Saints 1-1 Ipswich - Match Thread

[SaintsBarry74]

21 minutes ago, Thripp87 said:

Don’t worry folks about the 95th minute equaliser, I hear that Bednarek has extended his lead in the pass completion stats this weekend so we have reason to be cheerful.

I’m pleased to report that big Jan still holds the top spot for highest possession percentage in the Premier League.

[Greedyfly]

28 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

I don't know some of his passing out from the back was horrific 

It always has been, I understand the descent directed at Stephens because he's horrific, but he's covering for an almost equally horrific Bednarek.  THB at least has the argument that he's young, on his side. 

[Saint Pete]

2 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

We will have offered him exactly what we felt he was worth based on the qualities he showed in the years he was with us. 

Let's not rewrite history here. Adams was an extremely limited PL striker, who would have done no better with the chances we created today than the players they fell to. 

Archer may not have managed a league goal yet, but IMO he's already shown he has better movement and finishing ability than Adams ever had.

Not sure he can have proved he has better finishing ability when he doesn't have a prem league goal for us yet. More time needed to judge that IMO. But Adams wanted to go, so it was his choice to be fair.

[Sheaf Saint]

27 minutes ago, Saint Pete said:

Not sure he can have proved he has better finishing ability when he doesn't have a prem league goal for us yet. More time needed to judge that IMO. 

Perhaps so, but it took Che nearly 30 appearances to get his first goal for us in all competitions. And Archer's first goal against Cardiff (on the turn, on his left foot, and from a fairly tight angle) showed technique of which Che simply isn't capable.

Edited September 21 by Sheaf Saint

[Sunglasses Ron]

46 minutes ago, SaintsBarry74 said:

I’m pleased to report that big Jan still holds the top spot for highest possession percentage in the Premier League.

This has made my night, thanks! Feel silly for moping since full time now.

[StrangelyBrown]

I thought there were some positive signs today and we could easily have come away with a win if only Archer was playing with a bit of confidence.

Lallana's role baffled me a bit - he clearly doesn't have the legs to cover yards he was expected to and gave the ball away cheaply a few times in deeper positions, but on the flip side gave us some much needed experience and creativity that we missed as soon as he went off. RM needs to work out how to fit him into the team so that he doesn't need to run around so much and can orchestrate things.

The subs were my major frustration - why bring on players who have already fallen short this season to try and see out the game. Armstrong and BBD are nowhere near good enough. Aribo did nothing in the short time he was on the pitch. 

Archer and Stewart both look like they need some game time to build confidence, but the league is unforgiving and I suspect their confidence will be shot after today.

Dibling and Fernandez both look quality - I just hope we'll get to enjoy them for longer than this season!

[Badger]

5 hours ago, egg said:

This irritates me. Any two strikers in that Sheffield United team would have looked shit, and Sheffield United would have gone down regardless. 

But they were a significant part of that shit team. Why are they likely to become ‘less shit’ on moving to us ? 
 

One of them I might accept as a punt, but both ??? 

4 hours ago, macca155 said:

Some improvement I guess we got a point but the striker situation is desperate.

Point is a point, Saints are still in the game. Just have to keep chipping away.

Oh yes and play ABK, KWP, and Onauchu.

That’s what we need, some Adkins positivity.

Always a unifying force (St Lard aside of course). 

[gammon cheeks]

Gutted really...played well ..but are we going to score a lot of goals to keep us up ?  Not so sure 

[Hairlesshero]

3 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

Not marking any player on the edge of the box at set pieces is a ridiculous tactical choice. It was a disaster waiting to happen throughout the game.

Crazy not to have learnt from the 2 conceded v United from having no-one on the edge of the area when defending corners.

[Jack]

48 minutes ago, gammon cheeks said:

Gutted really...played well ..but are we going to score a lot of goals to keep us up ?  Not so sure 

We’re not going to score enough or keep enough clean sheets, sadly 

[saintant]

46 minutes ago, Hairlesshero said:

Crazy not to have learnt from the 2 conceded v United from having no-one on the edge of the area when defending corners.

