Holmes_and_Watson

Window: Investment Amount: 9/10 Needed to replace: McCarthy, Downes, Stu, Che, Fraser, Brooks/Tella and get in some DM cover. We got in: Ramsdale & McCarthy, Downes, Archer & BBD, Fraser, Cornet, Ugochukwu & Fernandes We also got in Sugawara, Taylor, Edwards, Wood and Lallana and the obligation for THB. An overhaul of the squad with lots more depth added. In terms of funds and endeavour to improve, I don’t think much more could have been asked for under the financial position the club are in. Transfers: 6.5 - 7/10 – Did really well in a lot of areas, possibly except the most important: the need to compensate for Adams' departure. Need to see how Martin expects to get this working. We didn’t replace Adams. We have a better finisher in Archer, but we’ll need to see if someone centrally can pick up the dropping deep, support and physical parts of his game. It’s a key part of the team. I’d have been happier losing quite a bit of the new squad depth to support getting someone else in here. We’ve replaced Stu with Ugochukwu and Fernandes, to give more versatility to the midfield. It looks as though they may be used quite a bit, as Downes is the only one of the current 3 starters who has been decent. Aribo has strengths, but Fernandes is already looking more effective in the unit. When Martin’s system clicked, we had Baz as part of a defensive unit that could ping the ball around the back. If Martin is going to use that again, Ramsdale’s passing needs to be pretty decent. Manning would invert, and KWP roam providing plenty of passing options, also helped a lot by Smallbone. That approach looks sorely lacking already this season, not helped by the lack of a central outlet in an Adams replacement. Despite the overhaul, it’s going to be a struggle to stay up. It’s a squad with more depth and options to it, than the one that came down. But it’s not one that has massively improved (caveat of there being unproven players at this level , who may be excellent) on what came down. There are lots of unproven players and management needing to hit the ground running.

Pound for pound, Jones is the best in Europe. That's a tough record for Martin to beat.

Well said. We've had well meaning ITKers in the past. For whatever reason, there's a few/some posters that just give them abuse. Desperate for the information, yet at the same time envious/bitter/demanding about sources, and also expecting the ITKer to know about every move. It can be relentless, and unpleasant to see. After a while, some simply conclude it's not worth the effort/ abuse. It's another plus for the CoT. The way the information is released is set. i think it draws some criticism away from the CoT group itself. That it's a CoT group also means that it's not just one person getting the flak, while also making the information on the thread even more valuable. I did wonder how the CoT would do on it's own thread. But it really stands out. Take a bow, guys!

A nice all round goal (caveat: Brentford sitting back, but not as compact). Fernandes, Dibling and the quick passing of Lallana all key. Nice finish too.

Suga + Llamas!

'tator: "Only once in the PL have Saints opened a season with 3 defeats and without scoiring, back in 2001, when St Mary's opened."

Oh. Our passing out utterly failed there.

Well, we do still ahve some of the players considered surplus to requirements in his system. We might not in a few weeks.

Lallana on! That will rattle them.

Cleverly not putting a date on that.

That's what stands out. And it has often stood out with our set up. Our individuals get us results. Not because the system allows them to be in a position to do so, but because they go against the instuctions.

Better practice or seethes. He moved things around, after we'd already lost this one. But he will set up up well within his football philosophy. In his head, that Barcelona job awaits him if he just stays consistent. Even if we finish bottom wioth 0 points. 🙂

Oh, I thought you said "Unleash the llamas." Still, hopefully we'll do better in the replay.

Just think how much more complacent they'll be after their next couple of goals. 🙂

Well worked from Brentford. But a really simple one to be conceding from. Done by a long throw. >sigh<

And the third.

Tator: "Another calamity at the back from Southampton. Will they ever learn." co-tator: "This has relegation all over it. You can tell me a million times that this is how we play. Well, if that's the way you play, you'll get relegated."

I saw him for Rangers in that right side of midfield. He was happy to cut in. Could also support behind a front 2 or finsiher. Also got put up front on his own, and did okay, when there was an emergency.

It looks as though we're on the front foot. But this is also Brentford protecting a lead, and dropping back, waiting for that counter.

"Martin and Gill hopign they can engineer an equlaiser." as they look at the pad of paper, and realise every option is riddled with errors.

THB on a yellow off. Stephens will naturally stay on, able to use his versatility to support everyone else. As I type, Ramsdale out sharpish.

Dibling on the way...

Ah, we've changed it around. A couple of nearly, form decent through passes. A bit much to expect Archer to beat 4 players and score though. Zero support for him.

Lots of space for their header there. All from us losing possession cheaply.

Caught again playing it out. Stephens is in midfield. I do get the logic, but we now have players in to do that role. So, he's there for "leadership" qualities. Archer for AA is like-for-like . SO, basically just hoping that he doesn;t mis hit whatever we stumble into providing.