lambtiss

You seem to have deliberately ignored many replies that have made the point that for a long period either side of half time we didn't try to get the extra goal, instead we passed the ball sideways and backwards without taking chances. The effect of this was that we created very few chances to get the second goal which would have rendered the Rotherham goal insignificant. This is why fans were despondent at the final whistle.

So who told the team to pass the ball slowly and negatively for half an hour, made three poor substitutions resulting on us losing the attacking iniative to put the game to bed which would have rendered their goal insignificant. You shouldn't sit back, at home on a 1-0 lead especially against the team bottom of the league.

David Hurst, Jamie Redknapp, Charlie Austin, Danny Ings

Oh, and the late substitutions of Bree and Aribo who both came on and chased shadows

Fair play to RM who got the starting 11 right (perhaps Charles for either Downes or Smallbone). Substitutions were about right also, although at the time I thought Sulemana was unlucky to be withdrawn. The only sour notes were the disappointing drop in intensity in the 2nd half and the inability of Downes or Smallbone to dominate the middle, particularly when the opposing team increases their intensity.

Brilliant work 🤤

That's because Ipswich sat back because they were protecting a 1-0 lead .. and it worked.

I know what you are saying. But in my opinion that is not a good reason to give less than your all; even if you don't agree with the manager you should still give 100% on match day.

I agree with you that Alcaraz and Sulemana don't appear to be giving their all. I would add Adams to that list and KWP prior to the Ipswich match. Perhaps because they all expected to be transferred.

Listened to the post match interview with RM on the way home. He sounded much flatter and despondent that usual He spoke repeatedly about needing to help the players needing to lose the scar tissue from last seasons relegation. If that is the case why is he trying to impose a style that requires huge confidence and ability and bravery on the ball whilst inevitably resulting in lots of goals conceded whilst being implemented ? Surely, a better approach would be playing a straightforward style that the players are used to, say 4-4-2, with players playing in their actual positions and in a style that they are used to e. G. KWP playing as a full back not an easy inverted fekin midfielder

Given the fact that we have conceded 9 in two games, starting with one defensive midfielder sounds too much of a risk to me when the opposition are third having won 5 and lost 1. I think Fraser has to be in the starting 11 as he is the only one of our wingers that can cross a ball.

I agree David. I thought Bazunu had his best game for Southampton and some of his distribution was world class. We seem to be much better when he kicks long as we don't have the players with the talent to pass it comfortably along the back when they are under pressure (which they will be now that other teams have sussed his out).

Pretty much how I see it too. I would like to see this given a try against Ipswich

If only it worked like that BW. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to. Van Dijk was a perfect example ..

Nailed it

I don't think people are "gunning" for Martin. I think he has had almost universal support. People are quite right to ask questions after an appalling display, a baffling lineup and a 3, 4 and a 5 conceded in 6 matches

Just watching the Rangers v Celtic match. Tackles flying in, nobody has time on the ball. Completely different to Saints nonchalant, half hearted pressing yesterday. Long John Silver could have strolled through our midfield. Its as if we've been told not to tackle

Nice summary Benji. I was disappointed to see Charles on the bench as he has been by MOM for the past 2 matches. He seems to be the only midfielder we possess who is happy to defend, he is also good aerially in both boxes. For me, he is a permanent starter at DM or CB if we are short (certainly more capable than Holgate)

Tippy tappy nothing football followed by two Sunderland passes splitting our entire midfield and defence. Rinse and repeat. That's on the manager

Charles has done more in 10 minutes than Holgate did in 60

I think I'd be happy with a Charles and Harwood Bellis pairing at CB next match.

How long does Bazunu get the get out of jail card for being young?

Half time reset. Mara, Holgate and one other off. Adams, Harwood Bellis and Fraser on

He wasn't even that good

I like the look of Miovski based on the YouTube video. Although that is not always a true reflection of the player. If Che goes we must have someone to lead the line.