Well, the manager and his coaches are supposed to analyse every minute of every game so, if they are missing such obvious mistakes and we are continually repeating them, you can only assume they aren't doing their jobs properly or maybe they just aren't up to the task.

[Saint86]

6 hours ago, Saint86 said:

Ross Stewart should never have been on the pitch. All that pressure from his needless foul/free kick. Added nothing at all.

Just watched MoTD. Not only did he give away the stupid free kick that started that entire period of late Ipswich pressure on our box. He also missed his header to let Hirst in behind him (despite a massive height advantage), which resulted in Ramsdale knocking it over for the corner... which resulted directly in the goal.

A bad day at the office for Stewart all round.

Although ironically, he was perfectly placed to block the shot on goal until the deflection.
 

In fact MoTD have covered the prior header in detail...
Lack of pressing after we had cleared well let Ipswich back in... and then Stewart misses the header.. Hirst has to be the smallest player in that area ffs. A real shame. Hopefully though they can take the positives from that game - it was ultimately a much better performance.

No excuse really for Stewart missing that header. He's a big CF and he's under no pressure...

 

Edited September 21 by Saint86

[SNSUN]

Watching Archer on the highlights there's a lack of confidence there. Weird as he scored two good goals against Cardiff but he has it in his locker, perhaps the United pen knocked his confidence. Worth persevering with though as unless Stewart can play 90 or BBD or AA step up, we're devoid of options. I can't see Onuachu playing a part this season unless injuries mean we have to. 

[Saint86]

6 minutes ago, SNSUN said:

Watching Archer on the highlights there's a lack of confidence there. Weird as he scored two good goals against Cardiff but he has it in his locker, perhaps the United pen knocked his confidence. Worth persevering with though as unless Stewart can play 90 or BBD or AA step up, we're devoid of options. I can't see Onuachu playing a part this season unless injuries mean we have to. 

Agree. He was unlucky with both his big chances. The first one he does so well to take it round the keeper and defence. And the second one it takes a bad bounce and he does all he can to get his toe on it with power. Just wasn't to be. He looks alright in a 4-2-3-1 with Fernandes, Lallana, and dibbling controlling the play and feeding him. There were at least signs of progress in this game. Put a 2nd chance away and we win - As per last season, we were better than Ipswich and have again lost to pure fluke from them, its becoming a bad joke - Let alone having them singing "its happened again" at the end 🤮

Edited September 21 by Saint86

[Whitey Grandad]

9 minutes ago, saintant said:

Well, the manager and his coaches are supposed to analyse every minute of every game so, if they are missing such obvious mistakes and we are continually repeating them, you can only assume they aren't doing their jobs properly or maybe they just aren't up to the task.

Or both.

There were at least three unmarked Ipswich players around the edges of our penalty box.

Criminal.

[Whitey Grandad]

1 minute ago, Saint86 said:

Agree. He was unlucky with both his big chances. The first one he does so well to take it round the keeper and defence. And the second one it takes a bad bounce and he does all he can to get his toe on it with power. Just wasn't to be. He looks alright in a 4-2-3-1 with Fernandes, Lallana, and dibbling controlling the play and feeding him. There were at least signs of progress in this game. Put a 2nd chance away and we win - As per last season, we were better than Ipswich and have again lost to pure fluke from them, its becoming a bad joke - Let alone having them singing "its happened again" at the end 🤮

Pure fluke , perhaps, but Aribo turns sideways on to the shot and makes himself as thin as possible with his hands behind his back. There’s no need to do that this season as long as the defender’s arms aren’t outstretched like a goalkeeper.

[Saint Pete]

2 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Perhaps so, but it took Che nearly 30 appearances to get his first goal for us in all competitions. And Archer's first goal against Cardiff (on the turn, on his left foot, and from a fairly tight angle) showed technique of which Che simply isn't capable.

