macca155

Quite the window. If Aribo goes, we'll have no African players, in an ANC season. Serious competition for every place except the GK. Even there, the prospect of Jonah's return should motivate Baz. I'd assume that if (massive if obviously m) Saints do make it back, then these players should be expected to be in the squad. Ramsdale Mads THB Charles Jander Azaz Robinson Fellows Scienza For the rest they have 40 odd games to stake a place. That is way healthier than 23/24

This game has draw written all over it, unless Saints can really start clicking up front. Really worried about Bazunu, he has improved this season, but they'll target him mercilessly, just as we would. It's bound to affect him. Judging by what my Pompey mates (yes I have some) are saying, they will give up possession and grind it out, they'll hope to catch us on the break. Murphy and Bishop are used to that. Big danger there. It won't be a pretty match of that you can be sure. Will Saints have the guile to break down their defence? Guess it will depend on whether Still can incorporate the new signings effectively. Great fun but in reality an absolute nuisance of a game really. Saints will have a harder game against Pompey than anybody else.

Of course he could of course just have been ill. We're all so suspicious these days that we're bound to read more into things. He's always struck me as a decent pro, so I doubt he'd pull a stunt just before ko. He's a decent player I wouldn't write him off too quickly. Nevertheless he clearly doesn't suit Still's system, and it really wouldn't surprise me if he goes off on loan somewhere. Maybe to make room for Sesay if required. Didn't Edwards play CDM at one point. He could be emergency cover.

Totally agree, both constantly drifting out of position. Gifts too much space to the opposition. Partly the system, partly their lack of discipline. Credit to Wood he commanded the middle pretty resolutely.

Censure accepted, agenda is the wrong word, perhaps people's view is simply accentuated by previous failings. Absolutely nothing Baz could do with either of those goals. A world class keeper , maybe on a good day, gets to one of those but it would be a hell of a save. Baz isn't at that level neither is Ramsdale for that matter. If he had saved it West Ham would buy him Monday 😂 In contrast THB had another average game, constantly pulled out of position, and there is hardly an eyebrow raised. Which is fair enough frankly because he needs to rediscover his game.

Bloody annoying, that should have been a win. Nothing to with Bazunu, some real agendas coming out there. That was down to not taking the early chances and the 3 at the back formation that is killing us. It just leaves so much room for the opposition to operate in. When will managers learn. Really don't want to be playing that bunch in 2 weeks

How the hell is he suppose to get that!

Well done Manning, redeemed himself Now don't mess it up

That ball was leathered into the net, Baz really had no chance. Manning should have done better. Oh well still 20 mins to do something about it.

Could sense that coming

Good half, both THB and Stephens look more comfortable with Nathan 'Brick Wall's Wood taking responsibility for aerial balls. Frazer is very busy and both Robinson and Archer are keeping Watford's defence busy. On top and hopefully that continues, but I hate 1 0 as you just can't relax. It could all go to horribly wrong yet.

Keep my mouth shut I think, Wood gives away a free kick and Azaz can't hold on to the ball

Wood looking solid, like to see that. Azaz acting as a pivot for lots of moves. Definitely look a more cohesive group of players

Great start, that Watford defence looks as iffy as ours

Probably can't whilst Ramsdale is still on the books. I can see Newcastle returning him to sender next year. Johansson is class and would demand the no1 position. That would lead to complications. I really think Ramsdale should have stayed and knuckled down. His career is going nowhere at the moment. He is in danger of becoming a big wage problem,as well as being a complete Jonah. Even West Ham wouldn't touch him. We are going to have to suck this one up I fear.

What on earth is wrong with these clubs. Did they not see the state of Southampton last year. We absolutely stank out the PL and were rightly dumped out early doors. Yet they seem willing to buy the very same players responsible. THB is a great player, love him and his attitude, but boy does he have a rebuilding job to do. I can't see Palace taking that much of a risk. I rarely feel sorry for other teams, but Palace are being taken apart just like any other team that gets in that position.

Exciting day yesterday but sometimes I lament the days of a small Echo byline 'Southampton have completed the transfer of ....', it avoided disappointment. Well except when the name was Frank Saul. A few on here will understand. What little PL quality we had has gone. Replaced with decent Championship players. Whether any can make it at the top level remains to be seen. Got to make it back first. Two positive points, the toxic losing mentality must be watered down now. Secondly this squad should, if necessary, be resilient enough for another push next season. As a fan base we probably need to come to terms with that. Could be playing West Ham and Man Utd then though.

We all knew Fernandes was going, why the surprise. If Saints wanted to keep him then don't get relegated. Agree with a previous poster I think he was burnt out from last year. Not surprised, he gave his all. £40 million will do, prefer more but with the world cup next year, he needs PL football. West Ham though, bad bad move for him. Wish him well though

Rubbish .... that's us out then

Poor Palace don't even get the easy route

This draw isn't happening until midnight is it

That's was great , just love a bit of Utd pain.

Seeing as how he has been one of our best players, so far, why would you consider it. Although I totally get why we would want to move to that position. Doubt Still is ditching his preferred defensive formation anytime soon. Baz THB Stephens Quarshie Raz Fernandes Charles Downes, Frazer Archer Robinson Tough on Wood but big Q can use his left foot I think. If Fernandes has been sold, or about to be, then Matsuki in his place. Strong bench whatever happens.

I think Wood and Taylor have been very harshly dealt with. Both tough seasoned Championship players. Exactly what we need for this season. Crucially it gives time for THB to rediscover his game. Absolutely need some creativity in this team. Robinson can't do it all on his own.

Good win, needed that. I thought Wood and Quarshie looked very solid. Nathan takes no shit and that's what we need. He took the pressure off Quarshie. Norwich were poor but you can only beat what's in front of you. More positives than negatives for once. BBD and Downs looked decidedly average. The latter needs time but BBD needs to go. Let's see what the impact is on Saturday, another tough game