Tottenham 4-1 Saints - Match Thread

[CB Fry]

Before anyone replies I'll save you the bother.

Livramento Livramento Livramento every young kid we sign is Livramento. Livramento did it so they all will do it. Livramento Livramento Livramento.

[notnowcato]

1 minute ago, CB Fry said:

A young kid keeper from League One, a kid in midfield from, er, no appearances anywhere ever and a player from a league where Elyounoussi looked a world beater.

What a spine improvement. Baz is probably going to be better than shit McCarthy. But that's hardly an accolade.

Let's hope they come good but let's not pretend we are significantly better than last season.

If that really is tomorrow's line up then we are in serious trouble.

The international kid keeper who clearly has a bright future. 
Who is pretending we’re better than last season? No one truly knows. If the new signings do work out I doubt that will be from day 1. Patience will be required. 

[CB Fry]

Just now, notnowcato said:

The international kid keeper who clearly has a bright future. 
Who is pretending we’re better than last season? No one truly knows. If the new signings do work out I doubt that will be from day 1. Patience will be required. 

So you think we have improved the spine of the team but also don't think we're better than last season. Absolutely crystal clear. 

Well done all involved for our pre-season/transfer activity to get us to this place where we aren't better than last season.

[Lighthouse]

At the risk of being unpopular I’m going to say that Valero and Djenepo looked at worst competent in preseason in those positions. Everyone who’s seen the new lads play before reckons they’re the mutts, which is more than anyone an say about Long or Forster last season.

Am I expecting big things this year? No, but I wouldn’t have us odds on for the drop either.

[notnowcato]

12 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

So you think we have improved the spine of the team but also don't think we're better than last season. Absolutely crystal clear. 

Well done all involved for our pre-season/transfer activity to get us to this place where we aren't better than last season.

I said there were 3 changes to the spine in the line up provided by another poster. I didn’t say we’d improved because no one knows. The proof will show itself in the coming months. 
 

Again, we are potentially better than last season. Anyone who categorically states we are better or worse than last season is a fool. 

[CB Fry]

19 minutes ago, notnowcato said:

I said there were 3 changes to the spine in the line up provided by another poster. I didn’t say we’d improved because no one knows. The proof will show itself in the coming months. 
 

Again, we are potentially better than last season. Anyone who categorically states we are better or worse than last season is a fool. 

OK, whatever. Anyone can say "no one knows" about anything and everything forever. Doesn't really make for an interesting forum.

The original exchange was this

1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said:

That is an awful team/set up. No way demonstrates a successful transfer window what so ever.

 

1 hour ago, notnowcato said:

Apart from the 3 changes to the spine of the squad??

That post seems a strange reply coming from someone who themselves doesn't actually think we have improved the first team squad.

Edited 5 August, 2022 by CB Fry

[Saint Garrett]

17 hours ago, trousers said:

Is that based on any inside info or just a guess? cheers SG.

It’s based on some info and some guess. We’ll see if it will change between weds and the weekend. Ralph is known for making late changes to the starting line up. I was expecting ABK and Adams to start. Let’s see. 

[Charlie Wayman]

On 03/08/2022 at 13:28, Hodgey said:

It’s an interesting debate as either side could be right. We might have signed superstars who quickly adapt to the Prem and have us flying up the table. Or we might have signed players with a load of potential who will take a year or two to start fulfilling it at this level. Or we may have signed players who will always be found wanting at this level and unable to live up to the early potential. 
Probability suggests we’ll have one of the former, a couple of the middle and a couple of the latter. That’s my expectation - anything more a bonus and anything less and I’d ask questions of our recruitment.

With this transfer policy, the expectation should surely be to avoid a relegation dogfight and progress the youngsters to be Prem ready players for next year. I’m loving the optimists looking for more, but for me it’s easy to underestimate how tough this league has become, it’s a mammoth jump up from playing in smaller leagues, and an even bigger jump for those with little professional experience.

we do need a ready now striker though - even if on loan. I can’t see many goals currently in this squad. So I’m going for a 2-0 defeat, and looking for an improvement in tactics to make the most of what looks like an inexperienced/lack of clear Prem level playing squad.

How dare you bring common sense and intelligent analysis to this forum. 

