lambtiss

Quite the opposite, a keeper that isn't rooted to his line and tries to claim or punch crosses has to be a better bet. McCarthy is far better than Bazunu in this regard.

Personally, I'm hoping Bazunu is dropped (again)

Yes,our 3 centre backs are so good at handling set pieces at the moment. 🤣

He has taken 4 and scored all 4. If he wants to take them, I would certainly like to see him given an opportunity; he strikes and places the ball better than any of our other players.

He has missed three out of the last 4, time for a change.

Leo Scienza should take them

Rant 2 ... How to beat our defence. 1) Pick a tall, burly centre forward. 2) pick one or two speedy wingers 3) cross the ball into the box, again and again

Under Sports Republic our defence has been porous at best, indefensible at worst. Even in the promotion season, we conceded 63 goals, only 2 less than Birmingham who were relegated. What is perhaps even more frustrating is that the issues have remained constant and untreated by the club or by recruitment. We have needed a better goalkeeper ever since it became apparent, early on I would argue, that Bazunu was simply not a good enough keeper, particularly as a shot stopper and also with crosses into the box. Many, myself have included, have argued that our promotion through the playoffs would probably not have happened if he hadn't been injured. Our defence has also suffered from the same issue match after match. A lack of pace and height at the back, a tendency to overplay and invite pressure rather than progress and a lack of leadership with a resulting tendency to crumble under pressure. Despite this our recruitment strategy has remained oblivious to these issues. In the goalkeeping department, not a single change to the Bazunu, McCarthy era, a dereliction of duty in my opinion. At the back, we are actually worse than the promotion team that conceded 63 goals with the loss of our best defenders in Bednarek and Kyle Walker Peters. Our recruitment at the back has focussed on young potential CBs rather than experience and, allegedly, ball playing skills rather than defending skills, although that is hard to discern at times. Many on this forum have pointed out the lack of leadership since the days of Fonte and VVD. What I cannot understand is the seeming sanction and acceptance of this approach by the clubs ownership and scouting. Can they not see the issues?

That's not the answer, give the penalties and all free kicks to Scienza

But the chances werent taken, so where was the Plan B?

Two thoughts : 1) We have no Plan B We have seen it in the previous 2 matches in the 2nd halves when Scienza goes off and today we saw it almost from the start because Fellows wasnt in the line up. 2) We have an awful defence. 3 centre halves, none of whom can defend and a calamity keeper.

Congratulations, first this year?

Or a left back

Nigel Farage to be appointed head of the Catholic Church

Fair analysis. However,I think Tonda is more aware if the issues than the article makes out.

I wholeheartedly agree, but I retain no optimism whatsoever that Manning will improve as a defender. He makes mistake after mistake, game after game and never seems to learn. We just need a better player in his position.

In the first half against Birmingham, we were awarded a free kick in a good position on the left-hand side of the pitch, and Adam Armstrong grabbed the ball whilst Leo looked miffed. Much as I like Adama, having observed both players, Leo's shooting from that side is excellent, and that is while on the move. I have seen YouTube videos of him taking and scoring free kicks. I think Leo should be taking all free kicks from that side of the pitch (I think he is already taking the corners from that side).

I think it is clear that Leo gives 100% whenever he is on the ball, no dithering, he turns and hares off for goal, I'm not surprised that he gets tired and now that he is targeted from the off by the opposition's defenders I'm not surprised that we need to protect him whenever we can.

So noticeable from Archer wasn't it. He started off at Aston Villa so I guess his desire to score against their arch rivals explains his energy. That run he went on beating two or three defenders was a revelation. Tonda should grab him and tell him that he needs to play with that level of intensity all the time.

We were 3-1 up Clearly Tonda was resting both players ahead of a midweek game, especially with star man Scienza recovering from an illness. Also, good opportunity for Robinson and Archer.

Antiscienza, love it 🤣

I have been saying this for years. It immediately gives you an out ball, and secondly, the opposition is forced to keep at least one, if not 2, players back. Now that we have the speed and trickery of Scienza, it makes even more sense to have him on the halfway line. If I were the opposition, I would definitely keep 2 players back as I would fancy Scienza in a one-on-one situation with most players.

Very impressive character and his background goes a long way to explain the positivity and enthusiasm he displays on the pitch. If we can keep him I'm sure he will become a Saints legend

I don't think we can judge from fifteen minutes at the end of a match when the whole team looked leggy and he had Aribo alongside him. Definitely needs more match time and fingers crossed

It's like having 10 men on the pitch with Aribo