Quite simply we lack the ability to break down teams who sit deep!
Boufal was & is the only player we have that can go past players in a tight space and his injury made their defending easier, as we seemed to run out of ideas.
Because of the way we generally play we end up hitting long balls at a defence that thrives under this style of play. They in turn move the ball forward quickly to fast and eager strikers.
Armstrong, Boufal, Stephens & only because of the goal, Ings were the only ones who performed to any level today.
Ralph needs to revise tactics against teams who play this way of we are to progress.
Also Adam's is unlikely to show much improvement with roughly six minutes a game!

6

Very disappointing. We didn't seem to play the right way in the wind and rain allowing the wind to blow the ball off course instead of keeping it on the deck. Not helped by the awful goal to give away after a couple of minutes but what a great equaliser by Danny Ings. This should have boosted us to go on to win the game but for long periods had no idea what to do and were not helped by poor refereeing. Another home game we should win next week but will we have enough confidence.

6

Cameron MOM for me . He obviously doesn't like Stoke!

1

Aside from that really odd first goal, same old same old. Looked great for most of the first half. Then let a goal in and it all went to pot.

Agree completely with the fact that we are too slow going forwards against sides that drop back deep. End up doing that useless 'hit and hope' passing low crossing into the box. Sometimes our attacking players look like they have only just started playing together and haven't got the slightest idea what their team mates might do next.

JS had some cracking runs forward. He has really improved this year. KWP had a good but not great debut.

RH's subs were a bit odd. All the attackers seemed to crowd each other out.

Tbh JV terrifies me, he is so slow and really not suited to this build from the back style. Djenapo seems to have gone backwards. Perhaps they just both need a run of games.

Playing an organised side like Burnley in the rain was always going to be a challenge. Unfortunately we didn't meet it. Not the end of the world. COYS

5

Really entertaining and enjoyable in spite of the wind and rain. Once Rs got going they were much the better team. It looked as if the goals for Hugill and Eze really boosted their confidence. There were some terrific battles. BOS v Martins Indi - the latter playing really well and keeping Bright quiet until tiring late on. Hugill v Batth - although we had the obligatory easy chance blasted over, Hugs worked hard throughout and was a real handful for the Stoke defence.

But as already voted for here, MotM was Cameron. When he's fired up he's terrific, just as long as no nifty young midfielders are exposing his lack of pace.

0

Well they look much better after their winter break. What a total load of shite. Half of them looked like they were still on their break only Armstrong, Boufal, Stephens and Ings looked like they cared. Burnley have done the double over us this season and they are a team you would expect us to beat every time we play them. Well Ralph has a week to get them playing as a team again because we need to beat Villa next Saturday. Hopefully next Saturday we will have a full squad to choose from with Redmond, Boufal and Bednarek all fit.

3

I believe that RH picks a better team when he doesn't exercise his limited brain power.

Play your best players in their best positions RH, it is that simple.

Incidentally, if any other player than Ings had made that horrendous error that conceded a goal then we would be demanding he never, ever, wore a Saints shirt again. I know, he scored a great goal.

I think I'm suffering from depression, It's so difficult being a Saints fan.

0

Cameron edged MOM for me but after he was booked, I was very worried he might get a second yellow! Ball, Eze, Bright and Hugill also candidates and the rest of the team (and Chair) were all solid 7s on my marking.

0

I usually find myself agreeing with the MOTM assessments but this time, for me, it was Dominic Ball. Not only did he have an outstanding game but after we went two down he was the one who looked noticeably pumped up for a fightback. We need a bit more of that!

0

One week the team is being touted for a top six position and the next more likely a place in the bottom six. A wasted January window and the alarming prospect now of losing more key players to injury with no experienced replacements. Brilliant forward thinking and planning as usual from the management

0