macca155

I really wouldn't make predictions for the semi final based on that dross last night. Players will definitely step up a notch, but will it be enough. Let's hope they have it in them. Leicester aren't unbeatable, and Saints aren't some weak 2nd div team. If this game was being played in October Saints would be equal odds at least. Same players just need the same spirit.

That's hard to argue against M'Lord. You are right the buck stops with him. If this form continues he will be a goner. I was trying to search for why we are in this situation. We've had some great wins these last few years, so there is hope with Ralph. Question is will we see that again. Personally I think we might if he has some decent support. Won't happen of course, football needs immediate results. He needs some wins and fast. So do we!!!

After recent performances it is certainly justified to start having doubts about Ralph. However this is definitely not the right time to even start considering a change. The commentator got it spot on when he said 'when their lights are all shining, Saints are mesmerising to watch, but that hasn't happened often recently' or something like that. Ralph's team can be amazing and a nightmare to play against. However this is becoming increasingly rare, as managers find tactics that neutralise our threat. The lack of a different approach suggests he needs coaching support. The apparent refusal to use subs, suggests a lack of faith in the squad or critical indecision. I still believe we have a good manager but boy does he need support.

Conceding 5 goals to Spurs at the start of the season, should have set alarm bells ringing. Yet here we are 7 months later, and absolutely no improvement. That is the fault of the manager and his assistants. The club needs a coaching and player shake up. The current methodology is clearly ineffective, and easily countered by other managers. Starting to get niggling doubts about Ralph.

Well its not over yet but a shocking performance so far. All the issues are in midfield, JWP and Diallo don't seem to be able to control things.

OMG we won

Saving it for the semi final

Its going to be one of those games

Oh no .... desperate

My God we are so shot as fans. Zero confidence. Burnley going right at us at the moment. Just need to be patient, chances will come we need to take them

That was a pen can't argue with that

Can't say there was anything in your post to argue with. I didn't like your analogy with Newcastle. Not that it wasn't spot on. I just didn't like it😯 I think the season has to be looked at as a whole. In November we looked world beaters, now we look terrible. However if we gain a few points soon, it will simply be an average season. The inconvenient truth is that either the club is bought soon, or this decline will continue.

Quality from Redmond, well done. He is a classic confidence player. Let's hope he goes on a mega run now.

Encouraging at face value but Diallo and Minimano replicate Walcott and Romeu. Ings is a loss, even off form he occupies defenders. Hurry back Danny. Want a quiet injury free win or draw, no drama please.

Totally this. I would have gladly accepted his early sale. Taught me a lesson. Club will cash in on big names, that is pretty obvious. Very depressing

Blast I hadn't seen that. That would be a disaster, he makes us tick, and there is no way our owner would turn down the big bucks. Bad mood🤨

Totally agree, I guess I was just bemoaning our fragile defence which just seems way worse than any other Premier league team. Lets hope it was worth it and our mojo is regained against Brighton

Good post. I guess Ralph could only risk 15 mins of Diallo and Tella. Once again shows the folly of not having a backup full back. That decision has ruined the season for me.

City went easy on Saints, that could easily have been 8 or 9. Patches of good play but our defence is desperate in any formation. No need to make that many changes. Self inflicted bad karma. VAR was kind tonight, that won't last.

I assume you didn't intend it to be abusive, but If you can't see why that could be perceived as racist, then we'll be seeing players on one knee for many more games.

Not sure that many changes helps and what is the line up ... weird. I too have wanted to see Stephens in midfield. Away to City great place to try it out ... not. Redmond for Tella was obvious. He better player well or the haters will vent. Feels like McCarthy has been thrown under a bus. This could be 5 or 6 against. Mind you decent of City to not play a striker I've reserved my space behind the sofa.

Clubs pay what a player is worth, be it winning games or shirt sales. Plus compensation for the contract JWP doesn't really hit the mark brand wise, but contract wise he has big value. It will take a lot to prise him away, same scenario as Lallana. Main issue is whether there is an available spot at a club that can afford him. That's City, Utd, Liverpool, or Chelsea. Maybe Spurs, Everton, or West Ham but can't see it. The Arse never buy English. The top 4 all have good players in those positions, so unlikely at the moment. Vestergaard is a far more likely target

With the fragile nature of the squad that wouldn't be sensible. There have been major injuries in every game recently, can't risk that against City. Forster should play, no need to change. Redmond definitely should play. On current form we can all see that will weaken the team, but not disastrously, he knows his job and just needs to do the best he can. Crucially he is fit and it will protect Tella or Minimano. Similarly I would play Stephens at RB. Wouldn't be terrible but clearly makes it easier for City. Ralph has to protect KWP. It is ridiculous that, as fans, we have to contemplate and accept playing a weakened side. Questions need to be asked of the owners, but we are where we are. Need to tough it out.

All about keeping the system going and not exposing players. Defence should be the same, maybe Ramsey/Stephens as a sub for KWP to conserve fitness. Redmond and Djenepo to start, use them to conserve other players' fitness for Brighton. Other than that business as usual. Perhaps give Salisu or Jankewitz 20 mins at the end. Could get a draw City will get bored at some point.

Ridiculous post, he has been an integral part of many good wins in the past. Just because he's struggling at the moment, there is no need to turn on him.