Colinjb

It's a good question, but injuries to Lallana and the absence of Guly yesterday restricted us tactically. Bradford succeeded against Villa by using set pieces and good wing play, we didn't set up like that for some reason. (Although Shaw on the overlap, and Puncheon/Clyne down the right did look promising, the lack of men committing into the box for crosses was highly disappointing for me though. We seemed to stand off their defence in those situations not apply pressure to them.) Adkins is showing to be very flexible tactically, we do not set up with just one system. How we played against Stoke was very different to how we played against Arsenal for instance. It seems he is willing to trust his players in positions that are not necessarily their best.... and sometimes circumstance can force you to play your players out of position.

He was out of position yesterday, I actually think Guly would have been better in the wide left position and was surprised Adkins went for a 4-4-2 (Rickie deep laying centre forward.) Gaston is easily our most talented player, but like all players he needs to be played to his strengths. He is not a winger, he is a central play maker. He shouldn't be judged on yesterday alone, he still got involved and did ok but wasn't near his peak. Surround him with better players and I believe he would look even better still. I don't think it's an accident that he looks better when playing in the same side as Adam Lallana, one of the few players in the team to have similar ability with the ball at his feet.

The club truly is being taken to a level their fans couldn't ever have conceived. Peter Storrie was a true visionary.

Even when wearing the sash (a great kit) I missed our stripes by October. That all red thing is not a Saints' strip. I hope the stripes return as soon as possible.

Not where I was standing in the lower tier mate.

The Villa fans I chatted with on the way back were complimentary. I've never had that great an opinion of the Villa fans, but they were all really quite nice today, maybe a little humbled and chastened by recent experience. Enjoyed it from my seat in the bottom tier. My voice is raw from chanting 'yellows.....'

Surprised Lambert is getting so many MOTM votes, far from his best today. Jay Rodriguez' movement was first rate but he had no confidence when clear on the keeper, looked short on out and out pace too. Puncheon did alright, Cork and Morgan worked well as always but with only a two man central midfield we were left exposed at times. Gaston was wasted out on the flank, 4-4-2 with Rickie playing deep wasn't the right call for me today. Yet we didn't play to our best and prevailed. Artur Boruc has to be MOTM, cemented his place in the team today. My neutral friend was still far from impressed with him though, a sign of how ability starved we are in front of goal right now I feel.

It was more a penalty then Rodriguez' I'm not going to argue too much, just be grateful for the rub of the green for once.

Which is right, Punch was clattered.

[video=youtube;_VJubWG6-GA] Already posted in the 'back from the game' thread but here for those that may be interested. We were not good today.... yet prevailed. Hated the second half, my fingers crossed for Luke Shaw.

[video=youtube;_VJubWG6-GA] The Penalty, from where I was sitting if anyone wishes to relive it.

Yep, have taken it, enjoyed it. Useful in terms of ideas and best practice. The 'exam' side is a piece of proverbial... If you have actually given an kind of damn during the course, you will pass no sweat.

This is the only way it makes sense for me!

Great atmosphere, poor performance, nervous second half. I need beer!!!

I'm waiting for the replay on MOTD. Everyone around me at Villa Park today was mystified by the call for the penalty... yet delighted!

He deserves one. He has put in a great shift since he's come in for Lallana.

No snow in Coventry. I wouldn't worry.

Watch the game, enjoy the hospitality and only look above waist height. Everyone's a wiener!

Would like to offer an honourable mention to 'Within Temptation.' Phenomenal.

Get the Note, more powerful and versatile. The Nexus is a stunning phone, but so is the Note. That you are considering it in the first place tells me you have already made up your mind... you just need a push in the direction of change.

Best band performance I've ever seen live, Feeder, during their 2003 tour at the NIA.

See you all in the Witton Arms. Will be taking the train from Coventry to Birmingham New Street then onto Witton station from there. (Only £5.60 for a day return!)

A memorial garden (for Saints past) with a view of the Solent and mooring point for Abramovich/Paul Allen types.

Totally understandable, and as alluded by Turkish, glad he's chomping at the bit.