SNSUN

Then we'd better make sure we get enough points on the board that one wrong decision doesn't affect us. His penalties were confidently dispatched, especially the pressure of the second to get us a point. They weren't bang in the corner though and a keeper going the right way could have got to them... but the power was enough that even if that happened the rebound is possible. I do like a powerful penalty and to be fair to AA he really hit them. The issue with him being our penalty taker though is that he has to be on the pitch to score them. Right now I'm not sure I'd have him up top long term (though perhaps in a wide position maybe and to his credit, that tracking back and tackle he made in the second half was exceptional). I'm a fan of Tella and I hope we keep him but maybe Adams, AA and Edozie would be a good starting attacking trio. My daughter loved it and was wiggling her butt whenever a goal went in. Maybe one for the younger generations.

I think we can be thankful, thus far at least, that none of our better players have refused to play for us. Che, KWP, Charly, JWP, Tella - they’ve all started the season playing despite links away from the club and showed their professionalism. Even Lavia hasn’t spoken out about leaving albeit we’ve not played him. Really only Salisu has come close and that was last season. Leeds have now had Gnoto and Sinisterra act up, and from Farke’s comments some of their younger players are not training well. I like Farke, I do think he’s a decent manager and he does know the Leeds job is going to be a tough one but I do think he’s bitten off more than he can chew.

Dubravka is wasted sitting on Newcastle’s bench. He’d be my choice if we could ever ship out a GK. Baz just doesn’t fill me with confidence with the ball at his feet. He did make a good block today and could do little with the goals AND has an iffy defence in front of him but a good keeper inspires his defence and makes them more confident. I don’t think Baz fits that bill. That said, I think he remains our number 1 all season.

Last season Saints would’ve snapped him up. 😁

He’s a jinx. The best striker to never win a trophy? 😛

Yeah good observation. Just simple elation without hesitation. I do think VAR has a place in football but it does make you second guess when a goal goes in. Also 2 pens today so we got to cheer 6 times. 😎

Bazunu - made a good block in the second half and could do but in the first half he made me crap my pants whenever he got the ball. I hope for his sake he gets better fast but I would still rather us bring in a good keeper with experience. 6 KWP - not good first half but grew into the game. Wasn't helped that Tella was poor. 6 Bednarek - goal aside I thought both our centre backs were poor. 5 Stephens - See Bednarek. We need a CB with pace and presence if we are going to be susceptible on the counter. 5 Manning - set pieces weren't great, positioning was iffy. Needs more confidence. Wasn't our worst defender. 6 Smallbone - I really like him but he was better in the second half when Charles came on in a more advanced role. He kept the team ticking. 7 SArmstrong - Some neat footwork but he didn't really get into the game enough. He wouldn't be starting in my midfield. Will be a useful squad member though if he stays. 6 Alcaraz - some great shots on goal and was trying to be positive. Looked the most likely player to win the game for us in the last minute. 7 Edozie - positive again, tries to make things happen. Important player for us, shame about the injury. 6 Tella - touch was off, didn't impress me this week. 5 AA without the hyphen - ran about a lot and great penalties but I still think he looks better on the left. We improved when Che came on. 7 Subs Charles - my MOTM. Great range of passing, looked very good. Took a clever booking for the team. We instantly looked better when he came on and Smallbone went more attacking IMO. 8 Adams - quite simply a better striker than AA, good goal. Either start him or sell and replace him but we can't go all season with AA as a lone striker. 7 A-A with the hyphen - So lively when he came on. First time I've seen him in the flesh. Will be pushing for a start soon. 7 Martin - every sub improved us but there is more work to be done both offensively, defensively and in the transfer market. 7

I think his passing was excellent when he came on. And he sacrificed a yellow card for the team. He starts for me.

I'm not proud of an insurance bet when it was 3-3, but I am happy I cashed out just before we got the equaliser. A draw was deserved that game but we need to both improve defensively and keep hold of our attacking talent. My daughter's first game, my wife quietly sat next to me (she yelped when Sara scored), all in all I've had a good day that Saints could have ruined!

Absolutely take that in the end but glaring errors at the back

AA for the point

Pressure here...... penalty.

Saints attack > Saints defence

Now is the time to say... I'll take the draw....

Well fuck

This could go either way. Champions win games badly....

Finally a good baz save

If there was ever such a thing as a good booking, that was it. (Shea's not Che's)

Charles looks good and Smallbone better in an attacking role.

Well there goes our most positive attacking outlet. Hope it's nothing bad. Come on Che

If we don't strengthen the spine we are going to struggle. Will we? Maybe but we can't wait much longer.

Shit utter shit

This is no comfortable watching

Manning just saved our butt's. Passing not crisp.

Bazunu literally scares the shit out of me when he has the ball. Get rid or die trying.