Saints 2-3 Liverpool - Match Thread

[BotleySaint]

Actually even more annoying that Martin was forced to play a different way today by injuries and tried an approach we've all been crying out for. And it looked good apart from the mistakes. We can score goals at this level. 

Really hope he learns..  but expect us to return to normal next time out against Brighton. 

Edited 24 November, 2024 by BotleySaint

[Football Special]

32 minutes ago, LGTL said:

Any other premier league team beat Liverpool today. I bet they can’t believe their luck.

Gifted them all 3 goals, feel sorry for players who did their bit being let down again 

[saintant]

7 minutes ago, SWLondon Saint said:

True, and I've forgotten who it was who got away with a way worse handball at SMS a few seasons ago for that exact reason.

And on the dropping off, what the hell is going on with our defending with 2 lines of 5? Archer should not be back there chasing their midfield, he has to provide an outlet, the ball just keeps coming back otherwise. Why isn't RM screaming at them and pushing them up the pitch? 

Because he hasn't got a clue.

[saintant]

Just now, BotleySaint said:

Actually even more annoying that Martin were forced to play a different way today by injuries and tried an approach we've all been crying out for. And it looked good apart from the mistakes. We can score goals at this level. 

Really hope he leans..  but especially us to return to normal next time out against Brighton. 

He doesn't and won't.

[James G]

Just now, Football Special said:

Gifted them all 3 goals, feel sorry for players who did their bit being let down again 

It's exactly what I was going to say. Liverpool didn't earn any goals, it was all mistakes again, and it's the same story every week. It's a shame 

[Farmer Saint]

55 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

They’ve been good enough most of the game but lack of fitness and reverting to the manager’s chosen methods invited Liverpool on. Not saying they’d have got 30 points plus but we’ll never know with a manager making Branfoot look like Alex Ferguson.

I think you're wrong that for 60 minutes they didn't play the way Martin wants to play - Martin has consistently said he wants the ball forward quickly.

Irrelevant though, we didn't lose today because of Martin. We lost because our players are a bit shit.

 

[Farmer Saint]

10 minutes ago, SWLondon Saint said:

True, and I've forgotten who it was who got away with a way worse handball at SMS a few seasons ago for that exact reason.

And on the dropping off, what the hell is going on with our defending with 2 lines of 5? Archer should not be back there chasing their midfield, he has to provide an outlet, the ball just keeps coming back otherwise. Why isn't RM screaming at them and pushing them up the pitch? 

Probably because the previous time we pushed up they played a ball over the top and scored their second goal.

[lambtiss]

It feels to me that we have a young, potentially exciting team with some promising players.. Ramsdale, Dibling. Fernandes, Downes, Sugawara, Archer. Tall Paul (who knows) 

But they are being let down by a manager with a massive ego. 

[Toussaint]

33 minutes ago, BotleySaint said:

Possibly some signs of promise today despite the defeat. We can clearly score goals if we don't just play keep ball. Need a manager who can see that.

My only worry is we have done well against the top sides since far this season, I have no confidence we won’t return to absolute dross when we play the lesser teams. 

[AlexLaw76]

Martin: “It's my fault because we thought we would have a chance on transition play. We have to keep learning and helping the players through it as much as we can. Playing out is what got us to the Premier League and I'm really proud of the players.” #saintsfc [sky]

[derry]

Just now, AlexLaw76 said:

Martin: “It's my fault because we thought we would have a chance on transition play. We have to keep learning and helping the players through it as much as we can. Playing out is what got us to the Premier League and I'm really proud of the players.” #saintsfc [sky]

[Mr X]

1 minute ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Martin: “It's my fault because we thought we would have a chance on transition play. We have to keep learning and helping the players through it as much as we can. Playing out is what got us to the Premier League and I'm really proud of the players.” #saintsfc [sky]

Is he for real? 

