Weston Saint Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 If anyone wants to know the formation this was the instruction from Wotte: Back 4 speaks for itself, Wotton in front of them, Surman and Gillet in midfield, Lallana in the hole and McGoldrick and Saganowski up front. Comment before the game from the person who told me this, "we will be playing a narrow game" And so it came to pass. All played their part well. Gillett was everywhere although a couple of poor passes late on. Surman 's game came to life when he had to move to left back. Great through ball for Saga's second. Euell did very well when he came on. Wotton was superb "Size" was the good old fashioned no nonsense centre half we have been missing of late Overall, they were all M.O.M You had to be there to appreciate the work rate. I am told the players moral is high, happy with Wotte, who is a hard man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 happy with Wotte, who is a hard man. Good thing to hear is that. Player friendly managers (or coaches) tend to get walked all over ,ie Wigley or Gray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Benali Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 agreed he play a players game not flash or anything but protected the back four , good defensive headers and tackles, yes he was lucky with one tackle but i would rather have a battler in the holding role than a ball player. I bet his team mates appreciated his performance even if some of the purists on here didn't Have to disagree as Wotten was poor. He was playing as a defensive midfielder but let his man go too many times. That took him out of the game. Saeijs had to cover for a lot of his mistakes. Made too many fouls, and almost got punched by one of their guys for a late tackle. Marek was my man of the match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFC Forever Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 If they transfer or loan him out after three goals in two games there really will be a riot. Not even Rupert is stupid enough to do that. Oh, wait a minute ... It's actually 4 in 3 for super Saga. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Boy! Did I enjoy that! What a good,hard fought game of football. Just got in and I have a sore throat from all the shouting. Would I have taken a point before the game? You bet. I wanted a win but am more than happy with a draw. (10 men and 1-2 down). Fair result and worth the price of the ticket. Well done to those that braved the cold and joined in the (peaceful) protest march. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Another 2 points dropped. Pleased with the fightback but Wotte seemed to have settled for a point which at the beginning of the season would have been ok but at this stage is nowhere near enough. Wotton brought passion and commitment to the midfield. Gillet worked hard but his passing and free kicks were woeful. No, they were worse than that they were abyssmal. Lallana disappeared for 85 minutes (yes, I know he was subbed on 57 mins). I knew he was playing but I just couldn't see him on the pitch. McGoldrick was a complete waste of space, as usual. Euell should have been on from the start. Davis did nothing wrong except for their second goal when he dived to his left and punched the ball back into the middle of the penalty area when it would have been much easier just to help it on its way. I though that the shot was going wide anyway. Saga was impressive but I thought that he was just showing off for his first. Molyneux was stupidity personified. His first yellow was for a petulant hack at the legs of the fellow who had just strolled past him, but he obviously can't count past one because he then went flying in to earn his second. Can we send him back? The referee was ok, we were lucky that he didn't give them a penalty later in the second half, many others would have. Surman was everywhere trying to do Lallana's job as well as his own but was always arriving just too late. All-in-all, an eventful game against an in-form team but we desperately need the points and at the end of the season, maybe a few games before that, we'll realise that it's not enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Um Bongo Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 How can you say two points dropped when we are 2nd from bottom, won once at home all season, and was 2-1 down with 10 men? Oh, and can someone tell Lloyd James how to tackle. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
INFLUENCED.COM Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 An industrious performance from most, would have taken a point before kick off but feel we should have pushed for the 3 but hey ho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 How can you say two points dropped when we are 2nd from bottom, won once at home all season, and was 2-1 down with 10 men? Oh, and can someone tell Lloyd James how to tackle. Thanks. Because we were at home and we needed three! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Just got back. really entertaining game, cant fault the effort for 10 men against an in form side. Saga is different class. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 It's actually 4 in 3 for super Saga. no..4 in 2 and a half Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordswoodsaints Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 although saga got the goals my motm was wotton,he made some great important tackles closely followed by saeijs.great goal celebrations as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 i feel more confident of survival than i did at midday today.in the past for every great thing MLT did there was a benali or dodd blocking shots and putting their bodies on the line. yes wotton and gillett made mistakes, not every pass found a saints shirt but they put theirselves on the line when the pressure was on. we have others who maybe pass better, shoot better but they never showed the committment to doing the nasty things which are needed to win games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Massimo Osti Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 All hail the uber fan. Your brilliant you are. No mate not brilliant, but just a bloke who is a supporter of his club through good times and bad. See you on tues and at Watford on Sat will we???? I doubt it to be honest, to busy whinging on here I would think. Get a life pompy boy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Another 2 points dropped due to a mongy starting line-up. What is so f**king unorthodox in the modern game about a manager playing his best team ? The team played well today and Wotte got it right. Stop whining Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidthesquid Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Another 2 points dropped due to a mongy starting line-up. What is so f**king unorthodox in the modern game about a manager playing his best team ? I pity Mrs Alpine Saint (if there is one). You are the most relentlessly gloomy person I have ever encountered in my whole life. It was a good game, a brave effort & I'm glad I was there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Token Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Have to disagree as Wotten was poor. He was playing as a defensive midfielder but let his man go too many times. That took him out of the game. Saeijs had to cover for a lot of his mistakes. Made too many fouls, and almost got punched by one of their guys for a late tackle. Marek was my man of the match. Only half the story. While he was caught out for speed of movement often, and committed several fouls and I thought was lucky not to be booked on two occassions, he showed the passion & rolled up sleeves approach that was at the heart of this display. He battled away all over the pitch, showed as much energy as many of the younger players, got his body in the way, won headers - a real battling performance. True, technically not great (OK - poor) but all effort and was constantly talking to & directing the younger players around him. He has not been my favorite on many games this season for all the reasons you suggest but I think we are now at that stage where his attitude & spirit could be a key factor. Heads dropped after the second Swansea goal but not his - he redoubled his efforts. Shortcomings - yes, but the right person to have alongside you in a battle. Interesting to see he was noticeable by the way he was one of the last of the pitch as he applauded all 4 sides of the ground - not sure I have seen that from him before. Oh - and I can't see what extra Molyneux has given us, except more discipline problems but maybe he will improve with time. Stupid challenge today that could have cost us dear. There is passion and aggression and stupidity - that challenge was firmly in the latter group. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 I pity Mrs Alpine Saint (if there is one). You are the most relentlessly gloomy person I have ever encountered in my whole life. It was a good game, a brave effort & I'm glad I was there I think she's an Austrian lady, probably used to it, them being right wing voters and all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint lard Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 No mate not brilliant, but just a bloke who is a supporter of his club through good times and bad. See you on tues and at Watford on Sat will we???? I doubt it to be honest, to busy whinging on here I would think. Get a life pompy boy Cyber warrior alert. To55er. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Decent battling display including some ferocious tackles from Saints. The one by Molyneux was bad but equally awful was Wotton's on the half way line where somehow we were awarded a freekick???? This was exactly the sort of display you would have expected to see if a traditonal English manager had taken charge. Davis 7 not his busiest game and I suspect he will be a little dissapointed to palm the ball out to the striker for the goal. Not his fault but on a nother day he might have done slightly better. James 4 - beaten time after time by the pacey winger and by the ball over his shoulder. All his frailties were shown up today. Deefensively he is weak. Seijs 10 - MOTM by far for me. Fantastic display winnng every header and some crucial tackles. The new Svensson. I can not praise him more. Perry 6 Some good some bad. I feel he costs us wiht his lack of pace and height but he still battles hard. Molyneux 2 - Bad challenge right in front of me that might have got a red on another day. Deserved to go. Its still very early days but in all the games I have thought Mills was as good if not better. Why have we signed another short fullback when we needed extra height at the back Wotton (10 for effort 2 for quality) was like a man posessed chucking himself into everything and fair play to him. I think he is ****e but he really sweated blood for the side today and I can see why Plymouth fans love him. Shame he gives the ball straight back when he gets it and he chases shadows half the time. But no one can fault his effort and drive. Surman - 6 didn't get hold of the game at LM/CM but at fullback he came alive going forward and a became a liability defensively - ball watching and not getting tight the main problems. Glad to get him back in the side. Gillett - 7 Terrific start to the game hussling and bustling and winning ball. Still some very poor passing but a much better display. Worked very hard. Lallana - 2 Very poor showing. Did nothing at all. I'm a big fan but he has to offer more to justify his place. Woeful long shot when he should be running at the defence. McGoldrick - 4 Started brightly but dissapeared and no complaints at being subbed. In his defence he got next to no service with Wotton, Seijs and Gillett all happy to boot it absolutely anywhere. Saga - (10 for goalscoring 2 for all round game) Gave the ball away cheaply almost every single time he recieved it apart from the two crucial moments where he took his goals wonderfully. Tremendous second goal that only he (at the club) would have scored. He actually played a lot better against Donny IMO, but of course goals make MOTM performances in many peoples eyes. Great to have a goalscorer in form and great to be playing two up front. Euell 6 Totally comitted display. McClaggon - 2 Never got up to the pace of the game, never got the ball under, made the wrong runs and didn't work hard enough. Very dissapointed but coming on as a sub isn't always easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 A very good game of football i thought, and a battling displays by the boys. Even though i got elbowed and crushed after the second goal... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Saeijis MOTM for me, he was outstanding. Special mentions to Wotton who looked brilliant in DM, Saga for the obvious, Gillett whose tackling and dribbling looked a lot better (but his passing still needs work) and Euell who looks as good as he did under Pearson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steeleye Saint Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Not felt as positive as this for a looooong time. Yes would have been nice to have won, but after Molyneux' stupid sending off a draw was the best we could hope for. An aggressive, fighting performance - a little worried about James, he was beaten for pace too many times for my liking. Saga has to be the MOM for the goals, but Saijs and Perry were rocks and Euell when he came on was really up for it, getting stuck in, winning headers and organising. Wotton looked solid to me - one of those players you need to stick their foot in and break up moves. The balance between young and experienced was about right today - a good point and with that attitude we CAN get out of this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fareham saint phil Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Yeah, well, it was very good, Wotton, Gillett & Saeijis looked very good, Saganowski had a poor game but scored 2, but if he plays ****e for the rest of the season and keeps scoring I don't think anyone will care, + I'd love to hear the commentary for the first goal "And he's taken on the keeper, open goal, two get onto the line, the keepers up, the keeper slides, Saganowski takes on the keeper, he waits a second with an open goal, the two defenders on the line just waiting for the shot, Saganowski waits another few seconds and then finally smashes it home." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Yeah, well, it was very good, Wotton, Gillett & Saeijis looked very good, Saganowski had a poor game but scored 2, but if he plays ****e for the rest of the season and keeps scoring I don't think anyone will care, + I'd love to hear the commentary for the first goal "And he's taken on the keeper, open goal, two get onto the line, the keepers up, the keeper slides, Saganowski takes on the keeper, he waits a second with an open goal, the two defenders on the line just waiting for the shot, Saganowski waits another few seconds and then finally smashes it home." AND THE ground errupted in a volume of noise not heard at sms for weeks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 The team played well today and Wotte got it right. Stop whining Look,just move away from your dislike for Alpine for one minute and tell me how he got it right.... We did ok sure but..... To get it right we have to WIN.... We played well in patches but at times were being run ragged particularly Molyneaux who terrible,Wotte should play Scacel even if he does want away One mans coolness in front of goal saved us.