Yeah, point taken about how long it took Che to score. Certainly not writing off Archer at this stage, looks like he needs a shot of confidence that he can do it at the top level. Hopefully once he gets his goal that will come and he can prove to himself and everyone else he belongs in the prem.

[Dark Munster]

34 minutes ago, SNSUN said:

Watching Archer on the highlights there's a lack of confidence there. Weird as he scored two good goals against Cardiff but he has it in his locker, perhaps the United pen knocked his confidence. Worth persevering with though as unless Stewart can play 90 or BBD or AA step up, we're devoid of options. I can't see Onuachu playing a part this season unless injuries mean we have to. 

If you mean because he's not good enough, I disagree. If you mean because RM won't give him a chance I think you're right.

[austsaint]

6 hours ago, Gloucester Saint said:

The manager got the selection and tactics right today. Small detail around protecting the D for their goal but what’s been costly, as it was for Ralph onwards, is the dreadful striker recruitment. With Cornet able to play up front, we didn’t need BBD and Archer, especially when we don’t play the former through the middle. More effective to get a £25-30m striker who has a bit of the power, hold up and composure required. 

Yes, no criticism of RM today for selection and tactics, although I would have preferred Cornet on instead of BBD or Stewart, both of whom look miles off the pace and quality needed - a damning fail of our striker recruitment.

I also wonder about Taylor at LB.  He was solid enough, but not once got forward, and did not deliver a cross for the entire 97 minutes.  Maybe that was his role, but it meant we didn’t create much on our left hand side; a few efforts from Fraser - nothing from Diaz.  In that sense we missed KWPs enterprise, even when playing out of position.  I’m not sure the case for balance with a natural LB was justified today in giving up so much attacking and creative possibilities on the left side of the pitch.

So much to like about the performance though.   What more can be said about Dibling, a totally fearless display of dribbling, run, exquisite passes and a composed finish from the Lallana pass.   He also tracked back well and helped defensively.   His combination with Sugawara was great to watch - Sugawara has proven himself a worthy Prem RB, and along with Fernandes and Les Ugo, are the pats on the back for the recruiting staff as much as the striker/attacking recruits look like dismal mistakes.   Having said that, Archer showed glimpses and created two gilt edged opportunities.    Just needs the confidence boost of a goal or two.

Some have doubted Downes at Prem level, yet I thought he once again proved he’s more than comfortable.   Worked hard at both his holding and box to box responsibilities and covered at times for Lallana who while very good creatively, couldn’t offer the defensive midfield cover to Downes that Les Ugo can and did later in the game.

THB was much improved today and it’s fair to say we looked better with the Bednarek/THB combination rather than Captain Jack.

Gutting to concede so late.   Ramsdale deserved a clean sheet today.   

 

t 

[SNSUN]

1 hour ago, Dark Munster said:

If you mean because he's not good enough, I disagree. If you mean because RM won't give him a chance I think you're right.

The latter, he’s clearly good enough, his non-Saints record speaks for itself. The only reason we’ve registered Onuachu and ABK is because we had space and we couldn’t shift them, not because Martin has any plan to play them. ABK maybe more likely as he made the cameo appearance against Cardiff but unless Martin is sacked and a new manager comes in and integrates them, I can’t see either playing much of a part this season.

[stknowle]

9 hours ago, stknowle said:

Agree, he did alright. Ultimately I think we are improving quite rapidly but this league is so mercilessly difficult that I remain firmly of the opinion we won’t have anywhere near enough sadly. 

 

8 hours ago, Winnersaint said:

I think this is not far off the mark. It begs the question why? Its not like we're a Huddersfield, Burnley, Blackpool, Luton, Sheffield Utd, Bournemouth even, we do have pedigree in this league. This league is all about scoring goals and having 2/3 of Sheffield Utd's relegated forward line isn't going to get you very far.

This post asks the question why and then provides the reason why.

[OttawaSaint]

3 hours ago, saintant said:

Well, the manager and his coaches are supposed to analyse every minute of every game so, if they are missing such obvious mistakes and we are continually repeating them, you can only assume they aren't doing their jobs properly or maybe they just aren't up to the task.