[austsaint]

10 hours ago, Turkish said:

Valery and Elyanoussi both featured today in club media stuff. We know how that turns out..

If they start - I'm worried!  

[Chez]

4 hours ago, CB Fry said:

Before anyone replies I'll save you the bother.

Livramento Livramento Livramento every young kid we sign is Livramento. Livramento did it so they all will do it. Livramento Livramento Livramento.

and when scrutinised, his defending was all that great IMO. Ball watching is not a positive attribute.

it's worth mentioning Simeu was also signed last summer and he was good enough to get a loan at League 2 Carlise. 

[Appy]

It’s crazy how we’ve had this “summer overhaul” and we could start the season with Yan Valery at centre back and Moussa Djenepo at wing back, two players that wouldn’t get in any other team in the league. 

[SaintsFan86]

It's really boring hearing the same drivel all the time. If fans can't understand by now we won't be buying established Premier league proven players I don't think you'll ever get It.

[Chez]

On 03/08/2022 at 13:28, Hodgey said:

It’s an interesting debate as either side could be right. We might have signed superstars who quickly adapt to the Prem and have us flying up the table. Or we might have signed players with a load of potential who will take a year or two to start fulfilling it at this level. Or we may have signed players who will always be found wanting at this level and unable to live up to the early potential. 
Probability suggests we’ll have one of the former, a couple of the middle and a couple of the latter. That’s my expectation - anything more a bonus and anything less and I’d ask questions of our recruitment.

With this transfer policy, the expectation should surely be to avoid a relegation dogfight and progress the youngsters to be Prem ready players for next year. I’m loving the optimists looking for more, but for me it’s easy to underestimate how tough this league has become, it’s a mammoth jump up from playing in smaller leagues, and an even bigger jump for those with little professional experience.

we do need a ready now striker though - even if on loan. I can’t see many goals currently in this squad. So I’m going for a 2-0 defeat, and looking for an improvement in tactics to make the most of what looks like an inexperienced/lack of clear Prem level playing squad.

Very good post. I keep reading that our squad has been strengthened, but using your theory, we are likely to get maybe one or two into the first team (let's say one, plus Aribo), which means we haven't strengthened it greatly, especially with Forster and Broja departing. Time will tell.

[Chez]

11 minutes ago, Appy said:

It’s crazy how we’ve had this “summer overhaul” and we could start the season with Yan Valery at centre back and Moussa Djenepo at wing back, two players that wouldn’t get in any other team in the league. 

Is B-K not going to start ahead of Valery? Blimey.

[Dman]

14 minutes ago, Appy said:

It’s crazy how we’ve had this “summer overhaul” and we could start the season with Yan Valery at centre back and Moussa Djenepo at wing back, two players that wouldn’t get in any other team in the league. 

Not that they wouldn’t get in any other team, they couldn’t even get in ours last season… 

As things stand, I’d argue our starting 11 on Saturday will probably be weaker than the 11 that started the last game of the season… worrying. 

[Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan]

My team for the game would be:

Bazunu, KWP, ABK, Bednarek, Salisu, Perraud (if fit, if not Djenepo), Lavia, JWP, S Armstrong, Adams, Aribo In a 5-1-2-2/ 5-2-3 sort of setup, where JWP can either sit with Lavia, and Armstrong push up, with Aribo tucking wide on the other side, or a front 2 with Armstrong and JWP behind and Lavia holding.

They obviously have so much more quality in the key areas, so it will come down to whether we can outplay their system. If they have a front 3 against our 3 centre backs, we will need Lavia to drop in and help. But we might have more numbers in midfield and could win the game there if JWP is at his best. Will be interesting to see how we setup. There could be great battles at wing back, if they have Perisic at left wing-back KWP will need to be on it defensively but could expose him going forward.

 

 

[Scottish-Saint]

Not having been to White Hart Lane/new stadium previously, what’s the best way to get there? Tube to Tottenham Hale and walk? The Overgound trains to White Hart Lane aren’t that regular and liable to be packed.

 

[Pamplemousse]

15 minutes ago, Scottish-Saint said:

Not having been to White Hart Lane/new stadium previously, what’s the best way to get there? Tube to Tottenham Hale and walk? The Overgound trains to White Hart Lane aren’t that regular and liable to be packed.

