coalman

There's the Martin-stroke. Game changing sub and panic over. Any time now the meltdown and Pana down to ten.

Same as the first half last week. Expecting the same outcome. Martin is a natural at European football luring the Greeks in before delivering the hammer blow. Textbook.

If we get offers then Fernandes, Dibling and THB are off. We all knew that coming into the window and it was a pipe dream to say otherwise. The concern is who we keep and who we bring in. Right now - keeping Stephens and keeping him as captain makes me uneasy. Bazunu starting in goal makes me uneasy (though Castellon Baz was a hero). Armstrong on the wing makes me uneasy. BBD on the wing makes me uneasy. Downs came in and took his finish brilliantly the other day so I'm hopeful there and Quarshie looks a beast (albeit a slightly unpolished one). Charles looks good in midfield and could provide the partner Downes has been crying out for. But I just don't see us being solid at the back or creating enough chances without some incomings and outgoings.

Oh god. We're having a serious conversation about Armstrong and BBD being our wide forwards. I just threw up in my mouth.

At least we know two of the starting 11 for Wrexham now. Bazunu because Ramsdale is off and Stephens because I still don't know the fuck why.

Need funds for Jack's new contract and then afford to tie down Smallbone, BBD, Armstrong and Bazunu forever.

I'd be astonished if Smallbone starts against Wrexham. I wouldn't be astonished with Baz and Stephens starting. I wouldn't be happy, mind you.

Porto came for THB but left with Bednarek. They sure wanted part of our record breaking defence. But you know what's better than one Saints defender? Two of them. Porto have a chance to buy a ready made partnership. Forged in the fires if the Premier League. Come on Porto, you need a Stephens to pair with that Bednarek.

Better "assistant analyst" than "analyst and therapist"

Man City are suing the Premier League which I imagine slows things down as they'll be trying to claim that they could have earned more sponsorship money. The time honored tradition of the super rich when being asked to face up to their transgressions.

Our central midfield in both halves was patchy today. In the first half - a rusty Fernandes (Sesay 26'), Charles, Fraser (WTF?). In the second half - Aribo, Smallbone (at his walking worst) and Sesay. On the million to one chance Fernandes stays then a central three of Charles, Downes and Fernandes will be pretty exciting. Also has to be said Castellon pressed like a side way above their league. They really came after us as a unit and exposed the unbalanced lineups we put out.

He was the best player after Baz today. Looked really composed in the middle.

Fair though I think he needs someone to play off. He worked hard today but wasn't ever an out ball.

I'd put Stewart ahead of Archer. He at least caused their defence some problems today.

We still looked better with him on the pitch than Armstrong though. Hope his injury isn't anything too serious.

Based on this game I'd say our best 11 (from the people who played) is Bazunu Bree Wood Quarshie Wellington Charles Sesay Fernandes Edozie Robinson Stewart Castellon really went for it and we were lucky to walk away with a draw. Things we already knew - McCarthy can't start in goal - Armstrong isn't going to stretch the play out wide - Fraser isn't a central attacking midfielder - BBD is largely anonymous - Archer can't play alone through the middle - Smallbone doesn't compete in the middle of the park No threat at all first half. Couldn't get a grip on the midfield either half. Gav to the rescue.

Saints hit the post. We've carried a lot more threat this half. We've had shots. Edozie off injured though.

1-1. Some truly uninspiring defending there.

Robinson's looking lively.

He's just jogging in a little patch of space all on his own, pausing now and then to half heartedly point at a player he isn't bothered to track.

Speaking of depressing. Smallbone is strolling around with his trademark intensity. We're getting overrun in midfield.

McCarthy is already giving me the heebie jeebies with that rushed clearance.

It's what we already knew about BBD, Archer and Armstrong up front. Having Fraser anonymous behind them isn't making it any easier too.

Worth noting. We _still_ haven't had a shot at goal despite being 1-0 up.

He's been our best player this half. Followed by Charles, Wellington and BBD