suewhistle

There's a rationale behind all those changes, but the overly dramatic reactions continue. The same people would moan if the rotated players got injured. I'm just surprised at Armstrong playing again so soon as he's one who struggles to maintain peak form. These decisions are made with more detailed knowledge than we have and none of them surprise me.

He didnt' look very happy on the touchline. I assumed Tella would be on a lot sooner for him 9and not Salisu) but i came to the conclusion that Redmond is so lacking in form and confidence at the moment that he left him on longer to avoid making him worse. Ralph can see what we see - he's no mug, so there must be a reason.

I agree, I think we've been very disciplined and, let's face it, most offside decisions are marginal at this level. If anything we shouldn't be afraid of big forwards in these situations, but fast ones who have more chance of beating the offside trap. Putting our fate in the hands of linos and VAR is generally a worry though!

I also think he gets unwarranted criticism but tonight he's earned all the criticism he's getting, even if I don't agree with some of the language. Everton are really targeting Bednarek, he looks so awkward there.

Yes, I remember thinking that. As for his central midfield performances being anonymous, you're probably right, but he certainly didn't look haplessly out of place which we've seen with other players shoved in there before. Physically a bit light but he moves well and decent technique. As for watching tonight, I suppose I will succumb to my masochistic tendencies. Fortunately I missed most of the second half of the Leeds game as I had an online lesson to give. In the meantime I shall enjoy this glorious weather.

Really? I thought they'd be blaming Redmond. Two scapegoats perhaps - a surfeit of choices which will confuse some of them. All we need is for Jankewitz to be sent off again! :-)

So did I, but I'm pretty certain I was under the East Stand.. My memory of John McGrath, apart from his ability to clear the ball over the stands was wondering whether he modeled himself on Desperate Dan, or vice versa..

That was a hard watch, and not just the dodgy stream.. After they'd equalised I steeled myself for Chelsea getting a winner so pleased with the one. Salisu occasionally looks a bit casual but he's going to be an asset. Djenepo my MoM, both for effort and for results. Good goal from us, lovely through ball by Redmond and excellent finish, although some of Minamino's passing didn't look up to scratch. As somebody else commented, off 29 points at last..

LOL. We understand, we're Saints fans too. That bench is looking a lot stronger now. I suspect Redmond keeps his place as he's such a confidence player and there were a few signs in the last game of better positional play - he just needs to improve his finishing.

I suspect you will..

Personal question Chez... are you old enough..? I've reached the age where I'm surprised that in 1976 many people posting here weren't born!

Ooo. I've been MLG'd by Trousers.! But like Sheaf Saint I'm feeling more positive, not to say a little bit tipsy, so I can magnanimously* wave a hand and say 'whateves'. * did I really spell that correctly without checking? I deserve another beer, time for a Proper Job, I feel..

This board keeps on posting little series of duplicate posts - most odd. For a debut I thought Salisu did very well particularly when he's been out so long and never even played in this league before. A few dodgy moments, which is hardly surprising but isn't it great to have a CB with some pace?! Have to disagree with you there Vectis. Nobody had a bad game, Armstrong was my MoM, but it was also good to see Tella's coolness for his assist. To save me going off on an internet search, when is the next round?

It worked! Hic.. Plus the added advantage of being a bit more zen throughout the game..

Yes, I agree, but once the bandwagon rolls on here he'd have to score a double hat-trick to convince the doubters. FWIW I think he's been better today, trying to drive forward and make things happen, which was the criticism last time. He's kept the ball OK too, when he's been in tight corners. As to that chance, it was almost behind him. I think he could do a whole lot better, but if Adams comes on we'll be moaning about his lack of a left foot. I don't mind criticism and I can groan with the best of them at a bad play, but I try and give credit where it's due.

Well, I've started! A quaffing Moretti to start but ales to follow.. Salisu!! Trousers will be pleased. 🙂 Let's hope Redmond brings his confidence along..

The last few games watched on dodgy streams I've promised myself a drink at the end but then been too bleh and all desire had passed. Tonight I'm thinking of changing my approach and starting the game half cut, a bit like my normal pre-match pub anaesthesia when going to St. Marys. Wonder if it will work...

Well, at least I've had one laugh today!

And I'd make stronger tackles! You have to if you play 5-a-side against Rallyboy!

I was just skimming the posts and for a very brief moment I went 'sh*t' in the thoughts that that was a list of our injuries...

I haven't seen enough of Jankewitz to comment too much, although the signs were positive, but in the case of Slattery he never quite seemed up to it when he's been given the chance. Certainly Smallbone looked a lot better, particularly with regard to pace and effort, on his last outing. Perhaps there'll be more opportunities when games are won or are less critical. I take what you are saying egg, but we've seen so many players not make it due to poor attitude, or thinking that they'd already made it that some caution on the club's part is understandable.

I don't blame the guy's desire, and perhaps this will get him some game time so that his state of readiness can be truly judged. The issue for the club is one of succession planning and dealing with injuries, as we have seen recently. Perhaps they expect one of the other midfielders to leave in the next year and are biding their time? Who knows? Maybe a start against Wolves in the FA cup and some fresher, more experienced legs to come on later unless he has a blinder? There needs to be good communication between club and player and perhaps this action will show the degree of his discontent.

No we don't. We don't assume anything. Have you never played any sport when you weren't at 100%?

yeah, me too, or haven't even found one..

Thanks Scotty but I'd better not. I've got things to get on with... 🙂 So the answer to the original post is 'Either dead or in jail' it seems..