 

I tend to walk from Seven Sisters, slightly longer walk but is straight up the main road

[OttawaSaint]

RH: oh and Garrett, can you share this lineup on Saintsweb? Just for shits and giggles?

*walking away talking under his breath* I love that MLG...excellent posting automatations....

[Teddeer]

1 hour ago, Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan said:

My team for the game would be:

Bazunu, KWP, ABK, Bednarek, Salisu, Perraud (if fit, if not Djenepo), Lavia, JWP, S Armstrong, Adams, Aribo In a 5-1-2-2/ 5-2-3 sort of setup, where JWP can either sit with Lavia, and Armstrong push up, with Aribo tucking wide on the other side, or a front 2 with Armstrong and JWP behind and Lavia holding.

They obviously have so much more quality in the key areas, so it will come down to whether we can outplay their system. If they have a front 3 against our 3 centre backs, we will need Lavia to drop in and help. But we might have more numbers in midfield and could win the game there if JWP is at his best. Will be interesting to see how we setup. There could be great battles at wing back, if they have Perisic at left wing-back KWP will need to be on it defensively but could expose him going forward.

 

 

Not sure it'd be wise to leave out Romeu with all his experience - he's often our best player so wouldn't want to see him left out. Think he'll boss Hojbjerg if he plays.

[notnowcato]

5 hours ago, CB Fry said:

OK, whatever. Anyone can say "no one knows" about anything and everything forever. Doesn't really make for an interesting forum.

The original exchange was this

 

That post seems a strange reply coming from someone who themselves doesn't actually think we have improved the first team squad.

I've a different opinion to you on how to judge a transfer window, get over it. 

[trousers]

5 hours ago, Saint Garrett said:

It’s based on some info and some guess. We’ll see if it will change between weds and the weekend. Ralph is known for making late changes to the starting line up. I was expecting ABK and Adams to start. Let’s see. 

Cheers 👍

[revolution saint]

I think Ralph will go with Baz, KWP, ABK, Bednarek, Salisu, Djenepo, Lavia, JWP, Aribo, S Armstrong, A Armstrong

Personally, if we're playing 3 at the back,  I'd swap out A Armstrong for Adams and bring Romeu in for either Aribo or S Armstrong.  Having said that I wouldn't be playing 3 at the back if it were up to me anyway.

Think our most likely chance of scoring will be from a JWP set piece.

[whiteleySaint30]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hampshirelive.news/news/hampshire-news/full-m3-northbound-closure-weekend-7414997.amp For those driving tomorrow- looks like it may be easier to go A3 rather than M3 (unless diversion isnt rtoo bad)??????

[saintant]

Just watched a podcast hosted by a Spurs guy featuring a pundit (fan) called Michael Bridges plus a Spurs fan named Jason. This last guy said that Saints were the best side he saw at their place last season, said they couldn't get near to us and even said we were the best since Bayern Munich!. High praise but it begs the question where did that side and that style of football go - it just vanished into thin air. Why can we not seem to get anywhere close to those levels? I appreciate it is harder for teams like us to maintain and we were playing high energy, press football but it's so frustrating to see where we've fallen to from those dizzy heights of performance level. Ok, maybe it was a one-off and everything clicked into gear but you'd think we'd be able to get some form of consistency but it seems to be feast or famine under Ralph - let's hope for more feasting this season.

[Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan]

1 hour ago, Teddeer said:

Not sure it'd be wise to leave out Romeu with all his experience - he's often our best player so wouldn't want to see him left out. Think he'll boss Hojbjerg if he plays.

I get that, think Romeu will be very important this year, but for me Hojbjerg will be in JWP's pocket all afternoon anyway. The reason I'd go for Lavia is the legs. Spurs will counter quickly, and have runners from midfield, so we'll need someone who can keep up with them really.

[SNSUN]

I started writing this post saying that Aribo is the only one that improves his position, because our AMs bar Stu were largely average. Aribo and Stu make for a decent AM and hopefully we can strengthen that further. 