[Morse]

No premiership side has conceded as many goals from individual errors as us. Those errors are caused by the opposition pressuring our back line as we try to play out from the back again. Until RM can at least mix it up a bit and make the opposition stop and think we might just play it long, we'll keep shipping goals from errors. And there is no sign that RM can or will change. Plenty more brave but ultimately fruitless games coming up until we're relegated probably by March. 

[Gloucester Saint]

2 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Martin: “It's my fault because we thought we would have a chance on transition play. We have to keep learning and helping the players through it as much as we can. Playing out is what got us to the Premier League and I'm really proud of the players.” #saintsfc [sky]

He wants them to always play out, not mix it and move it quicker as a variation.

Russell Martin’s own words,

[OttawaSaint]

24 minutes ago, Tanlee said:

Zero points, can't hold a lead, promising moments, stupid defensive mistakes, poor selections... More predictable than a episode of columbo 

I'd like to see him come in and question RM.

"Ahhh....sorry Mr Martin..."

"I don't know much about football...but isn't it strange Southampton play this way with the players they have...?".

*fumbles around with pieces of paper*

"Stephens and Bednarek passing out from the back..."

"Can you see my problem sir..."

*Starts to leave*

"I know you're a busy man Mr Martin...just one more thing that's bothering me...".

"Why are players not playing in their preferred positions when you have a big squad like this...I am just a detective but...I'm not understanding...".

Edited 24 November, 2024 by OttawaSaint

[Mr X]

Just now, Morse said:

No premiership side has conceded as many goals from individual errors as us. Those errors are caused by the opposition pressuring our back line as we try to play out from the back again. Until RM can at least mix it up a bit and make the opposition stop and think we might just play it long, we'll keep shipping goals from errors. And there is no sign that RM can or will change. Plenty more brave but ultimately fruitless games coming up until we're relegated probably by March. 

I think most if us would take being relegated now and not having to watch another brave Russballathon! 🤔

[Gloucester Saint]

10 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

I think you're wrong that for 60 minutes they didn't play the way Martin wants to play - Martin has consistently said he wants the ball forward quickly.

Irrelevant though, we didn't lose today because of Martin. We lost because our players are a bit shit.

 

See the man”s own words post-match. Indisputable on how he wants them to play. 

[OttawaSaint]

5 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Martin: “It's my fault because we thought we would have a chance on transition play. We have to keep learning and helping the players through it as much as we can. Playing out is what got us to the Premier League and I'm really proud of the players.” #saintsfc [sky]

WHAT?!?!

[Toussaint]

4 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Martin: “It's my fault because we thought we would have a chance on transition play. We have to keep learning and helping the players through it as much as we can. Playing out is what got us to the Premier League and I'm really proud of the players.” #saintsfc [sky]

Paraphrasing

 

It’s my fault I take full responsibility for the players effing it up, because although it’s my fault it isn’t really, I need to help the players learn not to eff it up. It doesn’t look good on me, and I am the ducks nuts. 

[Saint_clark]

11 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

I think you're wrong that for 60 minutes they didn't play the way Martin wants to play - Martin has consistently said he wants the ball forward quickly.

Irrelevant though, we didn't lose today because of Martin. We lost because our players are a bit shit.

 

Then why doesn't it happen? The blokes had three transfer windows to adjust the squad and more than enough time to work with them. 

[saintant]

6 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Martin: “It's my fault because we thought we would have a chance on transition play. We have to keep learning and helping the players through it as much as we can. Playing out is what got us to the Premier League and I'm really proud of the players.” #saintsfc [sky]

Rinse and repeat but no lessons ever learned.

[LGTL]

7 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Martin: “It's my fault because we thought we would have a chance on transition play. We have to keep learning and helping the players through it as much as we can. Playing out is what got us to the Premier League and I'm really proud of the players.” #saintsfc [sky]

Bloody hell. He’s beyond parody. 

[saintant]

5 minutes ago, Mr X said:

Is he for real? 

Unfortunately, yes although he is also a snake oil salesman.

