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Comment | Southampton At Leicester The Debacle
at 10:10:38
There are many conclusions that can be taken from last nights' performance:
- Possession stats are just that, STATS, they mean nothing. Keeping the ball deep in our own half is no threat at all to opponents
- Without the midfield players that can facilitate the 'transition' to commit opposing players in their own half we offer no threat at all - namely Stuey and FD. Though Ryan, once he's received the ball is always direct.
- RM may have an ego that just about squeezes into SMS, but he really does have no plan B.
- Leicester showed they will have a chance, that's all, of surviving in the PL....we clearly know our fate should we get there.
What are the options? Do we ditch RM irrespective of the play offs' outcome? We clearly won't if we go up, but , as much as I want to see Saints back in the PL, I fear for them next season if we're there.... |
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Comment | Southampton At Cardiff City The Verdict
at 11:52:58
Nick, you start by saying there were few arguments about the starting line up amongst Saints fans, however, I'm completely baffled how RM can virtually ignore Shea Charles, then bring him in on the bench and get pitch time briefly, drop him from the squad the following week, to bring him back and play him the whole 2nd half, with an accomplished performance, then, when your key midfielder, FD, is out injured, SC doesn't make the bench which is overloaded with wingers....he hasn't got a clue an that's why we have not secured an automatic place. At this stage of the season, there are too many key areas where he still is unsure who to start with.... |
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Comment | What Brought About Russell Martin U Turns Against Preston
at 10:01:30
I do think that a lot of comments above are misguided, 'managing a squad', 'it's a squad game' etc....that is no excuse for playing players out of position when we have perfectly good options in that position, or, giving such little pitch time to players that are better alternatives - Shea Charles is a shining example of that!!!
From Tuesday of last week, we have literally 7 'çup finals' to play, and win, to even have a chance of automatically going up......we've successfully come through 3 of them,with a certain amount of luck at times involved, but we've done it......so, am I allowed to suggest, no tinkering where not necessary, no rotation, just start with your strongest 11 in each of the remaining games, and be smart with your subs as needed.... |
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Comment | Southampton V Preston North End The Verdict
at 11:10:08
Excellent first half performance, understandable substitutions in the 2nd half. Though, in the 2nd half we did manage, territory wise, to play a lot of the 45 mins in their half, just less clinical with the final ball and finishing - plus 2 great saves by their keeper.
The only cloud on the horizon for me is, the confidence that RM will continue with the same back 4?
One final comment, I think all Saints fans recognise the value of FD to our side, but, it was so good to see Shea Charles get pitch time, the whole 2nd half. He is so composed under pressure and has a good physical presence in midfield - I would like to see him on the pitch a lot more, and do believe he would be a great pairing in CM with FD. |
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Comment | Southampton V Watford The Verdict
at 10:06:00
davidargyll, you're perfectly entitled to your opinion on SC, but personally, and from other comments on this site, including those on his brief appearance against Coventry, agree, that he is an under utilised asset currently. He remains very calm on the ball when under pressure and has more of a presence in the midfield in terms of breaking up opponents play and putting a tackle in. To not even have him on the bench I think is criminal. RM obviously feels JS can play anywhere he needs him.... |
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Comment | Southampton V Watford The Verdict
at 11:17:28
So, davidargyll, are you stating then that RM has got it right, pushing JS into midfield , rather than the far better option of the under played Shea Charles, who wasn't even picked to be available from the bench???!!! Really??? |
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Comment | Southampton V Coventry City The Verdict
at 13:52:46
Most discussion points from last nights' game have been covered above. I just wanted to add 1 additional comment - Shea Charles brief but impressive involvement in the game, just repeats the question I've been asking myself for months, why on earth isn't he having much more pitch time? I do think a CM of FD and SC is our best combination in that area. |
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Comment | Southampton At Ipswich The Verdict
at 12:28:28
American Saint, IanRC....how on earth can you criticise 1 pass from SA and state that it cost us the game????? As always, so much of what we do well comes through Stuey. Always trying to get the ball forward, either by passing it forward or carrying it, committing defenders....I think leaving KWP on the bench at a critical time of the game, had a far more negative impact - Colburn, I take your point re coming back from injury, but he could have played the last 20/30 mins... |
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Comment | Southampton V Millwall The Verdict
at 13:28:58
Saintmark, I admire your confidence of Saints prospects against other play off contenders, but that includes Hull currently - who completely outplayed us this week.... |
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Comment | Southampton V Hull City The Verdict
at 15:30:55
Nick, you've definitely covered the most obvious mistake of the whole evening (and in a night of some awful distribution from Saints, there were many), and that is the selection. Mara and Edozie together is a gamble, perhaps the combination is too 'lightweight' to make an impact, but that can't be the only reason we had a complete disconnect between defence and midfield. This led to players at the back hanging onto the ball longer than they should which led to an increasing number of mistakes. The players starting on the bench must wonder what they're doing wrong.