 

Then I wrote about Bazunu, and realised that he probably does strengthen GK because even though we lost Fraser, he was never really first choice over Alex Mac when Alex was fit. Bazunu will at least compete for the GK spot with Alex (which may raise Alex's game) and maybe even make it his own if he performs well consistently. 

 

Then I wrote about Lavia. Did we need to strenghen CM? Well with JWP, Romeu and Diallo we had 3 good to reasonable options there, but I did say last season we really need a proper DM to come in, someone Wanyama-esque. Since we don't know that Lavia brings anything similar to that, he is highly rated and is regarded as a DM so I guess we can say we've strengthened that niche position.

 

Then I stopped writing the previous post, as I realised I was trying to make myself pick fault with our signings when they're all seemingly quite smart acquisitions... at least positionally. Yes there's the unknown element of them and questions over their age, but I think we could have had a much worse transfer window. Even ABK was getting good reviews at Bochum it seems and could help plug our leaky defence.

 

Where we are weaker is in attack, without Broja and even Long, although we've brought in Mara he's still a complete unknown. Yes we will strengthen here but the season starts and we're looking at losing Adams and playing AArmstrong, or even Aribo up front which weakens the AM position. We are also weak at wing back/full back without Tino for a while yet and Perraud only just back from a broken leg. I really hope Djenepo doesn't get eaten alive tomorrow. Still, there are a few more weeks to bring in players (and ship some out) and I think we'll do that OK. What we don't want is clubs coming in late and trying to prise the likes of JWP and KWP off us, disrupting everything.

 

As the season starts then I have to say we're still not ready (hence why we may be playing Valery, Djenepo and Moi and not using a recognised striker) BUT we've at least given ourselves a fighting chance longer term by bringing new players in. I think we'll have a rocky first month or two but find our groove as the new players settle in. Then there's the WC that stops things for six weeks - I predict we'll come out of that flying like we did post-lockdown in 2020.

 

I'm apprehensive about the season, we are one of the weaker teams in the league on paper and I think we'll be in, or mentioned in the same breath as, a relegation battle until later in the season, when I think we may start to pull away as the youngsters improve and gel.

[waterlooville saint]

Not optimistic about tomorrow's match but hope we at least put in a good performance. I hope we play like we did there last season and the 2nd half of the friendly with Monacco.

I think we'll play the 3-5-2 / 5-3 -2 formation we've been playing in pre-season and hope we'll see something like -

Bazunu, KWP, Salisu, Bednarek, ABK or Stephens, Perraud (or Djenepo if he's not fit), JWP, Romeu, S. Armstrong, Aribo, A. Armstrong

We'll also make good use of the 5 sub rule and expect to see Lavia and Adams at least used as tactical subs early in the 2nd half.

Roll on 2pm tomorrow to find out.

 

[eurosaint]

1 hour ago, SNSUN said:

I started writing this post saying that Aribo is the only one that improves his position, because our AMs bar Stu were largely average. Aribo and Stu make for a decent AM and hopefully we can strengthen that further. 

 

Then I wrote about Bazunu, and realised that he probably does strengthen GK because even though we lost Fraser, he was never really first choice over Alex Mac when Alex was fit. Bazunu will at least compete for the GK spot with Alex (which may raise Alex's game) and maybe even make it his own if he performs well consistently. 

 

Then I wrote about Lavia. Did we need to strenghen CM? Well with JWP, Romeu and Diallo we had 3 good to reasonable options there, but I did say last season we really need a proper DM to come in, someone Wanyama-esque. Since we don't know that Lavia brings anything similar to that, he is highly rated and is regarded as a DM so I guess we can say we've strengthened that niche position.

 

Then I stopped writing the previous post, as I realised I was trying to make myself pick fault with our signings when they're all seemingly quite smart acquisitions... at least positionally. Yes there's the unknown element of them and questions over their age, but I think we could have had a much worse transfer window. Even ABK was getting good reviews at Bochum it seems and could help plug our leaky defence.

 

Where we are weaker is in attack, without Broja and even Long, although we've brought in Mara he's still a complete unknown. Yes we will strengthen here but the season starts and we're looking at losing Adams and playing AArmstrong, or even Aribo up front which weakens the AM position. We are also weak at wing back/full back without Tino for a while yet and Perraud only just back from a broken leg. I really hope Djenepo doesn't get eaten alive tomorrow. Still, there are a few more weeks to bring in players (and ship some out) and I think we'll do that OK. What we don't want is clubs coming in late and trying to prise the likes of JWP and KWP off us, disrupting everything.