[Miltonaggro]

9 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Gifted them all 3 goals, feel sorry for players who did their bit being let down again 

Just got back and share this view, and feeling sorry for the players who looked committed and knackered. They deserve to be set up / instructed better without the costly shoe-ins. Stephens particularly awful today. McCarthy kept us in it first half so there was always going to be Ying and Yang with him, but it was pissing around in our third and lack of willingsness to attack and run to line which killed us off. It was ever thus under Russ. Would love to see Dibling and Fernandes under a decent manager but assume that’s next year and not with saints.

[saintant]

4 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

He wants them to always play out, not mix it and move it quicker as a variation.

Russell Martin’s own words,

His arrogance will cost us more games until SR decide to bite the bullet.

[derry]

7 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

I think you're wrong that for 60 minutes they didn't play the way Martin wants to play - Martin has consistently said he wants the ball forward quickly.

Irrelevant though, we didn't lose today because of Martin. We lost because our players are a bit shit.

 

Our dire defending was down to Martin's stupidity, insisting on short passing in our own final third. He got the result his stupidity was asking for. the sooner he goes and takes his looney theory with him. These players are trying to play this alien way even though they know it's costing them dearly. We need to bring in a more orthodox manager to cut out the mistakes and get the best out of these players.

[tdmickey3]

12 Games

24 conceded 

4 points.

-15 goal difference

10 defeats 

On course for 12- 13 points 

72 goals against 

-45 goal difference 

30 defeats

Manager still here 🤷‍♂️
 

Only with this farce of club set up

[Winnersaint]

SR/Dragan said that they would never make the mistakes of a couple seasons ago again. Hmmm! 

[Miltonaggro]

Wonder when old Slot machine will come out with the plaudits and bullshite - well done Russell and plucky little Saints, whilst instructing his scouts to get Dibling and Fernandes for a knock down relegation price. Fucking can’t abide Liverpool. 

[Football Special]

3 minutes ago, derry said:

Our dire defending was down to Martin's stupidity, insisting on short passing in our own final third. He got the result his stupidity was asking for. the sooner he goes and takes his looney theory with him. These players are trying to play this alien way even though they know it's costing them dearly. We need to bring in a more orthodox manager to cut out the mistakes and get the best out of these players.

Yeah he needs to go, even though we're already down it doesn't make these results/ mistakes any easier to take, a real shame and a missed opportunity sacrificed at the alter of playing it out from the back philosophy 

I do feel the need to say I have no confidence in SR getting an appointment correct though so Martin going in itself won't necessarily improve things 

[tdmickey3]

13 minutes ago, Mr X said:

Is he for real? 

Sadly, yes

[pingpong]

5 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

12 Games

24 conceded 

4 points.

-15 goal difference

10 defeats 

On course for 12- 13 points 

72 goals against 

-45 goal difference 

30 defeats

Manager still here 🤷‍♂️
 

Only with this farce of club set up

13 pts is on target. How we get there doesn't matter, it's all about the points, and we look like we could do it, if we stick with martin and improve a little bit in the second half of the season.

[Miltonaggro]

6 minutes ago, Winnersaint said:

SR/Dragan said that they would never make the mistakes of a couple seasons ago again. Hmmm! 

To be fair they’re not, this is a good deal worse. 

[saints-til-i-die]

Playing Downes at CB. He was at fault for two goals. That was Martin’s decision. Martin and Downes did not have good days.

[Appy]

Sugawara isn’t a defender is he? 3-4 times this season now he’s completely switched off and lost his bearings which has cost us a goal. 
 

Shame, as going forward he looks excellent. 

[Gloucester Saint]

1 minute ago, Football Special said:

Yeah he needs to go, even though we're already down it doesn't make these results/ mistakes any easier to take, a real shame and a missed opportunity sacrificed at the alter of playing it out from the back philosophy 

I do feel the need to say I have no confidence in SR getting an appointment correct though so Martin going in itself won't necessarily improve things 

Agree with all of that post, and you aren’t unreasonable at all to think Rasmus will probably appoint Goztepe’s manager before enjoying another vape, judging by his horrific track-record (Brentford is 100% Phil Giles).

