Shroppie

Because he hadn't a clue what he was doing. Total prat. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

That was the worst refereeing decision I've seen in seasons. Not a penalty. Not a red card. Foul for holding back 5 yards outside the box, and maybe a yellow, but certainly not a goal-scoring opportunity. Such bad decisions I'm inclined to question his motives. Completely changed the game. At 2-1 down with 11 men, the way we were attacking against a tiring team, we would have had a good chance of at least a point. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Well spoken indeed. My thanks, too, to those who maintain the forum (and try to maintain order). Heartfelt Christmas wishes to one and all, and here's to a stunning 2017 for Saints! Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Delighted for Jay. In the build-up someone suggested that he is "so far from a Prem player it's embarrassing" That comment's pretty embarrassing now. I've felt he's shown signs of getting his confidence and sharpness back in the last couple of games. Yes, there were two awful misses, but he had git into the position to give himself the chances. Really hope he can stay fit and be the new striker we need. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Ah yes. But has to be Reed instead, if fit. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Ah yes. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Why no Romeu? Clasie isn't a holding midfielder. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

This. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

A positive from last night that shouldn't be missed is that Stoke had the potential to be very dangerous on the break, especially at the end, but we were very effective at closing down breaks and recovering the ball. Important, as to have lost with a sucker punch would have been gutting. But, as I commented earlier, our movement lets us down. We constantly have 5 or 6 strung across the pitch and move the ball backwards and forwards very prettily. But the killer ball doesn't come. When we get a cross in, bodies are conspicuously absent from the box, except JRod who can't force the ball in the net to see his life at the moment . Midfielders need to gamble. And constantly working the ball out for a cross is predictable. The brave ball into feet in the box, sharp one-twos and the incisive pass don't happen. Why? Sorry, but I don't think Redmond has the footballing brain for it, Tadić and Boufal haven't played together enough yet to develop the sort of understanding thst there was between Tadic, Mané and Pelle last season. And of course Davis, JWP etc need to be making runs. There were just occasional signs of this happening last night, especially when the chance was made for JRod to miss, but there's a way to go. Hopefully understand will grow and we'll get there. (Apologies if you're seeing weird font variations. Haven't a clue why.) Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Just home from the game. Positives first: we retained the ball well and recovered it when we lost it. Defence, except for Martina looked as solid as ever. Boufal good at times. Sam McQueen showed the missing urgency when he came on (20 mins too late) Negatives: same old story. 71% possession, 15 shots but only 4 on target. Martina stops everything dead in its tracks. Too predictable, no sharp movement around the box. And when we get one clear chance, JRod shows that he's perfected the art of missing from 1 yard out. Redmond can look briefly impressive, then lacks a constructive pass or shot. Movement very poor too. Long had a disappointing game - but he needs space to run into and there wasn't any. I think part of the problem springs from rotation, with too many different combinations in attack not really getting to understand and anticipate each other. I'd have taken a point before kick off, but it feels like two dropped now. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I see the Mirror are persisting and reluctantly saying his price could be £40m. If Stones was £50m, this is still way short. But then it's totally made up, just like the earlier Mirror stories. There is no way he'll go in January, maybe we'll have to lay the law down to keep him in the summer, and will do, especially if Fonte goes, but suspect he'll go in 2018. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I doubt we'll get anyone in. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Given that for seasons we've been told 4231 was the formation played throughout the club, I'd be glad to see us go back to it. Couldn't understand why a new manager was allowed to completely restructure the playing style. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Off to sulk. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I said we wouldn't score. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Or struggling playing in the mask? Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

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We're obviously not going to score. Back to decorating. ? Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Good test of bouncebackability. COYR! Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I'm happy with that. McQueen is a solid replacement, Bertrand gets rested but is an attacking sub option. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Would rather have seen Long for JRod but glad Redmond rested. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

So far in the Prem this weekend every home team has scored at least three....... Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

That sums it up totally. A sub-standard Juanmi (sp?) replacement. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Think it will be: Forster Martina Yoshida VVD Bertrand Romeu or Reed Davis Clasie Sims Long JRod or McQueen Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

This. They're a useful outfit. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk