This dismal performnace is where all the bravado and big talk about having imporved the squad has come home to roost and has to get examined more critically.

Two players for each position? I don't think so. We've got 3 rightbacks and 1 left back (KWP isn't a LB as today showed in spades). With Stephens out we essentially have 2 CBs ready to play. For RH's two CM positions we have 3 players. Attacking midfield and striker it's all a rag bag with a lot of contenders but very little quality. But in the end on the day we bring on Shane Long when we need a goal, the lie about squad depth is laid bare. It's bad enough that Redmond gets to start pretty much every week, but bringing Long on is not just stupid, it's incomprehensibly stupid.

The sheer horror of the team's stats is getting worse and worse every week. Under Ralph we have won only 4 of our last 27 games---that's to say we've gained only 12pts out the last 81 possible pts by actually winning. This calendar year we've earned 21 points. Even leaving aside the two 9 goal drubbings, who can seriously make a case for this manager after so long?

I suspect even SFC sees the horror and I bet that the decision on him is going to come down to financial planning....at what point do we lose less by firing him than by getting relegated, is probably the calculus.

1

Long why wtf🤮

5

Normal service resumed, slow, ponderous build up with next to no creativity or urgency.
Our midfield is nothing short of dire. Playing any 2 from Redmond, Djenepo, Elyounoussi or Walcott just doesn't work. Armstrong returning to full fitness can't come soon enough, but no doubt RH would prefer Redmond.
JWP is back to his old self with slow, safe passes allowing defences to get organised. Even his set pieces are now predictable with little or no threat.
Up front we are just too lightweight, Adams & Armstrong doesn't seem to be working as a partnership. As for bringing on Long with 15 minutes to go was just plain stupid. If that's the best that Ralph can do then it's time for a change.
On the plus side Livramento looks a real star & Salisu is improving with each game.
Unfortunately I really fear for this season as I'm struggling to see 3 teams worse than us.

5

Tough watch. We must have one of the shot/goal conversion records around, but even saying that the only chance in the middle of the penalty area was longs at the end. I really think Danny would have let that come across him and slotted it behind teh defender rather than kicking it into him. I am sorry to say it but I dont think Long has a future at Saints. We have to move on.

Che is looking like a donkey. I can only assume that Broja and Armstong don't play well together. Romeu had a good game as did Salisu and of coyurse Tino.. Strangely I think we might beat chelsea. Of all the defenders who could stiffle Lukaku...I think VVD, Salisu and Connor Cody, and they will give us a chance to break and use the speed.


Raul is class and I grudgely applauled his superbly taken goal after all he has been through

2

Frustrating game decided by a one-man quality move and finish. We could have scored and tried and tried, but
0-1. Disappointing.

0

Long why wtf🤮

0

Long why wtf🤮

0

Long why wtf🤮

0