There were several poor performances last night, and I'm sure Manning will come in for criticism (he did have a bad game), but I would appreciate an insight from anyone as to what WS brings to the team. The continual back passes, only ever playing the way he is facing, slows up our play and keeps the ball deep in our own half. Some one needs to tell him, he's allowed to turn.
The unbeaten run was fantastic, but is no reason to encourage complacency, or possibly even arrogance - RM needs to start the remaining games with his strongest possible line up. |
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Comment | Southampton At Bristol City The Verdict
at 09:39:28
Everyone is agreed, it was a disappointing performance, but we all recognise what a great run we've been on. My only concern is I can't help but question RMs'constant loyalty to some players. There are comments above stating SC is no replacement for Downes - of course he's not. They're completely different types of players. In the same way WS can't step up and play a more attacking midfield role as Downes does. Personally, given more pitch time, I'm convinced SC is a better holding player than WS, who still seems unable to pass the ball in any direction other than the one he just received it from. So, without Downes available, trying to get the ball forward quicker from midfield, why start without SA????If you're concerned about him lasting 90 mins, then fine - but start with him and take him off if and when there's signs of him tiring. Without those 2 we are so pedestrian in our build up.....everyone can see that, so surely RM does as well? |
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Comment | Russell Martin Take A Bow
at 10:10:48
I think we are all agreed on the massive improvement in performance that we've witnessed since the horrid, and deserved, 4 run defeat - I was at the Sunderland game, and 5- 0 wasn't a fluke!! But although praise is deserved for RM, as has been eluded to with some comments above, it's not all about the squad buying into his way of playing - CA only ever made the bench at best in those 4 defeats, SA started only 1 game. Add to that the change in formation, a more traditional back 4 with KWP allowed to push forward, then it's clear that RM had to change his approach also. The emergence and consistency of Downes has also been an influence, along with of course the performances, individually and as unit, of our back 5.
The groundwork needed for improvement is done...thankfully. Now comes the 'tweaking'. We are improving considerably, but still have too many periods where our build up play is too slow. AA and others, making great runs off the shoulder of defenders, but players with the ball not even looking for those runs. A greater urgency is still needed at times when in front by 1 goal, to get that second and secure the game rather than hang on.....I'm not being picky, just realistic. If we have any chance of a top 2 place, that tweaking is needed now, and it would be a good platform to work with for this squad, as the majority wil be there if promoted..., |
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Comment | Southampton V West Bromwich Albion The Verdict
at 12:33:16
A great result, even though it was a tough one for WBA....a vast improvement, and I include RMs' performance in that...the defence including Bazanu now appear to be 'állowed' to go longer if they choose to. My only frustration is not starting with Charles, and my only criticism is that when Smallbone had to go off, why wasn't Charles brought on immediately? He performs well in tight situations, has a physical presence and has good distribution. We needed that ilk in the 2nd half..... |
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Comment | Manning V Perraud Who Is The Better Left Back
at 10:53:00
Sorry Nick, but that is a desperate article trying to use stats to defend the undefendable...the language you use supports that. No one has claimed that Perraud deserves 'legend' status, it's just that in ability, pace and , importantly, attitude, Perraud is by far the better left back who would have been a major asset in this league.
