Saint Since '51

Fair point. But shouting "FORWARD" every time we have the ball - irrespective of whether there is a pass on or how much pressure the passer is under - isn't applying the brain. Neither am I arguing for "tippy-tappy constantly turning back football". But sometimes they need to go back or sideways, to pull opponents out of possession or to keep the ball or look for the best opening, and they shouldn't be thoughtlessly "castigated" for that either. Indeed, if it means they don't lose possession and if it leads to better attacks, they should be encouraged to do it.

Wow! Somebody talking sense. What's The Cat doing here? Cat, please write something sensible about patience and probing before breaking through the opposition press. (Our goals today are good evidence). My seat is surrounded by people who shout "Forward!" every time a Saints player has the ball. They don't seem to notice that whacking it forward just gives away possession and puts you back under pressure again. Do these people every watch football as it's played by the rest of the world?

I think he's 57.

Are you sure?

I was there. Enjoyed the game a lot. Contested for the ball really well, dominated the opposition for most of the match, 60+% possession. We looked really well coached and created lots of pressure on their goal. All good. Well done and thank you to Ralph and the whole team. But one shot on target. One. In a game we bossed. That has to be a worry.

He'd play as a 10 for us. Improves the squad. Potential signing in the summer. Good addition. Better than hastily adding a full-back we really don't want to play. I think they are gambling on muddling through the short term crisis, and finishing the rest of the season with Vesty (and Salisu) back and using Stephens as cover at full-back, until we can get another decent full-back in the summer.

So, he DIDN'T say "I will get I trouble tomorrow". Just checking. Since all over the internet people are assuming that he did. And it's being used as evidence of trouble in the dressing room or a player revolt or whatever.

Did he actually say, "will get in trouble tomorrow"? I've not been able to find a video showing him say this. Or is "get in trouble tomorrow" someone's interpretation of "it won't end well", which he actually did say? "It won't end well" could mean any number of things. Eg I might say something I might regret, or I might lose my temper. Anything.

This. If one of your team switches off as soon as the opposition has the ball, or only makes a cosmetic effort at pressing, or will get in the vicinity of an opponent but doesn't go the extra yard to get gaol-side, then your whole press, your whole defensive shape, is flawed, or there is no pressure on a cross, or an opponent can pick out a pass - and any of these can lead to a goal against and all this happens ALL the time your opponent has the ball. This is more likely to affect the outcome than a flash of brilliance which may influence the game occasionally. But the pity is that ANY of the squad could do this defensive activity if they have the right mind-set. But none of them have the skills Boufal has. All Ralph is asking for is that he does the (relatively) easy pressing, defensive activity when he doesn't have the ball as well as the magic he does when he does have it. Boufal has never shown the willingness to do both. Till he does, he'll continue to be a bit part player, brought on when the opposition is tired and the game is stretched.

Who says?

Understated. No really incisive passing or Romeu's dominant tackling. But calm, confident and composed - a little in the style of Spiderman. Stitched the game together nicely. Won't get in the first XI, but made a good impression.

Hoedt and Stephens at fault for their goal. Cedric has put in some good crosses; Bertrand good going forward too. Opposition very poor.

LinkedIn account for Matthew Banks. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mathew-banks-24744270

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7184767/Southampton-ready-turn-attentions-Spezia-forward-David-Okereke.html Okereke. Faster and more two-footed than Adams. Physique not so good for back-to-goal / hold-up play. Neither seem much use in the air.

And getting goal side and putting pressure on opponents when they have the ball - as opposed to just running alongside in their general vicinity.