Rustie doesn't watch other teams he just trims his beard and sends selfies to Stephens...

[OttawaSaint]

Che scuffed a ton and missed many sitters but at least he did score. Our latest lot are a feckless shower of bottlers.

[Charlie Wayman]

10 hours ago, SaintsBarry74 said:

I’m pleased to report that big Jan still holds the top spot for highest possession percentage in the Premier League.

Very brave lad.

[Kermitzasaint]

14 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Ridiculous knee-jerk reaction.

We absolutely bossed the second half. Nothing wrong with the tactics today at all.

We failed to win because we didn't take our chances. You can't blame the manager for that.

Can't blame the manager for making poor subs, pitiful defensive set up and abysmal tactics? 

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

4 hours ago, OttawaSaint said:

Che scuffed a ton and missed many sitters but at least he did score. Our latest lot are a feckless shower of bottlers.

He scored 4 goals in his first PL season and 5 in his last. Our new strikers have barely played that many PL games for us yet. Once the goals come it will breed confidence, Archer proved he's got an eye for goal and can finish in the cup game.

Defensively it was a schoolboy show right at the end that cost us and it was gutting walking out of the stadium yesterday but it was better.

[Long Shot]

We have a lot of players who “need” to score a goal. Archer, BBD, AA and Stewart ie all

our forwards. 

[Sheaf Saint]

42 minutes ago, Kermitzasaint said:

Can't blame the manager for making poor subs, pitiful defensive set up and abysmal tactics? 

Disagree with the tactics being abysmal. We weren't overrun in midfield, our defensive shape overall was much better without Stephens constantly being out if position, and we got forward and created chances, which our attackers couldn't convert.

Most of the subs were decent IMO. Lallana and Dibling obviously couldn't continue and needed to be replaced. The only one that really made us worse was Aribo for Fernandes late on, and I'm sure RM would have kept Fernandes on if he could because he was our best player still on the pitch after the previous subs. The fact that Aribo was the only viable option to replace him with rests with our recruitment, not on Martin.

As for the pitiful defensive setup, I thought the overall shape was OK but the way we defended that corner in injury time was abject, looking at the puc someone posted elsewhere. But I'm absolutely certain that is down to players not listening to instructions and poor on-field leadership, rather than intentional tactics from the manager.

[Maggie May]

Yes, we suffered a typically Saintsy last gasp equaliser but, if we held on, so many of these replies will be focusing on how well we played and that we deserved all three points.

We need to focus on the positives. We all knew this was going to be a tough, tough season considering the squad we have, but the difference in passion and positivity this team has compared to the one that was relegated is night and day. Finally I feel we have a team to be proud of again.

[Farmer Saint]

9 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Disagree with the tactics being abysmal. We weren't overrun in midfield, our defensive shape overall was much better without Stephens constantly being out if position, and we got forward and created chances, which our attackers couldn't convert.

Most of the subs were decent IMO. Lallana and Dibling obviously couldn't continue and needed to be replaced. The only one that really made us worse was Aribo for Fernandes late on, and I'm sure RM would have kept Fernandes on if he could because he was our best player still on the pitch after the previous subs. The fact that Aribo was the only viable option to replace him with rests with our recruitment, not on Martin.

As for the pitiful defensive setup, I thought the overall shape was OK but the way we defended that corner in injury time was abject, looking at the puc someone posted elsewhere. But I'm absolutely certain that is down to players not listening to instructions and poor on-field leadership, rather than intentional tactics from the manager.

The point is it shouldn't have come down to that final corner - we should have been out of sight by then!

[macca155]

16 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Disagree with the tactics being abysmal. We weren't overrun in midfield, our defensive shape overall was much better without Stephens constantly being out if position, and we got forward and created chances, which our attackers couldn't convert.