 

As the season starts then I have to say we're still not ready (hence why we may be playing Valery, Djenepo and Moi and not using a recognised striker) BUT we've at least given ourselves a fighting chance longer term by bringing new players in. I think we'll have a rocky first month or two but find our groove as the new players settle in. Then there's the WC that stops things for six weeks - I predict we'll come out of that flying like we did post-lockdown in 2020.

 

I'm apprehensive about the season, we are one of the weaker teams in the league on paper and I think we'll be in, or mentioned in the same breath as, a relegation battle until later in the season, when I think we may start to pull away as the youngsters improve and gel.

A fair summary 🤙

[aintforever]

I'm not a big fan of playing three centre backs, always seems to go flat with the full backs and the centre mids all pushed back leaving precious little attacking wise. I liked Poch's 4=2=3=1, think it's more flexible. here's who I would pick:

 

—————————-——  Baz   ———————————

KWP ———— Bednarek ——— Salisu ———— Perraud

———————— Lavia ———  Romeo  ———————

S Armstrong ————— JWP ——-———— Aribo

——————————  Adams  ——————————

 

 

Edited 5 August, 2022 by aintforever

[Dank]

1 minute ago, aintforever said:

I'm not a big fan of playing three centre backs, always seems to go flat with the full backs and the centre mids all pushed back leaving precious little attacking wise. I like Poch's 4=2=3=1, think it's more flexible. here's who I would pick:

 

—————————-——  Baz   ———————————

KWP ———— Bednarek ——— Salisu ———— Perraud

———————— Lavia ———  Romeo  ———————

S Armstrong ————— JWP ——-———— Aribo

——————————  Adams  ——————————

 

 

This is exactly the team I'd play. I suspect we might compromise because Perraud isn't ready.

[Matthew Le God]

3 minutes ago, aintforever said:

—————————-——  Baz   ———————————

KWP ———— Bednarek ——— Salisu ———— Perraud

———————— Lavia ———  Romeo  ———————

S Armstrong ————— JWP ——-———— Aribo

——————————  Adams  ——————————

Romeo Lavia playing in two positions?

[wild-saint]

26 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Romeo Lavia playing in two positions?

 

26 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Romeo Lavia playing in two positions?

Why the need to be a such a twat, you obviously know what he meant?

Edited 5 August, 2022 by wild-saint

[goodymatt]

44 minutes ago, aintforever said:

I'm not a big fan of playing three centre backs, always seems to go flat with the full backs and the centre mids all pushed back leaving precious little attacking wise. I liked Poch's 4=2=3=1, think it's more flexible. here's who I would pick:

 

—————————-——  Baz   ———————————

KWP ———— Bednarek ——— Salisu ———— Perraud

———————— Lavia ———  Romeo  ———————

S Armstrong ————— JWP ——-———— Aribo

——————————  Adams  ——————————

 

 

Immediately looks more solid. Wish Ralph would consider this formation. Prowsey banging them in from the edge of the box. Those 2 CDMs would be hard to get through. New main striker signed before the end of the window, ABK to take Bednarek’s place over time.

[qwertyell]

1 hour ago, aintforever said:

I'm not a big fan of playing three centre backs, always seems to go flat with the full backs and the centre mids all pushed back leaving precious little attacking wise. I liked Poch's 4=2=3=1, think it's more flexible. here's who I would pick:

 

—————————-——  Baz   ———————————

KWP ———— Bednarek ——— Salisu ———— Perraud

———————— Lavia ———  Romeo  ———————

S Armstrong ————— JWP ——-———— Aribo

——————————  Adams  ——————————

 

 

No pace. Probably the slowest front four in the league.

I think you'd have to play Adam Armstrong instead of Adams just to give the attack something in behind. 

[Cabrone]

4-1 to Spurs, sorry.

[saintant]

1 hour ago, Cabrone said:

4-1 to Spurs, sorry.

Not your fault.

