saintstowin

I don't normally post mid match but this is so slow, so bad, so devoid of any promise, shape, or anything that looks like we'll be competitive. Not good.

TP's skiilz very enjoyable but (as others have mentioned) he didn't receive the ball at the end of the pitch he's meant to be at. I'm not a get it in the mixer at every opportunity fan, but occasionally would be nice, especially with a big fella up there. We just don't know how to. There was an early fk near halfway that (ofcourse) Stephens stood over. He looked like he wanted to play it towards the box maybe, but this is currently the antithesis of how we're coached. Back the ball went, about five yards, possession handed over within a few seconds.

I haven't seen all his performances in full, he's looked as good as anyone in our defence and can clearly go forward well when I've seen him. I don't understand playing non-specialist players at the expense of and in the position of the likes of Sugawara and Taylor. They must be a better option and the approach won't do their confidence any good.

Good stuff when quick and incisive. Usual bad stuff when doing what current Saints do, especially near our own goal. All 3 unearned goals the most frustrating (and sadly expected) thing, as usual. Mccarthy clearly will be rusty. Why instruct him to play stupid passes, the opposite of when he came in late last season. And Fraser by no means terrible, but an international fullback was available. Odd. And Downes, what?!

The bigger picture is change is needed. But in this match we were done by VAR and then lack of VAR. The first one is simply bizarre, a few Wolves fans wanted a FK (does that alert VAR?) but at worst it's a 50 50. It's embarrassing how refs never stick to their decision especially as the high bar is clearly rubbish. And then not one but two fouls. And don't tell me VAR isn't influenced by a home team scoring a screamer because I won't believe you. We are bad but getting an equaliser in a game where the home fans are ready to turn would have changed things.

I know it's not a scientific analysis but I honestly think the name Archer was mentioned once by the commentary team and that was in relation to how isolated he was rather than when he was involved. This is not a criticism of him but the system.

2nd half sounded terrible. Lots of things we know being pointed out by the commentators. Worst start in our history now, not just since football was invented in 1992. Says it all.

2nd half sounded terrible. Lots of things we know being pointed out by the commentators. Worst start in our history now, not just since football was invented in 1992. Says it all.

Listening to 5 live gives the listener the impression we've taken control after the early goal and Wolves are looking hesitant and shaky.

Phew! We earned that and I'll never be anything but happy with a win. Great to get a clean sheet. Really pleased for Arma. And I'll like VAR for one night only. Briefly pausing the RM discussions might even help some enjoy the 3 points a bit more.

RM seemed to be on a short leash patience-wise last season. Why? Underperforming at times. Along with him embracing the notion that his style is innovative. I can see how that was perceived as (and may well be) arrogant and annoyed some people. This season he has very little evidence to back up his continuing confidence, but is doubling down. Even I'm annoyed at him for this. I don't expect to hear 'we're not competing and I'm struggling to adapt' but it is possible to get across that sentiment (be a bit humble). I expect his personality will struggle to do that. The players like him, they'll be hearing how important they are, but even without that it is fair enough that people might just like him. I'm assuming we all expected we'd struggle this season. I also expect if we had a manager with more humility, both towards our predicament, and his responsibilities such as adapting rather than actively avoiding change, there would be more understanding and patience.

We played well at times against Ipswich and were unlucky not to win. I know there's no saying 'don't change a team that almost won' and even a win might lead to necessary changes. However I don't know what he was thinking changing positions of very effective players in the most recent game, and not starting our most calm and experienced player. RM has now backed himself (in more ways than one) into a corner where he probably feels justified into making even more changes. Unless those changes are go back to what worked against Ipswich I don't think this is a good plan or will end well.

That was a sorry night. It simply didn't work and after Ipswich some continuity would have been fine. Lallana and (despite missed chances) Archer should have started. Too much to dwell on but one very small part summed up a key element that we need to change this season. Fraser gets fouled 10 yards inside their half and by the time I look up the ball is on the edge of our box and we're under pressure because we chose to play it backwards. That is just bad football and not taking responsibility. We're not good enough to pass up opportunities to get the ball forward.

We played well. From my seat anyway. It was an engrossing game. Mentions for Sugawara, Fernandes, Dibling, Lallana. Downes grew into the game. Lovely goal. I'd say the back 4 and GK all played very well, under pressure in the 1st half especially. I liked the line up albeit KWP a surprise. I felt for Archer with those low hard passes to him on half way, tough to control and not sure of the point. When we played him through he was unlucky, never quite in control of the 2 chances. We were the better team but didn't get that vital 2nd. Unlucky.

I've ended up with 2 spares today. One is U14, one is Over 65. Chapel block next to away fans I think. Presume you can just go in, or go to ticket office to change. Face value. Can direct message me if interested. Cheers.

I like seeing Saints win games.

What a shootout! Not ours.

At least Dibling on the bench shows he's going to get another start in the league this Saturday.

He's said the team will be different next match. Last season after that awful run he did modify somewhat. And at the end of the season. Any changes will unlikely be enough to lead to great results given the league. But I think they'll lead to better performances, higher intensity and more directness. He's not a complete fool he knows we need to show signs of learning, and adapt. New signings yet to play or settle. I remain hopeful of fewer self inflicted mistakes and happier times albeit towards the bottom of the league.

I've bought 4 on general sale for Ipswich and although I have the app I selected postal, and paid a quid for that. But the site says only app tickets can be used. I'm confused why postal is even an option then. I also have no idea how 4 of us get in if I'm the only one with the app! Some are children so the app is not something they'll have. Got a few weeks to get my head around it.

I can see a loss on Saturday, and like many of us feel we're a bit off being totally prepared for the season ahead. I'm going to (attempt to) see Saints this season similar to perhaps how Luton saw their team last season, or I imagine Ipswich will see theirs this season. These two came to mind anyway. By that I mean, we've had so much time in the top flight and our deterioration was one the club should have avoided, it's hard not to feel we should be better than those types of teams. And that can affect levels of patience, such as how long before there is a collective upset at possibly regular defeats. But that is where we are really. We will need that kind of underdog spirit, not accepting or expecting a bad season, but shifting the levels of those two things compared to our most recent premier league experience. And most importantly retaining the feeling from last season, not forgetting how great it was. And then we'll qualify for Europe and it'll all be lovely.

Did I read or hear that RM said he was an idiot for not picking AMc sooner, or something like that? If so, I'm sure it was mainly a self deprecating comment that would also big up AMc, rather than one to criticise GB. But I think this enforced break will mean RM has (and takes) the opportunity to look for an upgrade.

What a day. Nearly home. That was the most nerve-wracking last 15 minutes I've ever had. We played so well, defensively brilliant, who'd a thought it! 2nd leg and today have given more than enough amazing football memories to last forever. Nice one Saints.

Yes I noticed that getting on the train. Great to see!

I'm glad he's continuing next season whatever the league. Assuming he's not nabbed by a team taking a gamble on him. It's been a brilliant season, best in years. For large parts it's been steady and he's done well. Success not all down to RM, and he's made mistakes, some infuriating. But just when it was most needed he's come through with really good management. I think he's shown he can learn and adapt. The team will change next season whatever the result but much will be the same, and consistency in having RM will help.