trousers

RM: "I didn't get much sleep last night because I'm excited about what we can achieve at WBA..."

RM: "We hope both Adams and Downes will be available for tomorrow... they're close, but not certain"

FFS

Found it: https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1758117738810110078?s=20 (Have also posted link on the Wilcox thread)

Source?

Yay! The positive Charlie returneth!

Whilst we're not a one-man team, far from it, my feeling is that you're under-estimating how pivotal Downes is to the way we play. When Downes plays we simply don't "give the ball away too easily in situations you'd expect us to retain control" anywhere near as much.... yes, I accept that was also happening in other positions on the pitch on Tuesday, but by far the key position that happened in was central midfield. As I say, just a different opinion and I respect your point of view.

STOP MOANING ABOUT PEOPLE MOANING FFS!

Indeed.... I posted at the time (when the squad vs Bristol City was announced) that we didn't have any holding / defensive midfielders on the bench. On reflection, it does seem somewhat of an oversight (by Wilcox & co) that we've got decent squad depth in most positions but seemingly not in the 'No.6' position...

Yeah, but you're not allowed to take into account what might have or nearly happened.... #saintsweblaw

I think that may have been part of the 'wind-up'....

Ever since I reverted back to my ultra-positive self a few weeks ago we've possibly shown a few faltering signs.... As such, I'm going to predict a 2-1 defeat for this game so that we can get back on track and back into full domination mode again. You can thank me later!

Fair enough, we'll have to agree to disagree. (You'd hope that the coaching team have certain trained contingency plans to cover scenarios such as this, especially where there is an obvious single point of failure)

He's due to be playing in an u21 game this Friday, according to the Echo... https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24115294.bree-feature-southampton-under-21s-arsenal/

Is it not logical to contemplate altering the formation/system to compensate for not having a suitable replacement for Downes...?

So, potential line-ups then.... If Downes is still out, I'm inclined to agree with the 3 CBs option... Bazunu, KWP, THB, Stephens, Bednarek, Bree/Manning, Charles/Bragg, S.Armstrong, A.Armstrong, Adams, Fraser But if Downes is back... Bazunu, KWP, THB, Bednarek, Bree/Manning, Downes, Smallbone, Edozie, A.Armstrong, Adams, Fraser (As good as he is, I'm wondering if the introduction of Brooks has maybe upset our 'automatism' somewhat, so I'm thinking he'll be better as an impact sub for the time being?)

Yeah, fair points. I guess I'm just exhibiting a dash of anxiety in not knowing* whether yesterday was a mere blip or the start of a downturn. We'll find out in a few weeks, of course.... (* maybe I should consult @Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd given his ability to peer into the future... )

110% this

The pessimist in me in currently battling with my inner optimist... My pessimist voice is having flashbacks to that superb 20 or so game run we had in 2020/21 whereby we were top 4 of the PL form table.... We then suffered that heavy-ish defeat away to Aston Villa and we were never the same again... There was a sense then that teams had finally worked out how to counter 'Ralph-ball'... Here's hoping history isn't about to repeat itself with 'Russ-ball'.... come on the optimist!

There were 3 players younger than Bragg in yesterday's squad... #ifyouregoodenoughyoureoldenough

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24115294.bree-feature-southampton-under-21s-arsenal/

Time to channel our inner Nigel... #blueline

I've not seen a lot of him but I touted him as an option in the run up to today's game. Yes, he's inexperienced, but from what I've seen in his cameo appearances this season, technically he seems the closest match in our squad to the type of player that Downes is.