macca155

Towards the end yesterday, the crowd were getting vocal about the slow ponderous play. The players could sense it and I bet SR execs could hear it. Last time that happened we had the ridiculous resigning of Romeu, a pathetic attempt to keep the crowd quiet. That backfired, so goodness knows what stunt they'll pull next. Can't wait to complete my match day experience survey. Clearly Tonda is being micro managed from above, and given corporate AI shit to spout after every match. 'If we beat Middlesbrough, all will be well' ... wel that's not happening. Boro will know exactly how to neutralise Saints. So that's bollocks. Yet in this mad league, a run of a few wins will transform the season. Like everyone I have zero faith in SR to enable that, but trying not to give up just yet.

I thought the Millwall defence was a cut above ours today. Solid, dynamic, and they did the basics well. Game saving block at the end as well. Decent performances from Bragg and Matsuki. Usual story at the back, defended quite well, but this garbage sideways passing, and lack of urgency, is doing my head in. In isolation not a disastrous performance, a point against a decent side. However when viewed with recent results, it continues our grim slide into mediocrity. There is a transfer window up now, so that's an opportunity. Let's hope they take it.

Plenty of teams play 3 at the back successfully, it's a formation that's been around for years. Problem is our CBs simply aren't good enough, the midfield is easily overwhelmed, and it becomes 5 at the back for sustained periods. I hate to admire anything AI, but that Chatgpt analysis seemed pretty spot on, 'passive play is overwhelmed by championship intensity' ..... sounds familiar. I keep going on about Bragg, but the Charlton game was pretty unique. Bragg has a physical presence, and an eye for a forward pass. That's was all our forwards needed. Downes and Jander are blockers and disrupters, very good ones, but their instinct is to pass sideways. His lordship is right, the defenders are not coached in the basics, there isn't a leader. It isn't working so Tonda for all our sakes just try 3 in the middle and drop a CB.

I'll grant you that, but equally he'd have passed straight to a Brum player on several occasions. He isn't the answer, that is warming the bench at Newcastle. Baz is playing because his distribution is excellent. That suits the so called visionary football, that someone at this bloody club has tried to impose for the last 4 years. I thought Baz had one of his better games yesterday. A few decent saves, and the goal was more down to the clown show in front of him. However, as you rightly say he isn't a natural shot stopper, neither does he dominate his area or defenders. Nearly every game we see a better goalkeeper at the other end. Every team Saints play now, works to get crosses in, and take pot shots at every opportunity. They know exactly where our weaknesses lie.

He was one of the architects of the Charlton win. When he came on at Norwich things improved. One of the positives, so play him

Well we didn't lose, so there's that. £105 million spent , players on big wages, just enough to avoid relegation. That isn't sustainable. Dreadful 1st half and the dirge will continue until Tonda bolsters the midfield. Bragg looked fresh and in charge when he came on, he has to be way more useful than Stephens or any 3rd CB.

Commentator called that. Identified Robinson(Jack) on Fellows, then said Southampton struggle with recycled balls. Desperate

Normally you get a whole bunch of comments on forums, usually bollocks, but if we can all see this why can't they. Birmingham like Oxford, are doing nothing to facilitate this lethargy and general shitness. They've got their own problems containg even the mildest of attacks from Saints.

Just a bizarre setup. Robinson playing in front of Fellows, as a result Fellows is completely out of the game. Manning has Azaz sort of in front of him. As a result Manning is being pressed into mistakes, as us Stephens. Midfield two are overwhelmed, they are chasing the game. The defence is under constant pressure, so we know exactly what will happen.

That didn't last long 😂

Have to get close to him first

I wish, my last appearance in goal was a disaster. 1994 staff team, jumped for the ball, missed it, landed on my ankle, which promptly broke, they scored with a rebound of my arse. On second thoughts that sounds familiar 😂

I said I didn't like it , for that very reason. If there is a genuine reason then I can live with it. Robinson can at least provide some excitement. The rest is bollocks.

I don't like Scienza being on the bench, but I can live with it. Robinson has enough about him to cause problems. If Leo is carrying a knock then probably sensible. He may be more effective for 30 mins when Birmingham have lost their edge. What is ridiculous is yet again playing 3 CBs. Yet again the opposition will exploit the huge gaps in midfield, and put the defence under pressure. At least Frazer and Romeu are up in the stands. Bringing Scienza and Matsuki on as impact subs, should provide something to watch.

So true and I am expecting another horrible defeat. However, the players will be well aware of the criticism they have received. Been pretty unanimous reading the thread. On occasion they do seem to put a bit more fight into a game, when that happens. Just my opinion but I'd go McCarthy (just to give Bazunu a kick up the arse) Wellington THB Wood Manning Downes Bragg Jander Fellows Armstrong Scienza Subs Baz Edwards Quarshie Robinson Azaz Matsuki Sesay Williams Oyekunle Deliberate team and sub selection to make a point. The 3 U21s will at least want to prove themselves. They really can do no worse. Not happy about dropping Azaz, but his form has dipped. Looking to bring him on once the midfield has been controlled. There is a danger of the three starting getting in each other's way, but somehow Saints have to control the midfield. If Frazer Romeu or Aribo are anywhere near tonight's squad, then it will be weaker.

Could be but who knows, Ralph, Martin, Selles, Juric, Still, and now Tonda, all seem to have been working under a cloud. Jones was the exception but he was a lunatic.

McCarthy and Wellington are worse than the current incumbents imo, if that is even possible. Ridiculous situation to get into. However just dump Stephens he isn't needed. Put in Bragg to bolster the midfield. That will immediately take the pressure off the defence, and maybe, just maybe, Bazunu and Manning will be less exposed. Birmingham will be forced to commit more to attack, that inevitably will give our forwards more room and time. Also grow a pair and start getting narky. Fed up with other teams taking the piss I know somebody who knows more about about football tactics than me, is going to point out the flaws of that system, but they have to try something different.

That game has really knocked the stuffing out of me. Had such high hopes of a morale boosting win, but all we get is the same predictable garbage. I'm pretty much convinced that someone at the club is forcing Tonda to play this style, and make these substitutions. He cannot be doing this by free will. Oxford are a poor Championship side, but even they had sussed out Saints and managed to sneak a win. Just embarrassing, considering the money spent in the summer. 3 CBs weren't needed, put an extra man in midfield, to help deliver some decent service to the forwards. If thousands of Saints fans can see, why the hell can't they.

Utter madness bringing him back. Did the club learn nothing from Walcott or Lallana. Great servant and all that, but his legs had gone when we got rid the first time. Just ridiculous to see him used before Bragg.

They chant his name, beyond belief. Great business getting rid of him, then we let him slide back in. We'll buy Bendarek back next

He was 4 years ago, let alone now

Yep and yet people on here still refuse to see it. He's made us shitter, if that's even possible

Straight through Romeu, absolutely terrible. And the crowd chant his name

Romeu and Frazer are both desperate, why oh why. Saints look like a pub team, just embarrassing now. We all know what's coming ..... seen this film before

Why on earth are people suggesting midfielders. Manager never plays enough as it is. I suspect they are preparing to spend some money in January. The summer buys were mostly an improvement. Promotion remains well within their grasp. As always the major issue will be whether they can clear players off the books first. Encouraging gossip about Downs, that clears a spot.