Most of the subs were decent IMO. Lallana and Dibling obviously couldn't continue and needed to be replaced. The only one that really made us worse was Aribo for Fernandes late on, and I'm sure RM would have kept Fernandes on if he could because he was our best player still on the pitch after the previous subs. The fact that Aribo was the only viable option to replace him with rests with our recruitment, not on Martin.

As for the pitiful defensive setup, I thought the overall shape was OK but the way we defended that corner in injury time was abject, looking at the puc someone posted elsewhere. But I'm absolutely certain that is down to players not listening to instructions and poor on-field leadership, rather than intentional tactics from the manager.

Good post, couple of additional observations. The left hand side remains a bit weird. Totally exposed last week. Yesterday Taylor, who did well, would slot into a back three, with Frazer as left back, whenever Ipswich attacked.

RM had no choice with the Aribo sub but Smallbone would have been a better sub for Fernandes. He may have some shortcomings, but he is a disciplined professional footballer. He would have followed instructions and tightened up the midfield to help see out the game. Hope he's fit soon.

Diaz was the wrong call. I'd have brought on KWP to support Taylor.

Having watched the highlights I'd say we've been a bit harsh on Archer. He was causing them more trouble than I realised. Just need to play the balls through he needs more often.

Do we dare hope things will improve.

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

He scored 4 goals in his first PL season and 5 in his last. Our new strikers have barely played that many PL games for us yet. Once the goals come it will breed confidence, Archer proved he's got an eye for goal and can finish in the cup game.

Defensively it was a schoolboy show right at the end that cost us and it was gutting walking out of the stadium yesterday but it was better.

Seeing fans with their heads down leaving the ground, we badly needed that win for a morale boost, felt like a defeat didn't it 

[gio1saints]

8 hours ago, austsaint said:

.

I also wonder about Taylor at LB.  He was solid enough, but not once got forward, and did not deliver a cross for the entire 97 minutes.  Maybe that was his role, but it meant we didn’t create much on our left hand side; a few efforts from Fraser - nothing from Diaz.  In that sense we missed KWPs enterprise, even when playing out of position.  I’m not sure the case for balance with a natural LB was justified today in giving up so much attacking and creative possibilities on the left side of the pitch.

 

 

Nice summary @austsaint- think I agree with pretty much all your commentary. 
WRT to Taylor at LB :

Ipswich spent the first half more or less targeting our LB area. They had numerous attacks constantly attempted overloads and put many crosses from that position dangerously into our box. Taylor was under constant pressure.

That was not a coincidence.

The minute McKenna saw KWP was not there he obviously reasoned it might be a vulnerability - and it bloody well was - we dealt with all the crosses but it was too hairy too often. Note the number of crosses from Yuki’s side by comparison- much fewer or nil ( I think). 
 

Saints finally got the idea by end of the half and by second half that tactic was neutralised - so fair play to RM and team also for making the adjustments to McKennas insightful tactics. 
 

I think that Charlie Taylor coped reasonably well. For a less experienced LB ( like Larios perhaps) that could have been a career ending confidence destroying debut start but it certainly put the brakes on all our left sided attacks for rest of match.
 

Left Winger Ryan Frasers highlight reel was a sliding challenge to concede a corner in second half ( or was it our goal kick) but you get the point. We were neutered on the Left hand side. And, despite him appearing pacy, Fraser ( who we all love for his character) is not actually all that pacy for a winger anymore - he will NOT be first onto a ball that gets chipped over the top ball towards goal in a flat race versus any athletic right back such as the guy marking him yesterday. And that’s every right back in the EPL I suspect. BBD will not even bother to race any right back - he will just try kicking the right back in a sneeky way to get the ball 😂
 

Also- It’s not as if Ipswich had superstar unplayable players on the right wing IMO - and with better crosses we might have conceded. So- as long as KWP is fit and I don’t care about his contract status, he should be starting.
 

AND: BBD should be not starting or close to on the pitch whilst we have Sam Amo in squad also. 

Other teams are / will be frightened of our best player, KWP, ( but oooh Tyler is gonna be that guy soon,eventually) and they won’t be doing what McKenna did to us when they see he is not playing vBoscombe Athletic for example. 

