 | News
Comment | Armando Broja Doubtful For Visit Of Aston Villa
at 10:10:12
Armando is visible on a number of the 50 pictures posted on the website for the latest training session for the Villa match, so Ralf could have an attacking selection problem! |
| News
Comment | Premier League Referee's Motives Called Into Question Yet Again As Vestergaard's Red Card Is Overtur
at 18:20:31
Something has to change so that those operating VAR feel more able to challenge the ref's decision. Following our appeal, the decision has now been made that it was not a red card, although they would have come to this decision using the same tv footage that we all saw and was available to the VAR team at the time. So why didn't they contact the ref and ask him to look at the TV screen at the time of the incident? If it is the wrong decision now, it was the wrong decision then. Our players, especially Bednarek, were telling the ref that JV got the ball first and to check with VAR, but he chose to ignore all that.
Also there should be some sort of compensation (not necessarily financial) to the team who have had a man wrongly sent off - it has now happened to us twice in a season and both times at very early stages in the game - We got one point from those games when we had the potential to get 6. Just removing the players match ban is simply not enough to rectify the mistake. |
| News
Comment | Southampton At Manchester City The Verdict
at 17:43:02
I've never before experienced a manager who picks a team, apparently knowing/assuming that we will lose - we should try to win every game!! Ok I can understand making a few changes for players coming back from injury, but to pick three players and play them out of position was criminal in my view. I cant recall either Stephens, Bertrand or Salisu ever playing in the positions that they did against City - surely a recipe for disaster (as it proved). Ralph recently complained that because of injuries, he was having to play people out of position and that this was not something that he liked forced on him - so why pick this team in these positions?
A heavy defeat like this one (how else can you describe 5-2?) can surely only generate lower morale in the team which will do nothing for our upcoming games in a relegation fight (which it has now become). Despite us putting up a reasonable and spirited response to City, they could have had more and appeared to just drift through the game, hardly celebrating their goals, as though they were expecting them.
For the first time I am questioning Ralph's decision making and that we will now have a real relegation fight ahead of us! |
| News
Comment | Ralph Says No Injury's But Tiredness An Issue Ahead Of Brighton Clash
at 19:03:29
The limited changes available to Ralph show just how thin are squad is - our bench in the last few games has needed to include two or three youngsters who hardly have any first team experience. If we get injuries next season then I think we will be stretched, especially in midfield and at full back. It will be difficult to keep good form going if we have to rely on youngsters untested at this level. |
| News
Comment | Season 2018/19 Review The Central Defence !
at 16:22:41
It is difficult to understand why Hoedt went out on loan so soon after Ralph's arrival - it cant be because he didn't want to play the pressing fast football that Ralph wanted, as that wouldn't apply much to the back 3 or 4. There must have been something else about him not fitting in, but I think that he looked a decent player when he was here, who needed more time to get used to the Premier League so I'd be happy to see him back.
One of our major problems at the back was the regular mistakes that were made - I would think that is difficult to sort our via coaching. I would like Yoshida to stay - overall he has done a decent job for us and would be a good back up player. We definitely need at least one new CB, preferably one with experience.
I wondered whether Romeu could convert to a centre back - a strong tackler and he can head the ball - we have others to make up for his absence in midfield - just a thought!
|
| News
Comment | Soares Wanted By Italian Giants
at 18:00:48
Sorry to see Cedric go, I think he was a good professional - yes some mistakes now and again and his lack of height was a problem, but as an attacking full back I thought he did ok. I also would have thought that he was very suited to the wing back role but for some reason, Ralph seemed not to fancy him. In the short term I am concerned who will be making Zaha in our next home game - I am not yet convinced about Valery so there is a chance that Zaha could have a field day! |
| News
Comment | Central Defence Is The Key ! Does Claude Puel Have Something Up His Sleeve ?
at 17:23:42
Cacares and Yoshida for me. Assuming Cacares' training with the squad has gone well, I would use him for his experience and quality. I realise that match fitness would be a gamble but if he were a midfielder or a striker then it would be a much more difficult issue, but I think its different for a central defender where the strengths are more about decision making, skill, positioning and anticipation, rather than stamina etc. With free kicks and corners coming into the box, and the likes of Ibrohimovic attacking the ball, I'd much prefer the experience of Caceres in our penalty area. It would be gutting for Stephens though as he has one a decent job so far. Gardos is a mystery, he's been fit for at least a couple of months now but has only featured once (against Arsenal) - either he is still unfit or not considered good enough. |
| News
Comment | Saints V Liverpool The Verdict
at 17:12:28
At the end of the game I have to say that I was happy with the point, but was very disappointed that all we did was "park the bus" - I have not seen a Saints team play with one idea in mind and that was to get men behind the ball and defend. It was very frustrating to watch as our players backed away until Liverpool players were about 40 yards from goal. On the few occasions that we did break, we either lost the ball or only had one striker on his own against 3 or 4 defenders. Yes, our defence was very good, but that was not the sort of football I want to watch regularly against the top sides. What a difference it was to last season's game. Some comments have been about how Liverpool were rampant, which was true, but it was largely because we allowed them or even encouraged them to be!! |
| News
Comment | Saints Chasing Randolph
at 15:15:01
Gazzaniga has been with us a few years now and apart from some occasional nervous performances, looks a decent keeper, so I think he has earned the spot as back up keeper. It also will keep us within the philosophy of bringing younger players into the squad. Obviously RK didn't think he was up to it but perhaps Dave Watson does! |
| | Ronnie
|
Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 1 | | Comment Votes: | 15 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 16 |
|
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.