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidthesquid Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 My player ratings Davis - 5.5 - at fault for the second goal & not particularly dominant in his box James - 5 - not his best game after improving lately Molyneux - 4 - looked nervous throughout & it was a silly sending-off Saeijs - 7.5 - he's big and ugly & does exactly what it says on the can Perry - 7 - looks a better player alongside the above Surman - 7 - always tries hard even when it's notworking for him & a lovely through ball for the equaliser to remind us what he's capable of Gillett - 6 - worked hard but needs to learn his limitations Wotton - 8 (MoM) - Nothing pretty but if Franny was re-incarnated as a central midfielder this would be his physical manifestation. Knows his limitations but tackled and hustled and blocked heroically. Just the sort of man for a day like this Lallana - 4 - Oh dear, what has happened to him. Not helped by seemingly unsure of where to play, but still, oh dear.... McGoldrick - 6 - never looked like scoring but worked hard for the team throughout. It's seem as if a weight has been lifted from him playing with a striking partner Saganowski - 7.5 - Two goals and plenty of effort. Like all great poachers he never looks like a getting a goal until he does & he might yet save us Euell - 6.5 - a surprisingly good combative display MacLaggon - looked a bit lightweight and Dyer-like at times but he was left chasing lost causes most of the time because we were a man short Schneiderlin - 5 - made more of an impression than Lallana Wotte - 7 - couldn't really fault his selections/substitutions or how well the players worked for him Ref - 7 - Let it flow well & couldn't really argue with any of our cards Overall - 6 - sadly the truth is that Swansea were better player-for-player than us and only our spirit earned us a draw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Look,just move away from your dislike for Alpine for one minute and tell me how he got it right.... We did ok sure but..... To get it right we have to WIN.... We played well in patches but at times were being run ragged particularly Molyneaux who terrible,Wotte should play Scacel even if he does want away One mans coolness in front of goal saved us.... Did you find your way to Bargate castle OK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Did you find your way to Bargate castle OK? Yes mate no problem... Bloody good turnout i thought. Did you make it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Yes mate no problem... Bloody good turnout i thought. Did you make it? Yep, was a bit worried going around the corner from West Quay, breathed a sigh of relief when I realised there was actually a sh*t load of people there. Gutted I didn't get one of those badges though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Yep, was a bit worried going around the corner from West Quay, breathed a sigh of relief when I realised there was actually a sh*t load of people there. Gutted I didn't get one of those badges though. I got one:D I hope there will be more opportunities for you to get one at more protests as we need to keep the pressure on regardless.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 A bit of a strange game for me, with us being outplayed for large periods of the game, but for once having some steel to get stuck in and mix it. At times looked as though they were the pretty team and we were the ugly brawlers, their only difference is that they could finish. Despite Size and Perry doing their best I always felt we looked suspect at the back. The midfield was combative, but didn't really control the game. Up front McGoldrick did not look a threat, whereas Saga looked a potent finisher. A good atmosphere and I think the unity and support shown at the march transferred to the stands. Not sure we deserved a draw, but Saga's cool finishing ensured we shared the points. Davis - 6 - Always under pressure James - 5 - tries hard, but is no full back. Saeijs - 6 - Solid and held the line well Perry - 6 - Did OK in trying to marshall the defence Molyneux - 4 - Off the pace, caught out too often and rash in the challenge Lallana - 5 - Never really got into the game and didn't fit in with our kick up in the air approach Wotton - 6 - Kicked anything that moved and some stuff that didn't Gillett - 5 - Tried to be like Wotton, but never really came off for him Surman 6 - A bit of steel fromt he lad for a change DMG - 5 - All huff and puff for a change, but nothing doing Saga - 8 - Different gravy and what we have been missing all season Before the game would have settled for a point and with alot of other teams losing, it might not look that bad a point. My worry is we need to start winning at home if we are to stay up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 (edited) One of the best matches at St Mary's this season, full of blood and thunder. At least nearly the entire team showed commitment and desire. Lallana was one of the weak spots and perhaps he has instructions not to shine until the transfer window closes so that we won't lose him. There was even one incident when the ball broke loose and he didn't even bother to chase it although it was a 50/50 ball that he could have reached if he could be bothered. His team mates showed him up, always giving maximum effort with various degrees of success. In the midfield, both Wotton and Gillett led by example. In many ways Gillett looks like a poor man's Scholes, but he exemplified the never say die attitude of the team today. Again, Euell coming made a very positive contribution. Why doesn't Wotte start him? Tactically we were good, never letting Swansea settle on the ball. Like us, they are a good passing team, but our constant niggling of their players broke their stride and composure on the ball, forcing them to make errors and misplaced passes. We tackled with bite, earning the jeers