The Kraken

Who knows why we were in the market for another LB, but its not exactly beyond the realms of possibility to suggest that it was to eradicate the need to use Dan Fox. Shaw didn't break through until a few games in, so he wasn't the de facto first choice when we looked at Buttner. Perhaps Shaw's rapid progress was a surprise; but Fox still played in 20 league games that season, so he got a pretty good run which Buttner would likely have had were he here. We still need a better reserve option at left back than Fox so Buttner could have been a decent option.

What has that got to do with anything? I'm not even sure its true; Clyne wasn't exactly on top form but I'm struggling to see who else made up those who were "far poorer displays out there" than Lambert. Perhaps you could say who all those players were?

You can keep bleating about people not being at the game all you like pal; but you might just have to accept other people's opinions that, by Lambert's own high standards, he was nowhere near his peak yesterday. Parts of his game were definitely poor. Now I can see it obviously upsets you that some people think that, but it's a perfectly valid opinion. Oh, and yes, I was at the game. I had a lovely time, thanks.

Sorry Diggers, I'm a footy thicko myself and I wouldn't be able to explain it properly.

On the same vein, is anyone denying that? Lambert wasn't at his best but he was still our only viable option up front. Not sure what the problem is with saying that lambert didn't have his best game by his own standards.

Anyone who thinks that Rickie Lambert hasn't had better games than yesterday doesn't understand football. Fact.

He obviously had issues with the captaincy in the early stages. Kelvin Davis made reference to it: I pretty much agree with that; I think it took Lallana a little while to adapt to the new responsibility. But now that he has done so he is a very worthy skipper; as would be Rickie Lambert or Dejan Lovren IMO.

Pretty much this. He provided the attacking flair we were crying out for yesterday in creating the goal but his all round play still needs to improve IMO, he's too often unnecessarily wasteful in possession or when making what should be simple passes. I don't mind it when a flair player sometimes loses the ball by trying something audacious, but Gaston loses the ball too often just trying run of the mill things, or holding on to it for too long.

Spot on, for me. Normally Lambert is excellent with his range of passing, and crossing too. Yesterday he was off all round. His shooting from distance was pretty poor too, the squandered free kick (straight into the wall) and a couple of shots that just went straight at the keeper. Not that we really had any other options, but in front of goal RL was pretty toothless yesterday.

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Do the "we'll finish 17th" thing. Or the "41 points thing". Go on, do it!!!! Hilarious!!!!!!!

Lambert could definitely play the forward sweeper role. I'd go so far as to say that he'd be better than Dan Seaborne at it. It's a bold shout, but I stick with it.

He did come in for criticism last season; he did ok, but this season he's simply been superb. Last season I'd have never said he was an England player; this season I'd say it would be an utter travesty if he doesn't go to Brazil. the change in him has been amazing. As if the switch from League 1 to the Premier league wasn't enough, he's proven himself to be one of the best players in the whole division. A class act.

It's rare to hear you praise Rickie Lambert, Rog. I always thought you didn't rate him.

Right you are, hadn't seen how relatively poor his stats were last season. I guess that's why he came under so much criticism. Back in the groove though. One poor season sandwiched in between a glorious scoring pattern for a non-striker.

Really? When Has Lallana taken stick for not having goals in his game? He was a 20 a season man back in League 1.

Oh right. It must have been a great finish then.

Through the keeper's legs; I wouldn't instantly say it was well taken.

:lol::lol:

OK, that's fair enough. I was over the other side and didn't see it, but from there it looked a robust challenge, but happy to go with your closer take on it. Long certainly felt the impact, but there's no shame there, he was an arse all game. Lovren really is a player.

You really do speak b*llocks most of the time, don't you?

Was it ludicrous, Dogger?? I was on the other side but it looked like a fair booking to me. The one on Long, right?

Seriously, what was that about? Unbelievable. Funny how they speeded up so much when one down. I don't think I've ever seen a team come to St. Mary's and play for a 0-0 from 15 minutes in. I thought better of West Brom.

Yep. Yoshida has done a job but I'd consider it a massive stretch to ever say he's been excellent. Certainly not good enough as a regular for top ten Premier League side at centre back, and I'd go as far as to say that we need to be doing better for a stand in than him. As for Hooiveld, he did a brilliant job in the Championship but he's clearly (and unfortunately) out of his depth at Premier League level. The next main priorities are to provide a decent partner at CB for Lovren (I actually think Fonte is a decent stand in) and to strengthen the goalkeeping ranks; whether we can do that in the January sales remains to be seen. Probably not.

"Despite the club rather than the player raising the matter, Lallana has been widely ridiculed, something that initially upset the attacking midfielder." "England midfielder Adam Lallana was hurt by the widespread criticism aimed at him after Southampton's complaint against referee Mark Clattenburg, says Saints club captain Kelvin Davis." Seems a bit mental to suggest Lallana has come out of this well; he's taking pelters all round.