Edited September 22 by gio1saints
Larios not Ex Saint Meg

[Jack]

23 minutes ago, Maggie May said:

Yes, we suffered a typically Saintsy last gasp equaliser but, if we held on, so many of these replies will be focusing on how well we played and that we deserved all three points.

We need to focus on the positives. We all knew this was going to be a tough, tough season considering the squad we have, but the difference in passion and positivity this team has compared to the one that was relegated is night and day. Finally I feel we have a team to be proud of again.

Decent performances count for fuck all if you can’t convert them to the points you ‘deserve’. 
 

We’re still far too goal shy up top and frail at the back, it’s concerning. 1 point and 1 goal from Forest and Ipswich at home is really poor. 

[Football Special]

Is this why KWP didn't play?

 

[Whitey Grandad]

7 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Nice summary @austsaint- think I agree with pretty much all your commentary. 
WRT to Taylor at LB :

Ipswich spent the first half more or less targeting our LB area. They had numerous attacks constantly attempted overloads and put many crosses from that position dangerously into our box. Taylor was under constant pressure.

That was not a coincidence.

The minute McKenna saw KWP was not there he obviously reasoned it might be a vulnerability - and it bloody well was - we dealt with all the crosses but it was too hairy too often. Note the number of crosses from Yuki’s side by comparison- much fewer or nil ( I think). 
 

Saints finally got the idea by end of the half and by second half that tactic was neutralised - so fair play to RM and team also for making the adjustments to McKennas insightful tactics. 
 

I think that Charlie Taylor coped reasonably well. For a less experienced LB ( like Larios perhaps) that could have been a career ending confidence destroying debut start but it certainly put the brakes on all our left sided attacks for rest of match. Ryan Frasers highlight reel was a sliding challenge to concede a corner in second half ( or was it our goal kick) but you get the point. We were neutered on the Left hand side. 
 

It’s not as if Ipswich had superstar unplayable players on the right wing IMO - and with better crosses we might have conceded. So- as long as KWP is fit and I don’t care about his contract status, he should be starting.
Other teams are / will be frightened of our best player ( but oooh Tyler is gonna take that mantle this season if he puts together a season of good games like KWP has done) and they won’t be doing what McKenna did to us when they see he is not playing vBoscombe Athletic for example. 

Players making their first start in the Premier League will always play it safe and Taylor was no exception. No risky forward passes and play it back to Bendarek at every opportunity.

[austsaint]

6 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Nice summary @austsaint- think I agree with pretty much all your commentary. 
WRT to Taylor at LB :

Ipswich spent the first half more or less targeting our LB area. They had numerous attacks constantly attempted overloads and put many crosses from that position dangerously into our box. Taylor was under constant pressure.

That was not a coincidence.

The minute McKenna saw KWP was not there he obviously reasoned it might be a vulnerability - and it bloody well was - we dealt with all the crosses but it was too hairy too often. Note the number of crosses from Yuki’s side by comparison- much fewer or nil ( I think). 
 

Saints finally got the idea by end of the half and by second half that tactic was neutralised - so fair play to RM and team also for making the adjustments to McKennas insightful tactics. 
 

I think that Charlie Taylor coped reasonably well. For a less experienced LB ( like Megs perhaps) that could have been a career ending confidence destroying debut start but it certainly put the brakes on all our left sided attacks for rest of match. Ryan Frasers highlight reel was a sliding challenge to concede a corner in second half ( or was it our goal kick) but you get the point. We were neutered on the Left hand side. 
 

It’s not as if Ipswich had superstar unplayable players on the right wing IMO - and with better crosses we might have conceded. So- as long as KWP is fit and I don’t care about his contract status, he should be starting.
Other teams are / will be frightened of our best player ( but oooh Tyler is gonna take that mantle this season if he puts together a season of good games like KWP has done) and they won’t be doing what McKenna did to us when they see he is not playing vBoscombe Athletic for example. 