I understand you will do all, including risking your credibility, to protect RM, but find a topic which gives you some chance..... |
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Comment | Southampton V Leeds United The Verdict
at 12:43:13
The points been made very well several times above...this wasn't about proving some fans wrong...this was RM realising he had to change, both in style - move the ball forward quicker - but most importantly, in team selection. Starting with KS, CA and SA was the difference, and he must realise that going forward....
Ps would still like to see SC start in DM position.... |
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Comment | Will Russell Martin Be The 7th Manager In A Row Hounded Out Of Southampton
at 10:23:55
You're right Nick, I do take offence to being accused of being one of the many who never gave RM a chance and now want him out......I've been a Saints fan for well over 50 years and only wanted success for the incoming manager, and was happy to have a very open mind about his credentials.
But, in such a short time he has displayed selection choices that are unfathomable (including letting Perraud go because we have Manning!!), tactical ignorance in believing that possession wins points no matter how deep you try and maintain possession, and already the setting in of a 'blame culture' to defend his own failings - blaming the players for suffering from the scars of relegation are comical if they weren't so ridiculous. Add the arrogance that he will not change, and then yes, I have already seen enough....this man will not change and things will only get worse... |
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Comment | Southampton At Middlesbrough The Verdict
at 13:14:27
I won't echo many of the points already made above, I just wanted to add, the real frustration I have with such a hapless, incompetent manager as RM, is that I honestly believe, if coached correctly, and selected correctly, in the Championship, this squad really could make a promotion push.....but this egotistical idiot will not change..... |
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Comment | Southampton V Ipswich Town The Verdict
at 12:13:24
Nick, you may want to stay calm in the middle of the league (if we're lucky!!??) for at least this season, if not next also, but that shouldn't be the case. I honestly do believe, in this league, our squad is good enough to make a serious push for promotion. But that will only happen if we always start with the X1 players that are most likely to secure a win......not simply try and secure keeping the ball!! You mention no eyebrows raised at the starting line up.....anyone I spoke to felt differently...thebteam we had for a large part of the 2nd half was far closer...SC must play the holding role in midfield, not Smallbone, it really is a no brainer. I could go on re other positions too, and let's not even go near supporting RM letting Perraud go, because we have Manning!!! Unbelievable!!
Finally, RMs after match interview.....he should be ashamed..halftimeorange has already given the numbers on who was involved against Ipswich and was here last season. It sounds as though he's already setting his ''éxcuses stall' out... |
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Comment | Southampton V Leicester City The Verdict
at 10:22:44
Nick, sorry, but whilst everyone will agree there is a lack of leadership on the pitch, your refusal to point the finger at RM is unforgiveable. Our tactics, strategy and style come completely from him. You state it is not his plan to be so exposed at the back when we push forward, but it's happened so many times already in the small no of games we've played so far. So surely he must have addressed that, let alone the fact he's stood on the touchline and must be able to see that. He is simply a far more polished NJ, but just as clueless.....So much is wrong in his selection and tactics. No Saints fan, or fan of any club, wants to see a revolving door in place at the Managers office, we all have seen the negative impact that has, but for him to come out after and praise that performance shows he's so stubborn, he will not learn from his mistakes... |
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Comment | Southampton V Leicester City The Preview
at 10:46:13
Sorry Nick, losing 3 consecutive games would be a disaster - or at the very least spell out clearly that we are not promotion hopefuls this season.
As for Holgate making both your teams.....are you sure you saw the Sunderland game? Yes, we have injuries in that position, but we also have better options... |
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