of the Swansea fans chanting you dirty Southern bastards. I took it as a compliment, meaning that we had the grit that went with the more balanced team with more experienced players. I had the feeling that had this been JP in charge, we wouldn't have been playing the more successful 4-4-2 formation and that tactically we would have been more naive and one-dimensional. Both of our last two performances have been grittier under Wotte. Molyneux was very naive getting sent off and having been on a yellow was a total idiot for that tackle. Shades of Lancashire there. We can do without it as he put an additional burden on his team mates, who responded magnificently. Their first goal was down to poor defending and not closing down. All of a sudden a huge gap opened up in the middle of the area and a clever shot just inside the post left Davies with no chance. Their second goal was unfortunate as Davies stopped a shot but palmed the ball into the path of a Swansea striker who took an easy poacher's goal. Saganowski took both of his well. The first one was almost comical as he has beaten the goalkeeper and had two defenders who got back to beat. He turned one way than another, then back again. Just when it looked as if he had taken too long, he fired it in almost cheekily. The second was worthy of MLT. He saw the goallie off his line and produced a beautifully weighted chip over him. All in all an entertaining match and I felt quite bouyed by it on the way out of the ground for a change. Unfortunately the feeling persisted afterwards that for all the brave and committed play, we had dropped another two home points. We can't go on like this and survive in this divison. If the players' morale is raised so that they can grind out some wins in the next few matches, then fair enough. But a point a game simply will not do, no matter how committed we are. Thank God for Saganowski. It just goes to highlight the crass stupidity of Lowe for letting Rasiak, John and Saganowski go out on loan. Imbecile. Edited 31 January, 2009 by Wes Tender Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHAPEL END CHARLIE Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 (edited) Saints v Swansea City - my ratings : K Davis 7 - Maybe could have done better with the 1st goal and definitely spilled the 2nd he still made 2 or 3 great stops to partially redeem himself at least . L James 5.5 - Stuck to his task but struggled against SCFC talented attack , always likely to be an average lower league player IMO . JP Size 7.5 - The good no-nonsense 'Row X' defender we've needed all season and a very worthwhile addition to the squad . C Perry 7 - Mr Reliable again he and JPS are the obvious 1st choice CB pairing , experience compensating for old legs . L Molyneux 4 - Stupid red card and didn't do much before that TBH , get 'Fish' Mills back in ASAP . A Surman 7 - Talk of a move to the Prem looks premature for now as he's not really progressing much this season , did a good job replacing Molyneux at LB and did set up Saga's equaliser . S Gillett 7 - He was everywhere today you just can't fault this lads effort , unfortunately you can question his ability . He so obviously wants to play for us I'd stick with him . P Wotton 7 - Not my favorite player but he does offer badly needed experience & good leadership qualities I suppose - missing in action for Swansea's 1st goal . A Lallana 5 - So much talent so little impact , subbed today he's looked like little boy lost ever since the injury . I'm sure he'll come good in time as class is permanent ...etc DMG 6 - Pretty poor on the whole he ran about a bit but to very little effect in all honesty , actually got subbed for the 1st time ever :smt107 M Saganowski 8.5 MOTM - Cooley taken 1st was followed but a fine lobbed 2nd - a super all round example of forward play . IF we stay up it will very likely be because of this players goals . Should he get injured however ........ Substitutes : J Mule 7 - Made a surprisingly useful (& committed) contribution . Should he start ahead of Wotton ? K McLaggon 7 - On the limited evidence available this young man seems to have something about him - too small to really play alongside Saga I'd have thought . M Schneiderlin -Last minute sub of no significance Conclusion : We clearly look a better team with a player of Saganowski's quality back and employing the good old 4-4-2 system , nevertheless it has to be said we were a tad fortunate again today against a very good Swansea team . Napoleon said he'd rather have a lucky General than a good one so maybe our luck's starting to turn at last . The mathamatics are quite simple , we need to score around 2 points a game (on average) to survive and we're just not doing it at this time . Wotte seems to have instructed the players to get stuck in more and fight rather than concentrating on pretty football , this is a good starting point for a fightback (Molyneux went a bit too far!) but we've left it so very late . To my mind Wotte shows a better understanding of the British game and a greater willingness to adapt to it that Poortvliet ever really managed , whether he has enough to keep us up is a whole different question however . Edited 31 January, 2009 by CHAPEL END CHARLIE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrollman no2 Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 For me the MOTM has to be Saga. His first goal,when he didnt shoot straight away and instead went around the defenders and keeper to slot the ball into the back of the net was pure class. All we need do now is replace McGoldrick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Wotte should play Scacel even if he does want away I thought he was overseas having a medical? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Give it to Ron Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 If anyone wants to know the formation this was the instruction from Wotte: Back 4 speaks for itself, Wotton in front of them, Surman and Gillet in midfield, Lallana in the hole and McGoldrick and Saganowski up front. Comment before the game from the person who told me this, "we will be playing a narrow game" And so it came to pass. All played their part well. Gillett was everywhere although a couple of poor passes late on. Surman 's game came to life when he had to move to left back. Great through ball for Saga's second. Euell did very well when he came on. Wotton was superb "Size" was the good old fashioned no nonsense centre half we have been missing of late Overall, they were all M.O.M You had to be there to appreciate the work rate. I am told the players moral is high, happy with Wotte, who is a hard man. Spot on Wotton was superb, he will never be a Beckham who sprays the ball everywhere - his job is to get in and break it all up and do the nasty stuff. Today was his best performance in a Saints shirt as he battled and kept them all going I cant believe some of the comments here but guess some players get bad reps and get slated no matter how they play. Lallana was absolute ****e and touched the ball about 6 times in the whole time he was on - shocking and fair play to Wotte who got todays substitutes spot on. If only DMG had put some studs in his boots before kick off we might of gone 2 up. Well done Wotte spot on tactics and subs today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St_Tel49 Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Have to agree with the above. Just getting home from a great day alround really. The protest went very well and showed to the muppets saying nobody will turn up that at least 1000 or so care about the club enough to turn up. So very proud of the community for that. Then the game. Wotte deserves a hell of a lot of credit for going 442. He did what we all wanted Jan to do for the whole season and it prooves we can play that way. Wotte has made his mark on the team already and i have to say i am more confident with him at the helm then i was with Jan. However there are a few things. Molyneux i have been worried about for sometime now and today i think showed the boy needs to grow up fast. With Skacel on his way out i feel we will now have to put Surman in that slot for the Sheff Utd game and that will break up the creative part of the midfield. Wotten should of been sent off for that two footed tackle, he made mistake after mistake and once again showed he is not up to this level. When he got nutmegged he just let the dude go, you can't do that. But other then Wotten,Molyneux and Lallana i felt everyone else did very very well. Even DMG was all over the place trying to get the ball back. He missed a complete sitter that somehow went over the bar but he was trying to get into the mix and that is what we need. Roni Size was my man of the match simply because as good as Saga was with his goals Size defended like a brick wall, taking the pressure off the defence with every tackle and every header. The boys done really well and they should feel confident about our chances of success if they continue to play with that level of effort. BUT As good as the result is it means we lose points on teams like Derby while keeping the same gap to teams like Watford. Watford are in the relegation zone with us now. We have to get more points then those around us and that is not what we're doing. When a team draws/lose we have to take advantage of that. We have 2 gigantic games ahead of us now which i feel will decide our fate. Lose to Sheff Utd then lose the vital game to Watford and i think we have to be honest and say we deserve to go down. If we can't beat any of the teams around us then we don't deserve to be here. But this performance but more importantly the effort shown by the players gives me confidence that the great escape is possible. The manager gives me more confidence then what JP did. If only Saga and maybe Rasiak were here all season maybe things would of been different. The next 2 games are make or break time. Totally disagree with your assessment of Wotton -MoM in my opinion. He got in their faces and showed some nice skill at times. He gave the midfield some of the steel it has been lacking. Saga scored two vital goals but his touch was letting him down quite a lot and he misplaced a lot of passes. He was also getting pushed off the ball too easily, something that doesn't happen to McGoldrick in general. His touch will get better though with more games. Just as long as he keeps scoring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benj540 Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Ratings Davis - 5.5 - still don't think our goaly should be captain. James - 6 - tried hard, got forwarded well on occasion, but was not seen. Molyneux - 4.5 - didn't need to make the challenge that had him sent off. Saeijs - 7.5 - does the job with no fuss, would like to see him alongside