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Saito slide 10:03 - Nov 9 with 11440 views

As some may remember I was a huge advocate of Saito’s resigning. And I still obviously believe he is a highly skilled player at this level with a great engine.

But a few players have arrived at the club this season brimming with confidence - and now their form has just collapsed.

Kone is one.

But Saito is really worrying. Ipswich game was his third solid poor poor performance in a row. The guy is just a shadow of himself. Not only is he tripping over his feet suddenly and pretty anonymous off the ball as well - but for the first time ever (even when we were hopeless last year) his smile has gone. He’s grimacing and looks to struggling physically and mentally.

One of the things I liked about him is he seems to have indefatigable morale. That is now clearly not the case.

Dunne looks miserable too. Smyth is flouncing for the first time ever. Dembele looks permanently like someone has pissed down his leg.

I’m starting to feel it isn’t a very happy camp under Stephan. That’s my fear.

Poll:

Should JFH get the sack?

Saito slide on 17:50 - Dec 10 with 429 views

7374Ranger

Saito slide on 07:07 - Dec 10 by Rsole

That part of the game was really good - tracking back and supporting the FBs.

Add in the mobility and the threat of beating players and you have a much more balanced team.

Burrell lost half a yard as the game progressed but Smyth and Saito were still causing issues going forwards. Hoping Smyth’s problems were just cramp or something simple to fix. He had large ice bags on his calves once subbed.

How I wished that the Saito to Smith header assist had gone in - from a Dunne cross, would have been great.

I think many fans overlook the defensive work that Saito, Smyth and Chair do when they play and only take note of goals scored and created. Those 3 help the side to win games through their work rate as much as their goal contributions. They stop a lot of the opponents attacks down the flanks.

I'd rather Saito starting than Dembele or Vale and really haven't seen enough of Poku to know what he can do.

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