austsaint

We will deal with their crosses better if Jelert replaces Manning who just doesn’t get anywhere near enough to their right side attackers.

I know that’s a point of view on sections of the forum; but I question it. Downes at this level is in the top bracket of midfielders. Charles likewise. There’s no reason to think they can’t combine in CM. I don’t know whether Jander has played the attacking mid role before, but everything I see of him suggests he can. Thus far, Azaz has been a dud; no denying his record at this level is good, but he just doesn’t look to be the player we need. I suspect he was third choice, at best, attacking 10 recruit. Still has shown the capacity to make changes and act on what he sees on the pitch. This might be another opportunity to fine tune the starting 11 for the better.

Why not Downes and Shea at CM; Jander replaces Azaz as the 10 , with Scienza as a back up. Arma, Stewart and Fellows.?

Yes, yes and Yes. The Saints reaction to going 2-1 up on the hour looked like a combination of panic, jitters and a fragile mentality. There was no collective nous on how to manage the game or press for a third goal to kill off the spirited Blades. It was unnecessarily nervy and a dose of good fortune was needed to get that precious result. Well done to Ross Stewart. I’ve consistently written him off, and even tonight after 30 minutes I thought that Archer should replace him - at which point he nearly scored with a header. His first goal was a clinical side footed finish after Arma’s headed poster and that second was a worldly strike, complete with a half turn. Bravo; stay fit, keep banging them in and quite a few of us will be eating humble pie. I hope humble pie will be on the menu after a good Finn Azaz performance, but apart from some technical skill, tonight was another meh performance. He seems to need more time on the ball than he’s mostly going to get. He doesn’t seem to have the quick feet and guile to evade a tackle or initiate quick ball movement. Stray passes and being dispossessed are also showing up in his game. At this stage I’d like to see Jander or Scienza tried in the 10 role, with Downes and Charles in CM. Wood and Edwards were both good and should be at the front of the CB queue. A game to forget for Quarshie, after being skinned for the goal he just seemed to drop his bundle. Still will need to rebuild his confidence which should see him away from the action v Derby. One of the problems Still has is the overall numerical strength of the squad without there being many nailed on starters. Take Charles, Jander, Wood, maybe Armstrong, maybe Stewart and Fellows out and the rest of the 18 man match day squad is still unclear.

Need to see more from Stewart and Azaz. Still has shown some bottle with an unchanged side. Bench is incredibly strong.

Yes, he was true to his word with rewarding those who put in a shift at Anfield. Perhaps he could have replaced Stewart and Azaz earlier, to bring on Archer and Scienza as it was clear Boro upped the intensity in the second half, and only had Armstrong and Fellows to keep an eye on defensively. Taking off Fellows could also be questioned . Manning was loose defensively and Jelert on earlier might have tightened things up. Boro certainly happier with the point than Saints.

The back three are looking solid and composed. Armstrong, Jander, Charles and Fellows all lively and involved. Less said about Azaz, the better. Replace him with Scienza.

Sure does; one Downes was man-of-the-match and the other Downs was not up to scratch…..and may never be, at this level.

Tough call. Downes was fantastic tonight. The best midfielder on the pitch and Saints best by a clear margin.

All three played well, but what about Flynn Downes? He was right at the top of his game tonight - tackling, intercepting, pressing and looking for quick, progressive passes. Jelert impressive at RB; Manning had a very good game and all three CBs looked comfortable. Scienza showed pace and a running game which could easily see him playing the role that Azaz hasn’t yet made his own. Surprised that Will Still feels he hasn’t learned anything new because this was a cheese and chalk performance compared to the Hull and Pompey games, and several players - Jelert, Quarshie, Wood, Armstrong, Edwards, Scienza - must have given the Manager notice they can cut it against a strong side and “big game” atmosphere. Only Damion Downs disappointed tonight. His touch was clunky and there was a looseness about his game which is a big worry. There should be no fear about Saturday’s Middlesbrough visit judged on tonight’s performance.

Agree, Armstrong looked lively today. Don’t know that either of the full backs have getting up the pitch more in their lockers. Roerslav had his hands full with the excellent Jacob Murphy. Charles and Fraser both good. Very underwhelmed by Azaz at this stage; he looks a couple of grades below the Armenian Chappy. Difficult to know whether the side is still settling in (what I want to believe) or whether we’re in for a frustrating season.

From memory Potter rested many of his big names, and the many chances you talk about came in the last 20 minutes when he rang the changes. Besides the late sublime Ward-Prowse free kick, it was Lavia, Stu Armstrong and even ABK who stood tall. Selles finest hour.

I’ve got a feeling that the highlight of Selle’s managerial career will be the first up win as our manager against Chelsea, parading around with the black skivvy and blue suit. Fleetingly we thought we might have the next big thing. All downhill since.

Many were critical of Spors after the initial Downs, Quarshie signings and the long gap between further signings and sales - yet he’s pieced it all together with the planning and precision of a surgeon. Impressive.

Nice lad; very average player. Wish him well at the Den.