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Saints 2-0 Man City - The Treble is STILL on!

Lighthouse

By Lighthouse,
in The Saints

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MotM  

131 members have voted

  1. 1. MotM

    • Bazunu
      4
    • KWP
      4
    • DCC
      11
    • Lyanco
      70
    • Salisu
      0
    • Lavia
      6
    • JWP
      21
    • Diallo
      0
    • Mara
      3
    • Armstrong
      7
    • Djenepo
      5
    • Orsic
      0
    • Moi
      0
    • Adams
      0
    • Perraud
      0

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Dman

Dman

Posted
Posted
4 minutes ago, woodsaint1 said:

😂😂😂

Again, fair play to Jones. 
 

In a world where generally speaking we get the same waffley shit from managers and players, it’s nice to see a bit of bite back. 
 

Gets my approval 👍

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suewhistle

suewhistle

Posted
Posted
3 hours ago, suewhistle said:

I'm off to trudge to the pub. I doubt I'll be skipping back..

I skipped, I waltzed, I stomped in the puddles! Even better I found a bottle of Proper Job left over from guests at the weekend chilling on the back doorstep.

As to a football comment, that was no fluke and well deserved. Everybody made their contribution in a true team game. As my friend texted: "Happiness is the pure joy on the faces of the Saints players!". They were playing without fear and will have had a tremendous boost to their confidence, which has been sorely lacking. JWP looks better further forward, Lyanco lost a few people bets on being booked first, and what an assist! Anybody who won a bet tonight deserves it! Grealish, who probably cost more than the whole Saints team got hooked..

 

Please can we win at Goodison.

 

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CWD

CWD

Posted
Posted

Listening to NJ post match, it still concerns me that he seems to think we played well against Forest and that we weren't playing long ball football.

Every single person in that stadium and every pundit and journalist agreed it was a gobsmackingly woeful attempt at contesting a football match.

Hopefully that's all a bit of a front, because in comparison today it was chalk and cheese. Brilliant football and brilliant night.

Lets take this into the league now.

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woodsaint1

woodsaint1

Posted
Posted
9 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

I still think Jones is a bit of a prick but absolutely fair play. Keep winning and shoving it in everyone's faces and we will all be happy. Needs to get some form in the league though or this is a bit pointless. 

Cheers Paul 😂

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Crab Lungs

Crab Lungs

Posted
Posted
1 minute ago, CWD said:

Listening to NJ post match, it still concerns me that he seems to think we played well against Forest and that we weren't playing long ball football.

Every single person in that stadium and every pundit and journalist agreed it was a gobsmackingly woeful attempt at contesting a football match.

Hopefully that's all a bit of a front, because in comparison today it was chalk and cheese. Brilliant football and brilliant night.

Lets take this into the league now.

Probably a little deflection from the players there, not to knock their already low confidence publicly.

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The Kraken

The Kraken

Posted
Posted (edited)

One thing that tells me after game…..

AMN must never play CM for us again, he is the epitome of slow, ponderous, back foot football. He has looked ok when he’s been played out wide, but he simply isn’t a dynamic central midfielder.

Lavia is key to the equation of course. Having JWP and Diallo with Lavia is our strongest CM combo, and we must play a three, been saying this for some time. Work hard, cover ground, make space for each other, cover for each other. AMN gives none of that, he likes to get the ball in his own half and pass it off.p with no intensity. The other players at least look forwards quicker and seemed a good cohesive unit tonight. I maintain there’s a player in Diallo, but a defensive midfielder In a two, it isn’t.

Edited by The Kraken
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Saint Fan CaM

Saint Fan CaM

Posted
Posted

Huge result, but most importantly even more significant if the Manager and the players can take the confidence into the league against Everton to show it’s no flook. So many unexpected top performances from players that have not previously delivered, but have to the assist and finish from Mara typifies what we’ve missing for over a year now. That came from pace, press and movement into dangerous areas.

Well done NJ for getting this one 100% spot on tactically…never thought I’d ever be saying that. COYR!