Yes, Taylor wasn’t bad….far from it.  It’s just when you’ve got a Rolls Royce in the garage, why bring the Toyota Corolla out of the car port.

 

[Maggie May]

6 minutes ago, Jack said:

Decent performances count for fuck all if you can’t convert them to the points you ‘deserve’. 
 

We’re still far too goal shy up top and frail at the back, it’s concerning. 1 point and 1 goal from Forest and Ipswich at home is really poor. 

Ok mate, but I don’t really know what you were going to expect from this season.

[Whitey Grandad]

8 hours ago, austsaint said:

Yes, no criticism of RM today for selection and tactics, although I would have preferred Cornet on instead of BBD or Stewart, both of whom look miles off the pace and quality needed - a damning fail of our striker recruitment.

I also wonder about Taylor at LB.  He was solid enough, but not once got forward, and did not deliver a cross for the entire 97 minutes.  Maybe that was his role, but it meant we didn’t create much on our left hand side; a few efforts from Fraser - nothing from Diaz.  In that sense we missed KWPs enterprise, even when playing out of position.  I’m not sure the case for balance with a natural LB was justified today in giving up so much attacking and creative possibilities on the left side of the pitch.

So much to like about the performance though.   What more can be said about Dibling, a totally fearless display of dribbling, run, exquisite passes and a composed finish from the Lallana pass.   He also tracked back well and helped defensively.   His combination with Sugawara was great to watch - Sugawara has proven himself a worthy Prem RB, and along with Fernandes and Les Ugo, are the pats on the back for the recruiting staff as much as the striker/attacking recruits look like dismal mistakes.   Having said that, Archer showed glimpses and created two gilt edged opportunities.    Just needs the confidence boost of a goal or two.

Some have doubted Downes at Prem level, yet I thought he once again proved he’s more than comfortable.   Worked hard at both his holding and box to box responsibilities and covered at times for Lallana who while very good creatively, couldn’t offer the defensive midfield cover to Downes that Les Ugo can and did later in the game.

THB was much improved today and it’s fair to say we looked better with the Bednarek/THB combination rather than Captain Jack.

Gutting to concede so late.   Ramsdale deserved a clean sheet today.   

 

t 

The tactics were dreadfully dreary especially in the first half. We just passed it back at forwards across the back four with just the occasional spurt forward to jerk us awake.

[Whitey Grandad]

1 minute ago, austsaint said:

Yes, Taylor wasn’t bad….far from it.  It’s just when you’ve got a Rolls Royce in the garage, why bring the Toyota Corolla out of the car port.

 

Because the Roller won’t start?

[Sheaf Saint]

41 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

The point is it shouldn't have come down to that final corner - we should have been out of sight by then!

Of course we should. But the blame for that lies entirely with our failure to convert our chances.

[Whitey Grandad]

54 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Disagree with the tactics being abysmal. We weren't overrun in midfield, our defensive shape overall was much better without Stephens constantly being out if position, and we got forward and created chances, which our attackers couldn't convert.

Most of the subs were decent IMO. Lallana and Dibling obviously couldn't continue and needed to be replaced. The only one that really made us worse was Aribo for Fernandes late on, and I'm sure RM would have kept Fernandes on if he could because he was our best player still on the pitch after the previous subs. The fact that Aribo was the only viable option to replace him with rests with our recruitment, not on Martin.

As for the pitiful defensive setup, I thought the overall shape was OK but the way we defended that corner in injury time was abject, looking at the puc someone posted elsewhere. But I'm absolutely certain that is down to players not listening to instructions and poor on-field leadership, rather than intentional tactics from the manager.

Somebody should have sorted out our defence for that corner. Who was our captain yesterday? 

[Whitey Grandad]

1 minute ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Of course we should. But the blame for that lies entirely with our failure to convert our chances.

We didn’t create enough chances.

I’m not a great believer in statistics but 3 shorts on target? Ipswich had 6.

[austsaint]

3 minutes ago, Whitey Grandad said:

Because the Roller won’t start?

