austsaint

Clasie has been quiet today; Davis out of position; Ward-Prowse anonymous all of which has put pressure on Romeu.

I think you've nailed it.

Very weak in midfield apart from Romeu and creativity in attack is zero with todays line up. Davis where JWP appears to be playing might help.

If Ron wanted a more offensive player on the right why isn't Mane starting? Who is going to play there, Ward-Prowse?

And aren't they playing well?

Why would anyone not want Mane starting, consistently our biggest attacking threat. On performance it's hard to justify Pelle's inclusion. Ron's proved us all wrong recently but this lineup doesn't seem to carry much goal threat.

Hey Trousers, assuming you find your way to the ground ok, can we expect a report post-match?

Is that the Alpha mail?

No duds from you tonight!

Off the cuff?

No disrespect intended to Pelle, but if Austin is fit enough, surely he has to start. Similarly, if Clasie can back up he starts with Romeu; Davis in for Tadic and Targett for Yoshida.

Very well summed up. The Club really must appeal the decision.

Cannot agree Andy - Vic was very good prior to the red card. Two other observations; judged on what we saw of young Byram probably just as well we weren't in for him and well done to Bilic who was very gracious in defeat and took the trouble to congratulate many Saints players as they left the pitch. What a contrast to Wenger, Mourhino, Van Gaal etc.

He really has; and so has Clasie - both of them look like they belong in the Prem. I thought The Arsenal draw was gutsy stuff but that second half was even more impressive. What a performance from Van Dijk; supreme in the air; effective in the tackle and time and again brought the ball out of defence with strong runs. Thought Romeu was exceptional in that last 30 minutes, and what a run and touch for Austin at the death. Special mention for Yoshida who cops a lot of flak but showed again he can do a job in a game like tonight.

Crazy thread. Vic played very well until the card, which should not have been red. He also provided the goal for Yoshida with a committed, deft touch from Mane's ball in.

Should have been a yellow and Ron's taken the wrong bloke off.

+1. Good halves from Clasie, Vic, VVD and Fonte - Mane has had some good moments but it has to be Pelle off.

I keep wondering how someone like Pardew or even Eddie Howe would go speaking Dutch to the press as Manager of Ajax or Feyenoord. Our Ron does pretty well.

To be fair, your mate has a point re Payet.

Funny thing is quite a lot of his passing is first rate. Did you see the back heel to Long in the second half? I'd love Vic to stay but agree with St Chalet it's looking more and more like a Clyne situation.

What is it you don't like about his attitude? He busted a gut last night; as he does most games; does a lot of good things but at the moment can't find the net. I just don't get the recent bagging of Mane.

Wenger has form on this. There's just no joy in the lanky cranky pants at all. It would take a bit to get our Ron upset which tells you what a prat Wenger is.

I think our forward line missed the run, service and delivery of Davis and Clasie tonight - too many hopeful balls in the general direction of Long and Mane. Tadic well below his best and once again did little covering or defensive work in front of Bertrand. But how good were Romeu and Vic tonight? They were both rocks in mid-field and distributed well. Good games from VVD, Cedric and Jose. We might have rode our luck but that was a thoroughly committed and gutsy point earned.

We are missing Davis in the AM role, to feed Long and Mane.