Sell Stephens- 2 assists to NUFC - and Redmond who cannot beat a man without losing the ball and incapable of passing to a teammate - pass success was 6%.
Ralph might have realised what a fake Stephens is. Swapped JanBad to RB (he'd had to cover for a out of position Stephens most the first half) and got rid at first substitution. Should have replaced Redmond at same time. And leave them in NE

4

Well said KrisSaint, pretty much said how I feel basically.

2

That was bad we needed to get 3 points out of that game. Now we have Crystal Palace, Wolves, Brighton and Newcastle just below us. Need to 40 points asp.

8

When Newcastle were down to 9 men we still had 4 or 5 in front of their 2 banks of 4. No idea as to how to take advantage of the 2 extra men. We learnt nothing being whacked by Utd.
Too much sideways passing, too slow to move the ball forward. JWP is a great from a dead ball, but will always prefer a sideways pass.

9

No idea why Stephens at RB - cost us first two goals. Then with 10 secs of half to go McCarthy can hammer the ball up the field/into touch and we go in a goal down - instead...(also Bertrand could have also kicked for touch.)

Second half we didn't have the guile or wit to break them down. Minamino scored a great goal but clearly tired and should have been subbed; Redmond totally ineffectual and our play totally ponderous. Even against 9 you won't always score but Newcastle, a poor side with a greatly weakened defence AND only 9 men, held out EASILY.

6

Pulverised down the left by St Maxim, missing KWP and letting Valery out on loan looks crazy now in hindsight.

1

Many Saints fans were overconfident going into this match - but this is a merciless league injuries or no injuries. I don't think it's fair just to blame the starting XI. On the whole I like Ralph but he he does seem to be confused at times: being both inflexible and impetuous. Often making critically poor judgements and decisions (and it's the fine margins that often undo us): 4-2-2-2- just isn't working and exposes our wing-backs to all Premier teams who find this relatively easy to exploit ( let's not forget the lack of expert investment in the club for the past 5 years); Djenepo should have played instead of Redmond or at least replaced him as early as possible. The problem with the players coming back was that they were rusty but were tested to the limit by a sodden pitch, fast direct players and a clinically well organised team. Subsequently, Saints just didn't have the energy (directness) or creativity to break down Newcastle however their numbers were depleted. A bamboozling Djenepo given a freer reign might have done that. It was unfortunate that we didn't have our most creative player - Armstrong (although he's also 'blown hot and cold' this season). At the moment, considering our form, the way teams below us are gathering points and the fixture list: its hard to see us gaining many more wins or points until the end of the season. Can we gain another 11 plus points in 16 matches? Saints should but it's not a given in this league. Ralph has to start thinking more clearly and ruthlessly.

0