gio1saints

Quite right it’s been obvious a while. Just would like to point out that sometimes , in fact quite often, the body of a football manager can contradict what his mouth is saying - if you know where and how and what to look for. And it’s not just scratching his nose! In this instance it did not. It’s why police often put parental suspects up for public appeals for missing kids. They film and study the body language afterwards to see if somethings not right. Many lying bad people been caught that way. Not putting RM in that category- though I’ve not seen him answering a RS injury question satisfactorily yet…

Watched this twice checking body language and RM has verbally and non verbally said KWP is going to leave. His body language and words were also truthful when he talked about Carvalho and not knowing what was the situation. A variety of shoulder shrugging movements and his talking rhythm and speed confirm that.

Totally Agree we are low on quality in the squad. Do you happen to be aware of what SR’s financial objectives are for this season as opposed to the mid to longer term objectives? How rigidly or otherwise they intend to stick to that objective determines how much or how little we will spend. To date, last twelve months I’d say the regime is accountant led not footballing led. Probably rightly so but that’s not what fans want to hear.

KWP is not match fit as a consequence either. So if nobody wants him at the price quoted he cannot play anyways. Or he can but is much more likely to injure himself so it cuts both ways imo. The more frightened of injuries you are the more injuries you get. Lots of players suffer from it especially “ niggles ” and dare I say we just taken one on board well known for it recently..

Now this is something out of my black mirror : O’Riley plays league match for Celtic today, gets injured then Saints bid of £23M announced as agreed Monday afternoon. Textbook latter day Saintsy 😁

Contrast Celtic with saints. Best player in demand- plays every friendly travels to America scores plays well price rising. Our best player hidden in a cupboard price dropping. appreciate contract situations differ greatly but can’t think that kwp in the shop window last few matches not going to harm us.

BTW: Chelsea under Maresca are conceding exactly the same fucking around in the penalty area type goals saints did last season ( and v Oxford). Literally giving opposition free goals and chances like on a death wish. Lost 4-2 to City yesterday and first two goals originated from that. I wonder if Chelsea owners are going to be able to handle the fan unrest when they start doing that in the league and give teams free goals every match? Or will CfC - with better players- make the PBF system work for them in the EPL? RM is going to be scrutinising them for sure as they both play same way out from the back - but from what Ive seen the Chelsea defence and mf are not convincing if you attack them and press high- just like most teams playing saints will feel we’ve got a penalty area mishap in us at least once per game…

Will become a Full England International within 12-18 months.

Tyler was notable when running down the left wing at one point from a midfield position. Another notable time he cut in from the inside left area went past a player and hit the crossbar. At other times he was more central. Gave a cynical shirt tug foul away on halfway line when we lost possession a la will smallbone. It’s quite clear he is encouraged / tasked with receiving ball in central third areas of pitch in the main and driving with it to create opportunities. He looks very strong in that regard -- and his driving runs are muscular in that he uses his body strength very well to lean into players - which is very MLT- and already these runs look more regular determined and energised and with better end product than other mf in our team. He shrugs off most first challenges and keeps going. Not one to fall over easy - but maybe in that regard not yet wily enough as he could draw many more fouls otherwise. But his desire to play football not roll around on the floor clutching his face and screaming is a refreshing change for someone who is going to be a target when he plays! He can receive with back to goal in relatively crowded areas turn and move forwards quickly - which requires spatial awareness and high tech skill plus speed of thought. These are fantastic attributes for an AMF. He also has a shot on him and is unafraid to do so- two yesterday I think - shooting on target every match he plays - unlike others of our team. At the moment just from preseason it’s Stus position he is being lined up for. Which was centre-left midfield attack mostly rather than false nine or shadow nine as you called it- but for me his best roles are - winger or best as an inside forward or probably most likely as an offensive orientated multi responsibility midfielder in Russell’s total football system.

Seeing the progress evident in Tyler Dibling I’m thinking our offensive midfielder issue is already resolved. If O’Riley is not coming we’ve got Tyler and he does not cost £25m plus £60k pw. Spend that on a better keeper and a bona fide centre forward please.

Tyler just runs round three Millwall and gets fouled. RM gives him pat on the back. MLT-esque run! Just brilliant. He’s just made sure he is a first team player for saints this season. 100%. Looks class above everyone else. final score 0-1.

And Tyler now hits the bar with excellent skill

Brilliant run by Dibling. End product good too- nice ball for Aribo but could not turn it into a cross or goal.

BBD on and Tyler too.

Good chance for Millwall. Lucky escape. Nice yellow card for Joe. Proper cruncher. Good.

At last AA blasts it in from 10cm 0-1

Sounds old fashioned of me but I kind of like pre season when you have players trying to prove why they should start. Only players I see doing that authentically in this preseason to date are Yuki, Tyler and Sam Amo. The rest kind of strolling around.

Apols did not see name on list

Three halves without scoring. Against lower level opposition. Few shots. AA barely touched the ball. Incidentally- No Shea Charles either - which looks interesting given the Celtic rumour.

Things we will not see this season : Charlie Taylor steaming down the left wing to create space or an option even an overlap for Sam Edozie. I reckon play Yuki on the left and Sam will automatically look and play better.

He’s been mostly more advanced though in the MF when we are in possession - which is currently most of the time. And a yard or two ahead of the two central CB’s when needs be. It’s a very fluid solution. Bit Stones like I think?

Millwall get an offside goal but it looked like we were asleep on a set piece. Edozie then has a shot saved ( prob should have scored).

Stephens released will who gets to byline just fails to play it across to AA. Seen that move all last season. Unlucky.

First shot on goal by saints. Easily punched away. Building pressure though.

Stephens playing well actually. And another good start from Aribo too. Yuki playing very high. Taylor on the other hand has hardly got out of our half.