chownie20

Do think we need a keeper who can command his box, as Baz does not do that at all. However I'd be prioritising a physical number nine. Beyond that any decent manager has all the tools he requires in the squad at this level.

Bring in Maresca and 433

Agree with this. And id say the reason we don't win headers is again because we don't have two center backs and then the usual arrangements where the far full back tucks in to defend and the near fullback tries to stop the cross. It's simple but we're re writing what typical defenders have learned and played for years. It isn't easy to adapt when so much of defending is positional as a group. People don't know where to be and who's role/man is whose.

I think it's utter rubbish our CBs are so poor we need three of them. THB has been promoted out of this division twice playing in a back four. Stephens is easily championship quality and proved this when he went out on loan to Bournemouth. Putting them in a three makes them look worse as they aren't doing what they've learned for twenty years in terms of how a back four and CB pairing operate together and a unit

Robinson was our best player for the first half dozen or so games this season, so it's a bit harsh to criticise him IMHO. However yes dropping Leo is stupid unless he is physically not ready and able and managing minutes is that critical.

We need to get to a 433, What's the worst that can happen Simple back four, Jelert or Mads right back. Solid three from Jander, Charles, Azaz, Romeu, Downes, Bragg. Fellows and Leo wide with Robinson to come on. Also Edozie OR a new wide man if he is never going to play. Arma up top with Stewart and a new signing there too, Arma going wide if Leo and Fellows can't do 90. Can go to a 4231 with Azaz, Jander or Charles more advanced as required. Swap Downes for a proven 9 in January, maybe a new wide man, and we've then got all the tools we need.

I noticed the ball holding up with the amount of watering they had done before the game - seemed a bit much!

I was at Carrow Road and it was a pretty even first half, would say we edged it and needed the free kick, rebound or penalty to go in, and then the ground stays flat and they fade. Bjg problem for me was Fraser. Literally played one forward pass all game. Id have started Robinson and been a bit bolder. But with Mads and Jelert out there isn't a lot of luck there. Would do that same at home against Coventry if Fellows is out because I think we need to adopt the "attack is the best form of defence" mantra and we can't defend and build from deep at all. Scienza and Jander obviously got clattered every time they get near the ball so we need to adapt there too. Second half we just lacked movement and cutting edge. Not sure if we can try and get sonrone like Edozie fit who will be more dynamic as a sub. Going to be a good game!

Seems to be playing a bit more and doing ok. Presume we still stand to recoup nothing due to contract expiry?

Coventry at home is going to be big!

Think when Tonda decides it's time to shut up shop then he needs to tweak the shape a bit too. Maybe be brave enough to go 433 once games are won.

Real shame as the table would have looked very different. Downes and Charles were needed there. Or a three instead maybe.

It's ok we can bring Downs on soon

My issue with GON, apart from him being a skate, is that he comes across as an utterly thick c***, and as such I can't ever imagine him having any tactical nous or know how. At least Carrick comes across as someone with a brain cell or two.

Shame it's not 442 with Stephens RB and Leo/Arma up top, Fellows and Robinson wide. Wishful thinking obviously

Looks like Russ is realistically happening from the bookies....

https://www.sportscasting.com/uk/news/next-southampton-manager-betting-odds/

Get Carrick or Cooper in ASAP

433 Edwards CM.... please!!!!

Or Aribo or the young lad

Look at those players - where is the creativity coming from? Scienza and Azaz? So many defensive first players, so imbalanced. Jander and Downes are going to have to play forward

Two promotions out of this division playing in a simple back 4

Also if he knew Charles couldn't play he'd have taken someone other than Bragg to cover. Unless he actually planned for Stephens to play there. He'd have been better pushing Edwards into CM even. Royally screwed that up today.

I've been patient after we dominated the last two games and was willing to put it down to bad luck. The XG table sort of led me to believe we were getting unlucky and about to click. But after today with three at the back again, and then bringing on Stephens for Scienza when we were already looking like we were losing grip - what on earth was he thinking in terms of the shape - Stephens looked like he was asking where he was meant to be playing. I get he had injuries but we have a big squad and need to be able to cope. Charles is going to be a massive loss. Need to look at Aribo Downes and Jander (or Azaz) in a 433. Although I'd put Aribo number 9 in a 433. Either way need Downes to step up now. 433 with a strong spine Mads, Wood, THB, Manning Jander Downes Azaz Arma Aribo Scienza

Mark Robins