Willo of Whiteley

Definitely a good performance today, for someone who looks pretty weedy he can get about a bit. Much more encouraging. There were a couple of times when he’d overdo it rather than make a pass but I thought he and Adam Armstrong (the two wide players today) were very good. He was definitely run into the ground, was a good time to sub him off as he was getting a few kicks towards the end.

I mean, he was definitely targeted somewhat, he fluffed one big chance but aside from that I thought he created a few good opportunities and through balls. Only other thing I noticed was that he would drift wide a lot, he is definitely better in the centre. Not the worst performance but moving the right way.

I left the game today disappointed not to have won, Middlesbrough didn’t exactly create much, but they were there for the taking, we broke down their back five with ease multiple times but just didn’t shoot on occasion when we had the opportunity or didn’t take the chances we did get. Result aside I actually left the game pretty happy. That was a much more encouraging performance. It was encouraging to see that the manager has no hesitation in dropping players that aren’t performing either, that’s a big tick in the plus column, and the fact he did that and gave us a better performance should get fans onside. We just need to start putting points on the board.

That was a much better game today. Fair play to Will Still for showing things up. We still look a little lethargic going forward at times, crying out for a striker with a bit of muscle up top. Stewart put himself about but my good he looks weak, clumsy with the ball at feet too. Azaz was definitely more frustrated, he was targeted clearly but had a decent game. Thought he put the ball about well and got into some good positions, should’ve buried out first big chance. In terms of good performances, I wouldn’t say there was anyone that was shocking but that there were a few that were a bit anonymous, both full backs and Stewart. Adam Armstrong once again proving why he is the best forward we have, excellent goal. Much better performance overall, just a little frustrating because that game was definitely two points dropped.

Fair play to Will Still, didn’t think he’d have the bollocks to drop Stephens, Bazunu and Harwood-Bellis. Pleased for Adam Armstrong.

I’m hoping for a 4-3-3 with Armstrong, Archer and Fraser from right to left. Im also hoping for Wood to start ahead of Stephens or THB but know this won’t happen. I can’t see Will Still making wholesale changes even after Tuesday.

I’ve had a season ticket at Southampton since I was nine years old up until around four years ago, thank you. Since then life gets in the way and I go to the odd sporadic game but try and listen on the radio every week. I wasn’t aware that users weren’t allowed to have opinions on fan forums. If you haven’t seen anything positive then you’re either actively looking for something negative or you’re disregarding other things I have said. 🙄 Positives so far this season: signings of Jander and Scienza, the former looking particularly good so far and an upgrade on Downes - who clearly doesn’t want to be here, quite frankly he should’ve been kicked out last January or this summer. You're after positives, that starts on the pitch, is either GK particularly great? No. Did we hand out a contract extension to a rash captain who is questionable at this level? Yes. Did we sign another donkey of a striker? So far, you’d argue, yes. Have Fellows and Azaz, our two “big” signings with Championship experience done much in their first four or five games apiece, no. The above is just facts. I’m intrigued to know what bits you disagree with? 🤦🏻‍♂️😂 If the team and players start performing then great, but there are huge question marks over this style of play, players, ability, leadership etc. So yeah I think most fans do have a right to be a little fed up at the moment. It shouldn’t be up to the fans to gee up players that are earning more in a week than what most of us make in a year.

There has been nothing yet to suggest that he is or will turn into a “quality player/singing”. A couple of step overs and a cross into the box doesn’t make him Ronaldo. I would actually argue he slows the game down when he plays. Azaz is in a similar boat, nothing to suggest he’ll turn into anything other than a big standard CM. Handed has looked very composed and impressive so far.

Four and a half hours until the team is announced and already feeling frustrated. You just know it’ll be the same back five/six as previous league games

*Does not include Gavin Bazunu, who has been poor; Jack Stephens who has been poor; Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has been poor etc etc.

Nearly 24 hours until the team are announced, may as well go with my prediction now: 1-1 I think we’ll score, I think we’ll play a back five and I think Middlesbrough will score a terribly scrappy goal and walk away with a point.

I don’t think it’s a case of not minding if we don’t go up, more a case that so far we are far from good enough to even be considered to be around the top places

Does he discuss how non-attacking he is as an attacking player?

Alex McCarthy or Gavin Bazunu. Like asking someone if they’d rather step in cow shit or dog shit.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with starting the game again but one of the players was sent off, therefore I think that should be rescinded - and apparently that stands. Make that make sense? That is where the EFL lose some credibility.

If we’re talking goal scoring records can I put forward by record back in the day at Goals when I played seven-a-side? I scored ten over the course of the year, absolutely piss-poor but based on this logic I should be a starter for Saints. 🤣

People talking on here now like Alex McCarthy is bloody Manuel Nueur 🤣 He is absolutely bloody terrible. Picking between him and Gavin Bazunu is like being offered the chance to step in cow shit or dog shit.

If we lose I can see the fans turning quickly. Azaz may be dropped due to being a former Boro player.

I think we can both agree it’s a low bar 😂

Looking forward to buying FIFA tomorrow so I can sell half our squad.

Bazunu is poor. Simple as. He is replaced by 90% of the other Championship goalkeepers. I think McCarthy has been woeful for years, he gets beaten at his mast post, far post, caught when passing out from the back, isn’t a commanding keeper, isn’t vocal to those around him but does punch the ball at corners effectively; if also say he is ok with shot cannoning off him (saves). Bazunu could have the ball shot at him and it’ll bounce to the next nearest attacking player. He fumbles or stays on his line at corners. Hes a bit more vocal, you do see him shout, but in the same we THB does - not effectively or to no one in particular. He can pass the ball out - yay - an absolutely basic for all footballers. Good for him. He strikes me as a confidence player, and he has none. With him I think it was too much too soon at a young age.

Agreed. He has looked a little edgy in early appearances. But if he gets some composure and bulks up he could easily grow into a commanding leader.

He’ll 100% go to Leicester or Ipswich over us.

Azaz has been non-existent since signing. McCarthy is a terrible, terrible keeper. How a professional player is unable to pass a ball five yards is baffling. But let’s not fool ourselves, he can’t save a shot at his near post, or his far post for that matter. The only thing McCarthy does ok is coming for the ball at corners and punching away. But that is it.

I mean if I’m being an old man I’m sick of players who are more concerned by their image than their effectiveness on the pitch. A bit like some players are with their socks and wearing shin pads that are smaller than a Freddo Frog. Downes wears a bandage around his hand, I’m guessing it’s superstitious but I’d be fascinated to know if anyone has ever said “you look a prat like that”. Or someone with their socks around their ankle, that’s just begging any old school defender to go right for the players shins.