Wayne Thomas, shame that Thomas is injured. Perry - 7 - good player, bosses about the defence, should be captain in my opinion. Surman - 5.5 - tried hard but never really happened for him, can't stand him ducking away from balls in the air, does hit a lovely ball on occasions. Gillett - 5 - worked hard but looked knackered, a few of his passes were a bit dodgy. Wotton - 8 (MoM) - did what needed to be done, organised the team and led by example, another player who is captain material. Lallana - 4 - dreadful today, looked unfit, think he plays better in a more advanced position or a wider position. McGoldrick - 6 - put in the running, should have scored, occasionally he was in a deeper position than wotton, poor lad looked so demoralised when it went to 2-1. Saganowski - 7.5 - took both goals well, looked up for game and put in alot of effort, has taken the pressure of McGoldrick. Euell - 6.5 - came on and battled away, gives us strength and experience. MacLaggon - 5.5 - chased down lost causes and tried hard but was never going to be easy. Schneiderlin - wasn't on long enough, should have been on instead of lallana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Conclusion : We clearly look a better team with a player of Saganowski's quality back and employing the good old 4-4-2 system , it was a 4-1-3-2 formation IMO that became 4-3-2 when we went down to ten. Wotton was standing next to the CB's most of the time with Lallana Surman and Gillett playing in front of him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu Man Do Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Gillet played very well today. He wasn't crap Agreed but I think his fitness level isnt up to it due to the way he plays the game. For me Mcgoldrick was an absolute disgrace to his team mates and the club. Lazy, doesnt anticipate anything and general lack of effort HE should be cleaning Kaynes boots this evening as he was totally shown up by the young lad who did more in 15 or so minutes than McG has done all season. It annoys me so much to see him prancing about barely getting into our own half whilst saga and others were blowing a gasket to get back and get in tackles. First goal stemmed from Daves lack of pressure on their left back who then had time and space to ping a ball to gomes ... wasnt helped by Surmans lack of a challenge then but if you cut it out at the start these problems dont develop!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976_Child Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Brilliant escape. Saga great. 4-4-2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Anyone who thinks we played 4-4-2 can't tell a football formation from a pigeon. Look at Weston Saints post for how we lined up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SB Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 Saeijs - Wotton - Saga - Gillet Class above the rest today.. Molyneux? Very Poor.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team-saint Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 I know Gillett seems to divide opinion on here but even if his passing is not great he's a ball winner and he made a ridiculous amount of interceptions and good tackles today and I disagree when people call him lightweight because he may be short but he still wins his fair share in the air. As others have picked up Saeijs, Wotton and Saga were also excellent today, while James (get a natural right back FFS we have gone over half a season without one and we are supposed to be a football club), Molyneux (I liked Mills earlier in the season so get him back in the team) and Lallana were poor. Saga's second goal was a fantastic finish, what would McG have done in that situation? It just shows what we have been missing all season. If we stay up then surely Saga will be a legend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bailey Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 If we're being optimistic, we have to say it's 2 points gained from our last 2 fixtures. We've shown great character to come back from 2 down at Norwich to claim a point and now from 2-1 down with only 10 men. Credit to the boys for that. Have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the match today and thought a draw was fair. Credit to Swansea, they're a decent footballing side who knock the ball about very well. I wouldn't be surprised to see them sneak a playoff spot come the end of the season. As for our performance today, it was a massive improvement on recent weeks. Everyone was committed, up for the fight and players played with passion and desire; it was great to see. I thought Wotton had his best game in a Saints shirt today. He sat in front of the back 4 and gave them a good bit of protection, breaking up the play on numerous occasions in the process. Saganowski stole the show though, his 2nd goal had me thinking of Wolves away when we won 6-0. With Saga at the club, our chances of survival increase dramatically! He fully justifies being a high earner as he does his job and sticks the ball in the back of the net. 4 goals in 3 proves that! Wotte impressed me with his tactics too. He was very astute with his subs and got things spot on today IMO, although I would like to see Euell start in the future as I think he has alot to offer us in the middle of the park. A midfield duo of Wotton and Euell maybe? Molyneux was very very stupid to make