with his form and with nothing really left to play for I would give AA and Tella some game time. Think we'll get a draw. 1-1

keep faith with Broja ...

[Toadhall Saint]

12 hours ago, Micky said:

Unfortunately I see nothing other than yet another loss.  I rate Graham Potter and think he's done OK with what he got available to him.  As far as I can tell, we have been on the beach for some weeks now.  They say you're only as good as your last game, if true we need to go from absolute shyte to pretty good in the space of a couple of days to get anything.  With our goal shy strikers we are relying on others to get the goals, so not looking good there.  All of the teams below us have games in hand as well, we'll be lucky to finish above 15th at this rate. 

This I’m sorry to say.

[DT]

They have a better manager who will out-tactic Ralph by a country mile. Home win. 

[Chez]

2 hours ago, Streaky said:

Ballard and small to start. Fed up with watching the usual crap performances game after game.

Small looked a million miles off the pace in the cup game earlier in the season. 

[Totton Saint]

16 hours ago, woodsaint1 said:

                     Forster

KWP     Salisu   Stephens   Perraud

Tella      JWP     Romeu     Redmond

          Adams  A Armstrong

Need to inject some fresh faces and legs after Thursdays debacle. Broja doesnt deserve a start with his form and with nothing really left to play for I would give AA and Tella some game time. Think we'll get a draw. 1-1

I really do completely agree with your selection. We were appallngly and disgustingly complacent v burnley after they went one up. I could not believe my eyes. Why play a back 5 against a  potential relegation side.  Hasinhutal looks so tense in the tech area it must rub off on the players. All the shouting instructions must utterly confuse them.

[Totton Saint]

4 hours ago, adrian lord said:

I have joined the players on the metaphorical beach. 

Strikes me  they have been on an actual beach when they should have been at the training ground

[Chez]

Just looking at Brighton's recent results, and they seem unusually similar to us.  They were well beaten by City (as we were Chelsea), but beat Spurs 1-0 (as we did Arsenal). Lost to Newcastle 2-1, struggled with Norwich (not sure we struggled, but with a bit more luck they could have grabbed a draw against us) and tonked by Burnley and Villa.

Maybe we are very similar sides?

 

[Chez]

19 minutes ago, Totton Saint said:

 All the shouting instructions must utterly confuse them.

managers directing traffic on the sideline is all a load of bollocks IMO. It just gives the TV directors something else to show during the increasing number of stoppages - and in turn has risen the profile of managers (or are they just head coaches these days?) allowing them to demand eye watering salaries.  If Clough could allow his side to play (and win) a game whilst sat in the changing rooms, then I wonder what actual effect Tony Pulis shouting and demanding more from players all game actually has?  

Players win games. Tactics no doubt have a bearing, but managers waving arms on the sideline has no impact.

 

Edited 24 April, 2022 by Chez

[nta786]

 

Edited 24 April, 2022 by nta786

[obelisk]

Shane Long partnering Adams up front. I'd have preferred to see what AA can do.

[nta786]

 

[beatlesaint]

Just now, obelisk said:

Shane Long partnering Adams up front. I'd have preferred to see what AA can do.

Given Long won’t be here next season yet Armstrong probably will it would have made more sense.

[John B]

Just now, beatlesaint said:

Given Long won’t be here next season yet Armstrong probably will it would have made more sense.

But he is pretty ineffective 

[MAY-Z]

1 minute ago, obelisk said:

Shane Long partnering Adams up front. I'd have preferred to see what AA can do.

Yep he needs a full game 

despite what everyone says on here he was ok early in the season, and has only had bit parts since in some unsuitable matches.

 

we know what long will do so what will this do for us long term? Absolutely nothing

[beatlesaint]

2 minutes ago, John B said:

But he is pretty ineffective 

Like everyone else against Burnley you mean 🤣

[Gingeletiss]

No left back….again! 

[Saints foreva]

Zero goal threat.