Toadhall Saint

2 nil Saints. AL back and the defence seems to have improved.

So how would Cork be lacking in confidence if prior to last night he had been playing well? Perhaps there is no offical rotation in the way you describe - I just feel that Adkins takes fitness over the long term ie the season into consideration after all he would have the stats at hand and being an ex physio he would take it into account don't you feel? When was the last time we played two consecutive games with the same central midfielders starting and finishing? There is a pattern appearing IMHO. Again not knocking NA at all in fact its praising his all round view (short & long term).

No doubt about that but when you have been brought up on (non hoof) football it must hurt to see 70 - 75 mins of it.

If thats the case Benji I'm fine with it but how about Hammond? He's the skipper after all - was dropped recently to the bench and not necessarily to do with tactics. This is not a go at NA in any way shape or form but when you listen to NA he always mentions a lot of games, long season etc and that all the squad will play a part. So I feel he doesn't just drop because of the opposition more a long term strategy of keeping the players at peak fitness for the whole season. Interested to know why you feel it wasn't Corks type of game tho.

Its why I don't start topics! But I think you get my drift.

That would suggest to me that the Sun journo wasn't even at the game. West Ham have always been a good footballing side from last nights showing that is no longer the case and if I were a WHU fan I would not be happy.

I think its becoming increaseingly obvious that NA is useing a rotation system for our midfield especially. If you look at last night MS Started with Hammond and with Cork on the bench. I'd like to bet that for Reading MS will start on the bench with Cork on the park and probably Hammond being replaced by Cork towards the end 15 - 20 mins to go. Personally I feel this is a great tactic as it keeps all parties happy and also helps to keep there fitness to the desired levels. Thoughts?

Being a Saints fan - priceless!

Don't think I'll bother TBH - Not prepared to be hurded around like cattle going to a market. Bit dissappointed as I haven't missed a game at their **** hole in close on 30 years.

Personally I think he's been better than Fonte when I've seen him play.

Can't disagree with the OP and DD. RL will be one of the all time greats (sorry can't say legend - he's played for other teams).

For me he's not quite done enough yet but I expect to see him improve and kick on in the second half of the season - it takes time to get used to English football.

From what I saw yesterday (on the stream) we played like we have all season - superb and on another day we would have murdered them (well perhaps maimed). We are creating good chances and as all good teams do putting some away but not all (what teams do?). The acid test is now Tuesday night - hopefully AL will be back to provide that little extra something. West ham are a good side IMHO and without belittling any of the teams we've played so far truly our biggest test of the season (so far).

Well thats my prediction buggered - Looks like Sir Rickie will be getting two! AL is a big loss but we have a squad and I'm sure Holmes (or AN Other) can step up to the mark.

We'll go behind in the first half and win it in the second - 2-1 Saints (RL & AL). COYRAWM!

Both Wembleys Both Millwall Both Leicester Been to several that are no more and some that have changed (Upton Park).

Until we have played everyone I see matches against the like of WHU as tests for the team especially, away from home..

rthats the problem with Gooners never bloody happy!

Great - bit of a different side to NA towards the end.

I think we'll finally keep a clean sheet - 2-0 Saints.

Mountain to climb now.

Went to sleep there - play to the ****ing whistle!!

But that would be murder.

Made me chuckle.

Saints corner - C'mon!