that tackle after already being on a yellow card and fully deserved to go. As Wotte has said in his post-match interview, it's a case of inexperience. All in all, feeling slightly more optimistic about our chances of survival. Results generally went our way and if we can get what would be 3 massive points on Tuesday then things would start to look alot brighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintwarwick Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 your ****ting me right? The guy (Wotten) was awful. He could not pass to save his life, his long balls went out of play and he never tracked his marker as much as he should. Add to that he should of been sent off for about 8 stupid fouls he did. Guess that goes to show how football is a game of opinions hey. Before Saga gets all the headlines can everyone at the game please confirm Wotton was by far the reason we got a point here. The guy was class. Saga scored 2 great goals but not a patch on Wotton. I would also agree that Wotton was brilliant today, some brilliant tackles and clearances and was very vocal encouraging our younger players. Guess St Marco missed these qualities. Wotton, Saga, Size and Gillett were the players a class above the rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 The day Saints started the long march back to respectability, or another day nearer oblivion? The march was fantastic, a great turnout and a complete cross-section of fans, peaceful, focused and it shows that there are 1000+ Saints fans who are prepared to get out the pub and off their keyboards to make their point. Saints started well and for once we got the early goal our pressure deserved though were unable to add a second. We then conceeded a very poor first (from our point of view) pretty similar to Norwich's second in the week, a midfielder given time and space to pick his spot from distance. It was all pretty rough and tumble up to half time and we were glad to get in at 1-1; any plans we may have made were then undone with Molyneux's red and with Swansea's inventive attack they looked good value for their 2-1 lead and should have gone on and won it from there, but a wonder finish from Saga saved us. Amidst all the positives of the march/fans/support/team effort/commitment etc. etc. let's not forget we have picked up 2 points in 2 games this week, 1 point per game won't keep us up! If we don't win our next two games it really will be moving towards mission impossible time ..... good news is if we can keep scoring we will always have a chance. Davis 7, will be annoyed with their second James 4, done for pace repeatedly and didn't get fd as much as usual Perry 7, steady Size 9, MOM, awesome performance, almost Watson-esqe with his headed clearances Molly 2, dodgy first half and reckless red card Lallana 2, annonymous througout Gillett 7, two players in one; one of them covered every blade of grass on the pitch and made 20-plus tackles and interceptions, the other one gave it away 20 times. Can't fault his effort and prob his best game for Saints today? Wotton 8, I slated him at Norwich but he showed great character to bounce back today from his 'mare on Tuesday. Never lesss than committed and today he looked and played like a poor man's Brian O'Neill and you can't say better than that, fair play to him. Surman 7, the trier in the side, even when it's not happening for him still looking to do the right things, did well with the 10 men problems down his side of the pitch and a quality assist. DMG 5, and after his efforts in midweek it was hero-to-zero time today; worked hard in the first half but missed a golden chance for 2-0 on his left foot when he went back inside the CH who had already been beaten by Saga's flick-on. Very poor second half. Have to LOL at those who say he will be a big Prem player! Saga 8; 10 for his two top quality goals and 6 for most of the rest of it. Still getting match-sharp and his link up play can only get better. Euell 8, looked keen and quickly got us organised down the left side after he came on, needs to START (over Lallana or DMG at the moment) McClaggon 5, not really at the races today, suggest he is better out wide than mixing it with big CH's through the middle. Wotte 8 so far; he seems to have instilled some fight and belief but he badly needs to win the next two .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintwarwick Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 A reasonable result and we're scoring again. I do feel we need to tighten up at the back a bit more though. We'll see how we get on on Tuesday. A home win will see us moving forward again at least. I suppose we'll have to move Surman to left back on Tuesday. He actually played better when switched after Molyneux got sent of so it might be a better move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egreog Posted 31 January, 2009 Share Posted 31 January, 2009 I expected nothing from Norwich and Swansea.........so 2 points is a bonus......... however, based on previous form I also expect nothing from the next two games........and that is the acid test.........can the side continue where they left off today and win at home?..........or drift back into the ineptitude that defines Saints in recent months............... Tuesday will tell, but I wouldn't bet on it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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