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S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted (edited)

It was an astonishingly good performance, the comparisons between this and the Forest game were ridiculous. It was like two different teams. Part of me wonders if pressure plays a part in that though, in many ways tonight was a free hit and the players could just relax a little - but in the league my fear is that they have become a bit big bogged down by pressure.

Onto the game - from min 1 we were on them, it wasn't what I'd call a half hearted press - it was a rehearsed and well orchestrated process - everyone did in tandem, in time, met the triggers. There is an element of luck in pressing, and you do need to take those risks and be brave both on and off the ball, but when it comes off it's totally worth it.

The first half was like us at our best under Ralph. Front foot, coordinated press, energy and aggression - but there were little bits of quality in amongst it all, notably Lavia (who is an absolute superstar player) and Mara, who first half particularly played his role brilliantly. 

One of the biggest changes tactically was our midfield. We had more numbers centrally, which allowed JWP the freedom to operate more advanced when we had the ball - so he was an option in the 10, or wide midfield. Lavia and Diallo, in tandem, with JWP dropping back in when required, avoided us being over-run in there as we have been so often. This is how we need to play - off the ball, we need to have 3 in the middle, 1 slightly deeper (Lavia role), but two more advanced willing to break the lines. Having those numbers also gave much more licence to the full backs, as there wasn't such a fear of being caught short.

So I have to give it to us tonight - tactically spot on. Our issues of recent weeks in front of our eyes were addressed and we played to the strengths of the squad. The fluidity of the defensive unit was also a big positive, having 3 back there when we are on the ball provides licence to one of them (Lyanco in this case) to take a few more risks both on and off the ball. But then when we were off the ball they dropped and were very disciplined in how they played positionally, which restricted city and removed the angles they so often find.

One other thing which impressed me tonight is how we didn't sink deep - a criticism of 2nd halves in recent years, even in the big wins against Liverpool and City of a few years ago. We had a tendency to lose composure and retreat so deep in that we had no out ball, and that is asking for trouble. Tonight however we didn't sink that deep, we always had options higher up the pitch to break and keep the ball in their third, we were never in a situation where our midfield were on top of the CB's - our distances were always spot on, which enabled the management of the game in the final moments.

The acid test for me is going to be Saturday. If we approach it in the same way tactically and the players have the same attitudes then I think we're onto something, I don't want us to sink back into our shells and panic under pressure (as that game will have a lot of pressure on it). I hope we call it right on the weekend because tonight is exactly how we need to play.

Edited by S-Clarke
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Chez

Chez

Posted
Posted

Just got back. Tremendous display. Pressed well, very organised and disciplined. Bit if bite when needed and plenty of composure, especially in the first half. Liked JWP in the Steven Davis role, setting the tempo and pressing hard. We forced errors. We took our chances. We didn't over committ. Jones changed the shape in the s cond half and it worked. 

Funny, we played a shed more long balls than Saturday, but not a single moan from fans. You can get away with it when you do other things right, like work hard and score goals.

Very happy. Can't wait for the semi final. Hope I can get a ticket for the away leg.

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Wade Garrett

Wade Garrett

Posted
Posted
7 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

It was an astonishingly good performance, the comparisons between this and the Forest game were ridiculous. It was like two different teams. Part of me wonders if pressure plays a part in that though, in many ways tonight was a free hit and the players could just relax a little - but in the league my fear is that they have become a bit big bogged down by pressure.

Onto the game - from min 1 we were on them, it wasn't what I'd call a half hearted press - it was a rehearsed and well orchestrated process - everyone did in tandem, in time, met the triggers. There is an element of luck in pressing, and you do need to take those risks and be brave both on and off the ball, but when it comes off it's totally worth it.

The first half was like us at our best under Ralph. Front foot, coordinated press, energy and aggression - but there were little bits of quality in amongst it all, notably Lavia (who is an absolute superstar player) and Mara, who first half particularly played his role brilliantly. 