[Dark Munster]

18 hours ago, CB Fry said:

Which away days are people looking forward to most next season?

QPR? Preston? Hull is always a good night out.

Your tips for promotion?

[Convict Colony]

I'm expecting to see a bednerak stumble, fall over or all round comedy mistake as spurs score. 

Nothing will ever beat that Werner back to goal nutmeg away to chelsea though.

Edited 6 August, 2022 by Convict Colony

[Verbal]

11 hours ago, Cabrone said:

4-1 to Spurs, sorry.

 

10 hours ago, saintant said:

Not your fault.

It kind of is.

[a1ex2001]

On 05/08/2022 at 07:22, Lighthouse said:

At the risk of being unpopular I’m going to say that Valero and Djenepo looked at worst competent in preseason in those positions. Everyone who’s seen the new lads play before reckons they’re the mutts, which is more than anyone an say about Long or Forster last season.

Am I expecting big things this year? No, but I wouldn’t have us odds on for the drop either.

And Forster was our best keeper last year by some distance! The new lad will be pretty dire if he isn’t an improvement!

My biggest concern is lack of fire power we need to recruit more upfront otherwise relegation looks to be a serious risk.

[FarehamSaintJames]

On 02/08/2022 at 17:49, FarehamSaintJames said:

Very torn between 3-1/4-1 to Spurs. Probably a Son or Kane hat-trick too.

Absolute domination, an eye opener, and a huge plummet back down to earth for everyone after signing all these future wonderkids and realising “they’re probably not good enough yet”.

 

My original post from a few days ago. Leaning towards 4-1 now.

Could not call what team/formation we will play, but if we go into this game with McCarthy in goal, Bednarek at CB and Djenepo out wide then we have huge issues! These three were not up to it last season so how can they still get a game?

It would be a very Ralph thing to have all these players at his disposal yet stick with the same shit as last year.

I imagine the pummelling will spark us to get a couple of players who have played more than three youth matches between them in their lives and have a bit of leadership about them. 😂

Edited 6 August, 2022 by FarehamSaintJames

[davefizzy14]

Really hoping we can start the season well and get at least a point today. Looking forward now to 3pm kick off. COYR

[Mr X]

Still worried that we have done nothing about the striker situation yes we have got saku mara in but he's that old signing that saints seem to love "one for the future" and completely unproven at this level, I don't think Adams and Armstrong are going to get anywhere enough between them, the club have known this and not acted 

[jawillwill]

Got a sneaky feeling we are going to scrape a 1-0 defeat today.

[Victor]

14 hours ago, wild-saint said:

 

Why the need to be a such a twat, you obviously know what he meant?

Of course he knew what was meant; he was just highlighting the amusing consequence of a careless typo. Twat.

 

At least he didn't edit his post and still leave the unnecessary duplication of the quote.

[Mr X]

28 minutes ago, jawillwill said:

Got a sneaky feeling we are going to scrape a 1-0 defeat today.

That would actually be a decent result in the scheme of things as a hammering in the first game wouldn't do our fragile confidence any good, they are better in most areas on paper but you never know with football and you never know which saints Will turn up! 

[wild-saint]

15 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

Romeo Lavia playing in two positions?

 

36 minutes ago, Victor said:

Of course he knew what was meant; he was just highlighting the amusing consequence of a careless typo. Twat.

 

At least he didn't edit his post and still leave the unnecessary duplication of the quote.

And validating his tedious comments shows you are also a twat. Oh and I wasn’t editing the duplication because it really makes no difference to the context of my post.

If it’s so important why don’t you both piss off to a gramma forum or something?

anyhow, looking forward to the game today despite knowing the chances of getting anything are poor. I hope to see some of the new blood and how they perform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cloggy saint]

17 minutes ago, wild-saint said:

If it’s so important why don’t you both piss off to a gramma forum or something?

Grammar 👍

[Dorchester Saint]

On 05/08/2022 at 07:19, CB Fry said:

So you think we have improved the spine of the team but also don't think we're better than last season. Absolutely crystal clear. 

Well done all involved for our pre-season/transfer activity to get us to this place where we aren't better than last season.

Wow, what a miserable **** I bet you’re a right laugh down the pub…🙄