Dragan dissolving SR and re-formulating with a new overall DoF and new investors is the only long-term way out of this debacle.

[SouSaint]

Self inflicted defeat. Embarrassing goals to concede. Liverpool were dogshit, the had a massive off day and this was a good chance to get something on the board, luckily for them we were very charitable today. 

I'm going to say it but I don't see how people rate Sugawara. He is absolutely shocking defensively and has been at fault for a number of goals this season.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

5 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Martin going in itself won't necessarily improve things 

It will drastically improve my wellbeing every weekend, not having to listen to his bullshit after every game.

[Wade Garrett]

Still can’t understand why Charlie Taylor can’t get in the squad.

[Miltonaggro]

5 minutes ago, saints-til-i-die said:

Playing Downes at CB. He was at fault for two goals. That was Martin’s decision. Martin and Downes did not have good days.

Spot on. Downes and Fraser both turned to face the keeper every time they picked up the ball in our half today. Fucking obvious and fucking painful.  

[Miltonaggro]

Just now, Wade Garrett said:

Still can’t understand why Charlie Taylor can’t get in the squad.

Refused to be re-chipped. 

[tdmickey3]

Just now, Wade Garrett said:

Still can’t understand why Charlie Taylor can’t get in the squad.

Criticised beards, vegetable hot pots and doesn’t vape

[badgerx16]

6 minutes ago, Appy said:

Sugawara isn’t a defender is he?

Is Fraser?

[kevdoh]

56 minutes ago, Ralph Fastenbüttl said:

So how does this corruption manifest? Who makes the decision about who is to be wronged? Who is then told to wrong them, and by what means? Does each ref have a list in their pocket with big green ticks next to some teams and huge red crosses next to others? Are they disciplined at clandestine liaisons in abandoned and derelict buildings in the dark of night by men in black suits and dark glasses should they be deemed to have not been sufficiently unfavourable to those clubs being conspired against? And no-one has ever blown the whistle on this because all refs fear that if they speak up they will one day be taking a walk by a canal with their loved ones only for a man carrying a suspicious bouquet of lilies to 'pop a cap in his ass' via a cunningly concealed silenced P99?

I mean most people can see it's a black and white situation. It's a clear penalty but the big team gets a free kick and it's not even looked at. If that's the other way round Liverpool get a pen 10 times out of 10. It happens every single week in this league 

[Midfield_General]

25 minutes ago, Toussaint said:

My only worry is we have done well against the top sides since far this season, I have no confidence we won’t return to absolute dross when we play the lesser teams. 

'Done well' = lost against Newcastle, lost against City, lost against Arsenal, lost against Liverpool, for a grand total of zero points. 

Not having a go at you, just says a lot about how far our expectations have been allowed to sink under this bunch of losers. 

[Gloucester Saint]

11 minutes ago, pingpong said:

13 pts is on target. How we get there doesn't matter, it's all about the points, and we look like we could do it, if we stick with martin and improve a little bit in the second half of the season.

https://northamptonshireclocks.co.uk

[saintant]

2 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Still can’t understand why Charlie Taylor can’t get in the squad.

He's likely seen through Russell's 'I'm your best mate' bullshit and read him his fortune about his stupid tactics. Good on him if he did. About time some of the other senior players started having a say.

[Toussaint]

9 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Still can’t understand why Charlie Taylor can’t get in the squad.

He recoiled when Russ tried to cuddle him, Russ doesn’t cope well with rejection.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

8 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

Criticised beards, vegetable hot pots and doesn’t vape

Steady. Serious allegations. I refuse to believe this about any of our squad  🙂

[Toussaint]

6 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

'Done well' = lost against Newcastle, lost against City, lost against Arsenal, lost against Liverpool, for a grand total of zero points. 

Not having a go at you, just says a lot about how far our expectations have been allowed to sink under this bunch of losers. 

I think you know what I mean, we haven’t been embarrassed by them. Done well in the sense no unwelcome records were threatened. Whereas we have been largely terrible against the also rans