One of the biggest changes tactically was our midfield. We had more numbers centrally, which allowed JWP the freedom to operate more advanced when we had the ball - so he was an option in the 10, or wide midfield. Lavia and Diallo, in tandem, with JWP dropping back in when required, avoided us being over-run in there as we have been so often. This is how we need to play - off the ball, we need to have 3 in the middle, 1 slightly deeper (Lavia role), but two more advanced willing to break the lines. Having those numbers also gave much more licence to the full backs, as there wasn't such a fear of being caught short.

So I have to give it to us tonight - tactically spot on. Our issues of recent weeks in front of our eyes were addressed and we played to the strengths of the squad. The fluidity of the defensive unit was also a big positive, having 3 back there when we are on the ball provides licence to one of them (Lyanco in this case) to take a few more risks both on and off the ball. But then when we were off the ball they dropped and were very disciplined in how they played positionally, which restricted city and removed the angles they so often find.

One other thing which impressed me tonight is how we didn't sink deep - a criticism of 2nd halves in recent years, even in the big wins against Liverpool and City of a few years ago. We had a tendency to lose composure and retreat so deep in that we had no out ball, and that is asking for trouble. Tonight however we didn't sink that deep, we always had options higher up the pitch to break and keep the ball in their third, we were never in a situation where our midfield were on top of the CB's - our distances were always spot on, which enabled the management of the game in the final moments.

The acid test for me is going to be Saturday. If we approach it in the same way tactically and the players have the same attitudes then I think we're onto something, I don't want us to sink back into our shells and panic under pressure (as that game will have a lot of pressure on it). I hope we call it right on the weekend because tonight is exactly how we need to play.

Incredibly incisive appraisal of the game.

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The Cat

The Cat

Posted
Posted

Hope Lavia is ok. He landed awkwardly before going off, looked like he possibly jarred his knee a bit.

Was shaking his head as soon as it happened but hopefully that was just a reaction to knowing he'd have to go off after such a great performance rather than an acknowledgement that he'd got an injury which might keep him out again.

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saintjimbo83

saintjimbo83

Posted
Posted

Fantastic result and performance. JWP best position is where he played today and similar when we played against Chelsea and won. 

DCC is what we need at centre back, he is strong and composed.

I’ve given Bazunu a lot of stick and rightly so IMO, but that was his best performance for us.

Lavia is such a good player. Massively missed him. Schooled Phillips. 

Still find Jones’ interviews bizarre. Maybe he needs media training, as he is hard to warm to. Wins will obviously help that.

Massive game Saturday. New signings and more to come and we may now have a chance if we play like tonight. 

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Chez

Chez

Posted
Posted
2 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Hope Lavia is ok. He landed awkwardly before going off, looked like he possibly jarred his knee a bit.

Was shaking his head as soon as it happened but hopefully that was just a reaction to knowing he'd have to go off after such a great performance rather than an acknowledgement that he'd got an injury which might keep him out again.

Essential he plays on Saturday. He has the ball skills and composure needed to play at this level. Can't wait to see these new players combined with him.

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Chez

Chez

Posted
Posted
1 minute ago, saintjimbo83 said:

Fantastic result and performance. JWP best position is where he played today and similar when we played against Chelsea and won. 

DCC is what we need at centre back, he is strong and composed.

I’ve given Bazunu a lot of stick and rightly so IMO, but that was his best performance for us.

Lavia is such a good player. Massively missed him. Schooled Phillips. 

Still find Jones’ interviews bizarre. Maybe he needs media training, as he is hard to warm to. Wins will obviously help that.

Massive game Saturday. New signings and more to come and we may now have a chance if we play like tonight. 

Have to say that Bazunu didn't have jack to do. The saves he made were simple. One good punch and that was it. Not bring critical, but he's had better games.

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woodsaint1

woodsaint1

Posted
Posted
1 minute ago, SotonianWill said:

some fools in the replies moaning at jones for saying this, if you give out stick you need to be able to take it back. fair play mr jones. 

Exactly. Hes been asked about it and hes gave a direct response. Obviously he disagrees with Doswell's assessment

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Holmes_and_Watson

Holmes_and_Watson

Posted
Posted

It was interesting to hear our manager not shy away from getting a number of digs back, in between standard interview answers, and keeping after level head, early in his tenure, after such an impressive performance.

