SaintBobby

If we play 4-2-3-1, Gaston fits in the slot behind Lambert, right? The formation seems to fit him perfectly already. Also, the new pressing tactics should work for him too. He has quite often won the ball back for us high up the pith. I remain very hopeful, although am still slightly disappointed with what I've seen of Gaston to date.

If I was Adkins, think I'd have my eye on Leeds United.

That has to be true - but no names sprung to mind. I definitely think if you tried to name the best English starting XI with no caps, a fair few Saints players would make the cut.

Pahars/Beattie Ron Davies/Terry Paine (not really a pairing in the traditional sense - but worked incredibly together)

Very true - but our best players back then were full internationals typically, no?

Was put to me by a (non-Saints supporting friend) that Lambert and Lallana are, in his view, the best players on the planet not to have won a cap. He added that he thought it wouldn't be long before the same applied to Shaw and Clyne. Flattering stuff - which I obviously didn't seek to contradict! - but is it remotely true? (And could Schneiderlin and Cork be close to being considered too?)

I'm telling myself this is a good result. Although I haven't yet persuaded myself we're going to be safe. West Ham are now a general 12/1 to be relegated. About the same odds for Man Utd ;-)

how the hell have West Ham got to the near safety of mid table? They are utter toilet.

I worry that the Europa League does eat away at you as the season progresses. But I've never really worried about the games in July/August. Given every year we tend to play pre-season friendlies against fairly good continental opposition, isn't it just a bonus if these games lead to progressing in Europe. Just treat them like friendlies with a bigger prize if you happen to win them.

I'm starting to feel confident enough to look at catching the teams above us rather than keep clear of those below us.

Shows how amazingly good our midfielders have been that we can even contemplate leaving out a fit Lallana and Ramirez from the starting eleven.

Slightly unfortunate wording on Saints player. [h=2]Pochettino Hails Players' Belief[/h]Mauricio Pochettino says Saints bet Manchester City because the team had the belief they could win going into the match.

Poch: "One second, Nathaniel, I know we're f**king them up the arse - but is Roberto right that you're THAT well hung?"

Abysmal display by all the officials. A blind man can get 50% of the decisions right by tossing a coin. 2/10.

Just think, if each of them bought ten pledges at £1K each, the Trust might be viable. Beyond laughable.

Gees, it really is a tragedy. He was such an incredible footballer and seemed like a fun-loving genuine person. He is probably going to die in something approaching poverty within a few months.

Top class today. One amazing save and one incident of shoving his face into a melee of boots. Love him.

It's hard to watch this interview on the BBC website and believe otherwise. He nearly cuts off the translator at one point. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21311313 He also clearly chats to oncoming subs on the touchline. Genius.

Should I be proud or terrified that we're on the same wavelength? Or both? :-)

You are wrong. HTH.

Fox was great today. If that's the quality of our back-up left back, I'm more than happy.

Pedant ! :-)

God yeah, I remember that game. Danny Wallace creamed them.

c 500 under capacity today on the official stats?

Well done on being half right against the odds, Glasgow. Did you get any pay out or did it all rest on Guly?