woodsaint1

How many indivudual players have we 'badly missed' this season? Currently its Romeu, previously I can remember KWP, Ings, Armstrong and Vestergaard all being badly missed at some point due to injury. Personally I think we're just making excuses for the team not being good enough. We've been poor more times than enough with all the above players available. It was almost laughable when KWP was injured that some believed our 4222 system couldnt work without him. A whole formation falls apart because a right back is missing? Other teams seem able to adapt to missing certain players, but not us. And we continue to find excuses for them at will

Easily makes the whoscored Ligue 1 team of the season and has been lauded for how hes brought along Sven Botman (the same way he did with Lovren, Toby and VVD). Not bad for a 37 year old no matter what way you look at it. Would certainly do a better job than Bednarek has done most of this season

Who would we honestly replace Ralph with if we ever took that decision in the next 3-6 months (although I dont think we will). Given the profile/age/style of manager we would likely pursue, the 3 obvious contenders closer to home would be - Eddie Howe - did wonders at Bournemouth with little resources. But when given the financial backing, ultimately failed with signings like Ibe, Solanke etc. Not convinced at all. Thomas Frank - would only be considered if Brentford didnt get promotion. But then we would be taking a risk with a manager whose only top flight experience is a few seasons with Brondby and failed to get Brentford promoted when they looked odds on for two consecutive seasons. Frank Lampard - could we tempt him back into management? Not convinced as I think he would want a higher profile job. Again took a 6th place Derby back to 6th place and missed out in the playoff final. Despite being heavily backed by Abramovich and a getting off to a bright start, it tailed off badly. I've no idea who the promising managers across Europe currently are, but I'm sure there would be a few on our radar. Hopefully not another Pellegrino mistake though. Answers on a postcard from those looking to see the back of Ralph on who we would realistically look to bring in as a replacement to genuinely improve us.

Indeed. Hence why im hoping Barnsley or Brentford get promoted (either of which will likely stay up at our expense)

Seen Vestergaard linked with both Juve and Roma now. Dont get me wrong, at times this season hes been very good and his long range passing is a joy to watch. But hes also been a mainstay at the heart of the second worst defence in the PL, which has shifted 58 goals in 32 games (nearly 2 a game). Hes also pretty slow and loses his man quite easy. Cant help but think that if he moves after just half a good season with us he will struggle with the demands at bigger clubs - bit like Lovren did at Liverool. If he went to either team (not Spurs) and we got 15-20 million to reinvest in a replacement, I wouldnt be too bothered

Its too rich for us right now. Unless we get a new owner who is willing to match the spending of the likes of Leeds, Villa, Wolves (what I would call tier 3 clubs after the Big 6 and then the likes of Leicester, Everton, West Ham) then we'll forever remain in that small group of clubs looming over the trap door most seasons until we finally fall through it. When we were relegated from the PL in 04/05 I was devastated. If we were to be relegated next season I honestly wouldnt be fussed. The PL is stagnant with at least half the clubs ambitions just being to tread water, VAR is ruining games, broadcasters dictating more and more. A couple of seasons in the championship would be much more appealing. Would also help us clear out the players who dont want to be here or not good enough to be here

Thats not how the jeckyl and hyde world of SWF works as you well know. A few bad performances and hes another shit signing. After the Liverpool game he was the best thing since sliced bread. I agree with your measured view. He is a player who is only 6/7 months into his PL career, is only 22 and is now realising that the demands of the PL are alot more than Ligue 1. Need to be patient with the kid, but he'll not get that on here from the football experts. I also agree with some on here that him and JWP arent a great pairing. Both very similar players and quite lightweight. We need a player in there whos first instinct is to drive forward and play between the lines

Even if that was the case, would we actually sack Ralph though? Said it before that we've clearly backed him all the way by giving him complete control of the footballing side of things. We've committed to playing the long game with him. Doesnt help when you see pundits say that we deserve credit for not sacking him after either 9-0. Under current ownership we cant afford to sack him and the only way I could see him leaving is if he walks, which is unlikely

Somebody must have wrote that for him

No player should be immune from criticism, especially when they havent been playing well. He hasnt been good in recent weeks, but then most of the team have been poor too. However taking this PL season alone, he is joint 2nd for most goals, most assists, his set plays are a massive asset to us and hes played every minute when the rest of the team has fallen down around him. I know you wouldnt, but most fans would have him in their top 3 players this season. Hes deservedly got himself into the England team and scored. Therefore he deserves some slack if performance levels drop for a period. To draw comparisons with criticism of Redmond or Stephens is silly. Both have been delivering under par performances (bar the odd game) for quite a while now. Their contribution to our team is way below what Ward-Prowse has contributed this season or last.

Why would we play Diallo and Salisu in the under 23s when they played regularly for decent sides in Ligue 1 and La Liga? Tella has proven hes good enough to be in the first team squad and Valery....well hes just s***. Need a complete overhaul of the academy coaching set up. Matt Crocker has his work cut out

Tbh if Leicester needed to step it up in the last 20 minutes they would have been able to. They didnt need to come out of 2nd gear to beat us. Didnt expect us to win, but did expect us to put more of an effort in, especially after WBA. Was pathetic really. I've always gave Ralph the benefit of the doubt but I'm struggling to see an upward trajectory with him right now if he cant get more out of this team in their biggest game in 3/4 years. Combine that with the clear lack of funds and next season isnt worth thinking about. Oh and you can put your mortgage on Spurs beating us during the week

Compare this lacklustre display to how much we had a go against United in the league cup final. Come back Claude, all is forgiven

It hits him from point blank range. Bednarek done again unfortunafely, hes been terrible for a while now

Yep. Have no faith in Leicester or West Ham putting a consistent run together to take 4th spot. Especially after we beat them both. Liverpool with the season they've had will still sneak CL football

Large fitting/small fitting?

Given the list of clubs who were seemingly interested in him, there wasnt much realistic chance of him coming to us

Who would you have brought in to replace him on short notice to give us that kick up the arse? We are safe as houses, we wont need another win. Why are people on this forum incapable of remaining level headed? Win a game and its a wankfest, lose one and its like the worlds ending. It was bad performance but nobodys died fs

Guess we'll need to worry about WBA and their CL form until the end of the season since Fulham have hit the skids. Pish poor performance. Cant complain about lack of preparation or players missing. We were just out fought and out thought. Very concerning but not surprising that we can go from the highs of last weeks comeback to that abysmal performance tonight. That being said, win on Sunday and all is forgiven

Aye because they'll be relegated and he'll be back at Arsenal next season still getting no game time

He wasnt on Vydra, he was dealing with McNeil in front of him. Definitely on Bednarek for losing the header and Vestergaard for not shifting across and providing cover/pick up Vydra's movement. The CBs cant be passing the buck for not dealing with a simple lump up front. Will be a different task on Monday as WBA tend to play just Diagne up top with Pereira roaming around in the no10 position

Why are you always so angry? Cheer up

Whats prolific enough to be a PL striker? Didnt know there was a threshold players had to reach

Not this question again. For our second best striker, a club of our size is not going to get a better option than Che. Yes hes frustrating in front of goal but id be more worried if he wasnt getting in them positions. He has contributely alot to our team, not just in goals but his build up play and physical presence which at times goes unnoticed. As has been pointed out previously, if you take the contributions of other 'second strikers' in the PL he is above the majority of those outside the top 6 clubs

Its more than likely not our choice. Probably wants a new challenge with reaching the twilight years of his career. Hes been with us for nearly 7 years so who can blame him (some fair ups and downs in there)