I think his first thought was actually going to be that he was proud of himself. Caught himself in a millisecond, and got in how proud he was of his players first. Proud of himself was a close second along with his coaching staff. 🙂

There's no shortage of ego and self belief there. Fine by me. I want a successful leader, not a pal.

His early mention of himself and his staff was also linked to the flak he feels he and they have been getting. He also mentioned flak to the owners and mentioned not getting abuse on the way home.

There's been different levels of criticism. But hopefully, it's a small reminder of the impact of some of the worst. But I think also he was probably thinking he'd get more time, as in his view it was more of a rebuild, while we were looking for a bounce.

He's very aware of the criticism, and more than willing to get his reaction to it across. Which I like a lot more than a few clichéd post match answers. NJ's approach at least offers some interaction, and answers.

He must have been glued to the underlying data to have got positives from the forest game. But his narrative is that it's been building, following behind the scenes work.

Interesting that he doesn't count the Liverpool game, as he was only with us for a day. I doubt he'd be discounting it had we won. He's definitely got his own narrative going, using that with his self belief, and his religious belief that he mentioned in the interview to give the team a strong leader to get behind.

He also said it takes time to build. Under Ralph this season, we had also been losing to fine margins. So to take us from that to games where that margin was bigger, was tough to watch.

But he's right about changing the momentum. Under Ralph of late, it was losing by fine margins after an end of season run in of much poorer performances and larger defeats. The players do care, and clearly still work for each other, even after such a year. Hopefully, a good platform for NJ to build on, and bring out different personalities to the drone ones required by Ralph's systems (great when it worked, but fragile in that regard)

NJ is keen to point out that the wins are against Premier League opposition, so equivalent. JWP is more accurate in pointing out the distraction, indicating a different level of pressures involved. But there's no harm in NJ reinforcing to our players, that they should have no fear against League opposition, if they're willing to buy into it.

He also mentioned building that momentum. He was including the support in that. Considering how brittle Everton can be, he knows how important that could be. Fortunately, he's given us 2 wins going into those games. He's also had an early taste of criticism so knows what's coming if this is a false dawn. Hopefully, that will be used for motivation too.

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austsaint

austsaint

Posted
Posted
17 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

One thing that tells me after game…..

AMN must never play CM for us again, he is the epitome of slow, ponderous, back foot football. He has looked ok when he’s been played out wide, but he simply isn’t a dynamic central midfielder.

Lavia is key to the equation of course. Having JWP and Diallo with Lavia is our strongest CM combo, and we must play a three, been saying this for some time. Work hard, cover ground, make space for each other, cover for each other. AMN gives none of that, he likes to get the ball in his own half and pass it off.p with no intensity. The other players at least look forwards quicker and seemed a good cohesive unit tonight. I maintain there’s a player in Diallo, but a defensive midfielder In a two, it isn’t.

Yes, Diallo was one of the many surprise packets tonight wasn't he.  As S. Clarke commented - three midfielders, especially with Lavia as the lynchpin makes us a different side.    There's room for JWP to have a roving commission; less pressure on Diallo defensively and allows the aggressive attacking side of his game to flourish.   The three man midfield also allowed flexibility for a back  4 or a back 5 with Djenepo slotting back in the first half and a more fixed back 5 for much of the second half with Perraud and KWP at FB.

So much to like about the performances of every player - but Caleta-Car (along with Lavia) was my stand out, calm, composed, great distribution and looked dangerous at corners and set pieces.    Mara's finish; Djenepo's worldy (does he score any other type?), Adam Armstrong's 80 minutes were outstanding and showed he's an asset in that pressing, wide attacking role.    So pleased for Bazunu's clean sheet - how much confidence will he take from that.

It was a perfect stage for Lyanco's fired up aggression - he gives everything and tonight kept mistakes to a minimum - Salisu was committed and effective too.  And then there's KWP.   I can't believe so many see him as expendable - I've long thought he is every inch the RB that Walker, TAA, Cancelo etc are and tonight he showed it again.

I'm a Jones doubter; still am - but tonight he deserves plenty of praise.   Set the team up well; good tactical changes and subs, and changed formation in the second half to counter the arrival of De Bruyne and Haaland.      Let's hope the effort, skill and courage of tonight travels up to Goodison Park on Saturday.    

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Holmes_and_Watson

Holmes_and_Watson

Posted
Posted
15 minutes ago, The Cat said:

Hope Lavia is ok. He landed awkwardly before going off, looked like he possibly jarred his knee a bit.

Was shaking his head as soon as it happened but hopefully that was just a reaction to knowing he'd have to go off after such a great performance rather than an acknowledgement that he'd got an injury which might keep him out again.

I hope so too. If he is injured again, I can only hope SR reach out and get a proper DM in (I'd go along with Romeu coming back as his identical twin if SR wanted to save face), as it makes such a difference to our system and play. But that clock is ticking away to get such a thing done, if Lavia's out. Even if he's got getting in some proper cover would be wise too. Which isn't AMN.

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Jimmy_D

Jimmy_D

Posted
Posted
5 minutes ago, Kingsland Codger said:

Why isn’t the stud-poke in the second half from Alvarez counted as a shot on target? Bazunu had to dive on the ball smartly as it was slowly making its way towards (and over) the line.

If it's the one I'm thinking of, I think the touch from Alvarez was going wide and then a defender knocked it towards the goal.

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austsaint

austsaint

Posted
Posted
17 minutes ago, Chez said:

Have to say that Bazunu didn't have jack to do. The saves he made were simple. One good punch and that was it. Not bring critical, but he's had better games.

He didn't have a lot to do, but he left his line decisively several times to snuff out dangerous through balls - one in particular from De Bruyne to the advancing Haaland.  He will take confidence from tonight.  He also benefited from an outstanding game from Caleta Car ably supported by Lyanco and Salisu.

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JRM

JRM

Posted
Posted
31 minutes ago, Chez said:

Just got back. Tremendous display. Pressed well, very organised and disciplined. Bit if bite when needed and plenty of composure, especially in the first half. Liked JWP in the Steven Davis role, setting the tempo and pressing hard. We forced errors. We took our chances. We didn't over committ. Jones changed the shape in the s cond half and it worked. 

Funny, we played a shed more long balls than Saturday, but not a single moan from fans. You can get away with it when you do other things right, like work hard and score goals.

Very happy. Can't wait for the semi final. Hope I can get a ticket for the away leg.

Won't be a problem getting a ticket for up there , doubt we'll take more than 2000

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S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted (edited)
25 minutes ago, Chez said:

Have to say that Bazunu didn't have jack to do. The saves he made were simple. One good punch and that was it. Not bring critical, but he's had better games.

We protected him really well, but what he did well tonight was his presence in the box I felt. He came for balls when he needed to, made the right calls when he needed to. He was calmer in his play and equally his distribution. One pass in particular in the first half was put on the foot of Moussa, it was ridiculous.

Edited by S-Clarke
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macca155

macca155

Posted
Posted

Great result, Lavia made such a difference. We'll never keep hold of him in the summer sadly.

Good set up and the purple patches we saw at Fulham and Palace, was replicated for 95 minutes and way more controlled. Good to see.

My MOTM was DCC. I thought he was excellent. I moaned about him being slow on Saturday but he looked uber comfortable tonight.

I've banged the drum for Lyanco recently. I think despite his rash moments the team really responds to his commitment. Good to see him turn it on today.

This is why we put in the hard miles. Occasional you get nights like this. Hopefully build on this against Everton. I'll take a draw and move on to the next game.

 

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Saint Fan CaM

Saint Fan CaM

Posted
Posted

Can’t take anything away from a stellar performance. Midfield presence of three worked wonders, as did early changes from Jones. I do wonder whether the knowledge that new attacking midfield options are becoming available to NJ, plus a Director of Football being on the horizon, may have helped galvanise the 1st team regulars/Manager/coaches to a new level? Maybe, maybe not…the weekend may provide an answer.

For now though we can all bask in the glow of a very good win against probably the best squad in the World. And the addition of 2 or 3 excellent new players in key positions.

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