Well the Roller didn’t start yesterday but are you saying if the Roller does start it won’t be performing to usual levels?

[Maggie May]

The way I look at it:

Newcastle: unlucky not to get anything. We were the better team. Ultimately, our record at St James’s Park is awful.

Nottingham Forest: fair play, they were the better team. They’ve done very well so far this season and we’ve got a terrible record against them too.

Brentford: our bogey team. Have we got anything from them since they’ve been in the Prem?

Man United: we’ve not beaten them at home in 20 years. Better side until the penalty miss.

Ipswich: on par. Both promoted teams. A point is a valiant effort against a team far superior to us last season. We’ve improved more than them, I’d say.

When you look at that, it’s a better start than the Adkins PL era. It is going to take time to adjust. I don’t think we are as bad as the Sheffield United and Derby teams and I think we’ve shown enough promise to better the points tally from the relegation season.

[saintant]

1 hour ago, gio1saints said:

Nice summary @austsaint- think I agree with pretty much all your commentary. 
WRT to Taylor at LB :

Ipswich spent the first half more or less targeting our LB area. They had numerous attacks constantly attempted overloads and put many crosses from that position dangerously into our box. Taylor was under constant pressure.

That was not a coincidence.

The minute McKenna saw KWP was not there he obviously reasoned it might be a vulnerability - and it bloody well was - we dealt with all the crosses but it was too hairy too often. Note the number of crosses from Yuki’s side by comparison- much fewer or nil ( I think). 
 

Saints finally got the idea by end of the half and by second half that tactic was neutralised - so fair play to RM and team also for making the adjustments to McKennas insightful tactics. 
 

I think that Charlie Taylor coped reasonably well. For a less experienced LB ( like Larios perhaps) that could have been a career ending confidence destroying debut start but it certainly put the brakes on all our left sided attacks for rest of match.
 

Left Winger Ryan Frasers highlight reel was a sliding challenge to concede a corner in second half ( or was it our goal kick) but you get the point. We were neutered on the Left hand side. And, despite him appearing pacy, Fraser ( who we all love for his character) is not actually all that pacy for a winger anymore - he will NOT be first onto a ball that gets chipped over the top ball towards goal in a flat race versus any athletic right back such as the guy marking him yesterday. And that’s every right back in the EPL I suspect. BBD will not even bother to race any right back - he will just try kicking the right back in a sneeky way to get the ball 😂
 

Also- It’s not as if Ipswich had superstar unplayable players on the right wing IMO - and with better crosses we might have conceded. So- as long as KWP is fit and I don’t care about his contract status, he should be starting.
 

AND: BBD should be not starting or close to on the pitch whilst we have Sam Amo in squad also. 

Other teams are / will be frightened of our best player, KWP, ( but oooh Tyler is gonna be that guy soon,eventually) and they won’t be doing what McKenna did to us when they see he is not playing vBoscombe Athletic for example. 

I think you're maybe a tad harsh on Taylor who was up against Hutchinson who is a very tricky customer. I'm not convinced KWP would have handled him any better because he is not that great at the defensive side although he would probably have offered more going forward.

[saintant]

1 hour ago, Farmer Saint said:

The point is it shouldn't have come down to that final corner - we should have been out of sight by then!

Does this class as 'bed-wetting' or are some able to criticise while others aren't? Just saying.

[beatlesaint]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

Is this why KWP didn't play?

 

No, RM was asked this specifically on Solent and he said Taylor did well at Everton and deserved his chance etc.

[Disco Stu]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

Seeing fans with their heads down leaving the ground, we badly needed that win for a morale boost, felt like a defeat didn't it 

I've slept on It and I still feel like punching the wall 😂

It felt like that goal changed the trajectory of our season. All the players looked crushed.

[Football Special]

29 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

No, RM was asked this specifically on Solent and he said Taylor did well at Everton and deserved his chance etc.

Fair enough. Just a coincidence then. 

I agree Taylor looked decent so did deserve to play