Patches O Houlihan

It probably doesn't help that all our 50/50 games against the expected league leaders appeared in such a tight space of time, just after we lost our big PL stars and before the Championship team had had a proper chance to gel and get used to the new style. I don't have the stats to hand right now. I might go and have a look. 2022-23 Burnley finished first on 101 points (2.20 points/game average). Sheffield Utd were second on 91 point (1.98 points/game average) 2021-22 Fulham finished first on 90 points (1.96 points/game average). Bournemouth were second on 88 points (1.91 average) 2020-21 Norwich won 97 points (2.11 average). Watford second 91 points (1.98 average) 2019-20 Leeds won 93 points (2.02 average) West Brom second 83 points (1.80 average) Right now with 20 games played Leeds are averaging 2.05 points, and Saints are averaging 1.90 points, which normally, assuming teams improve a bit over the course of the year would be bang on top two team status. BUT Leicester are currently on 2.45 average, and Ipswich are on 2.40 average. That's what I mean by a freak season.

But that isn't because we are significantly under performing as a team. As far as I'm aware we are within a point or two of the 'average top Championship team' points haul at the relevant stage of the season, and have been for the last month or so. The issue is that Ipswich and Leicester are having freak seasons. Usually Leeds & Saints would be the league leaders, having built a useful; cushion over the chasing pack.

It feels like about 25% of the commenters here expect us to win easily 3-0 every week. Anything other than that and they have to go looking for a scapegoat. On match days when we win this board is quiet as the grave 15 mins after the match. But if we draw then Baz, RM, Manning get it in the neck; + whichever player's aggressive through ball that they've been pushing to see gets cut out by a defender and lumped up the pitch for a goal.

I see Troll Charlie has the log in this evening. He's my least favourite.

Which of those players has an 'on field 2023 Alex McCarthy' as his competition?

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I don't think we even have to wait for the next game. If you can't see the improvement in our defending recently that's on you. I would like Colin to have a word in Manning's ear though, and tell him to be 2ft closer to the attacker; we'd have far fewer dangerous crosses coming into our box.

Baz man of the match for 94 minutes today. But undeniably should be saving the Watford equaliser. I find myself really feeling for him - today was going to be one of those days when he could have really stuck it to the naysayers. BUT there is a positive. Right now he is not likely to get poached off us by a top PL team, and by sticking with him through thick and thin you would hope that there is a feeling of loyalty to the club being built up with him. Plus he has been largely very good for the last 12 games. I still believe he will be a properly top level keeper, and we likely won't need to wait until he's 28. While for some supporters anything but an easy 3-0 is not good enough, I'm enjoying watching his development. Yes it's frustrating at times, but all the best dramas have some moments when things don't go as planned. Keep up the good work Baz

Boring Boringtm Arsenal under George Graham

KWP has been superb

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RM quoted as saying that he has tried to sign Ross Stewart for every team he has managed... you'd hope that he would know the LND's game thoroughly at this point.

We have - he went off injured with a hamstring...

Check out the epic bruise Kamaldeen is sporting - back of the leg, above the knee.

Swapping Sulemana for Edozie wouldn't have been the end of the world. But like you say, we just cannot rely on Edozie & Manning to close out a tight game. Manning just isn't a Left Back.

It could be worse - we could be getting battered 0-4 at home, in League One, by Blackpool 😄😆😅🤣

Maybe we ought to practice long ball skills for use in the last 10 mins of games: Downes/Smallbone to dink it forward to Stewart, who knocks it down Pelle style for Arma or Stu to smash into the back of the net... 🍆 > 🦕 >🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 easy!

Edozie and Manning on the left to close out a game doesn't work. Bree and Fraser as a pair are on a completely different level in terms of defensive reliability. I understand bringing Edozie on. I cannot see why Manning came on, unless Bree got a knock that I didn't spot? RM clearly feels the need to keep the bench players involved; but it does feel like we loose something at the moment when we swap in Charles & Manning

Russell Martin's shit football tactics Bazunu's the worst keeper in the league Smallbone weakens the midfield Holgate should never pull on a Saints shirt again What is the point of James Bree? Sorry Ryan I think you're going to be the one to take the stick for the next week or so

May be this is still residual Scar TissueTM We're so used to Saints being crap, that winning while not playing well feels like just luck; rather than teamwork, effort & innate skill.

Bree has improved us so much

I think we're seeing the benefit of both a settled side and competition for places: Holgate - know's Stephens is nearly fit and he'll be back to 4th choice so he needs to play out of his skin today. Bree - knows if he lets his standards slip Manning will come back in Adam Armstrong - despite being captain and one of the leagues top scorers will be feeling the pressure of Ross Stewart nearing fitness. Also I'm loving the mini breakthrough that Alcatraz has had today, and last week. Just need him to start pumping in the goals from the edge of the area again.

Breed compared to Manning - caught the wrong side, still made it work

Holgate, KWP, Downes, Alcaraz all on fire right now

We are bossing this so far!