austsaint

Mane could have three by now with more luck.

I've been busting to say the game has passed him by but you run the risk of being labelled a JWP hater.

But with the line up we have today, Mane has to create and do so much - along with Tadic.

He is playing quite well - so is Clasie.

Like a lot of Saints' signings these days seems a genuinely good lad.

Sums it up. Vic's still playing well but he hasn't got the class help around him he used to have.

This game's gone from being embarrassingly one sided to embarrassingly one sided.

Davo = goal machine.

Hope you are right. They did create plenty of chances on Wednesday night v L'pool. I think Sadio will get amongst their defence and create plenty of mayhem.

Thought he did quite well. Might have been more effective in the hole with JWP on the right.

"Red's" tip of STREAM2U is working well with commentary.

Shifting JWP out to the right for his crosses and Gaston into the "10" might result in more cutting edge scoring chances for Pelle and Juanmi. Juanmi is certainly showing signs of being a good player; great interception and pass to Pelle late in the half which looked on-side in replay. We certainly lack a bit of pace with Mane, Bertrand and Cedric not playing although young Targett has done quite well. Romeu and Vic very solid. Could be a nervous watch in the second half.

Thought our back four were good - especially Cedric. Didn't Gaston look good in that cameo. Clasie showed signs he can play. Red card looked harsh but a great point in the end.

Any guesses at his market value these days - 8K?

Fingers crossed for Stek. I think we can manage without Jay Rod at this stage. If Stek's out it has to be Gazza, surely.

Let's hope Sturridge and Benteke are still out - I thought they looked pedestrian up front against Spurs.

Such a great connection back to the Liebherr involvement; the Pardew, Adkins, Poch and now RK days. The day at Wembley and the promotions back to the Prem. Well done Jose.

I don't have an agenda against the lad at all. He has shown some bright moments in his last 3-4 appearances for Saints, but honestly if you look at his overall performances, leaving aside his free kicks and corners it's very hard to understand the hype and push for full England selection. The post I commented upon said that "JWP will become an inbetweenie player for England which would be a traversty" - I couldn't let that hyperbole go unchallenged. If you happen to rate JWP good for you: I don't rate him, and I don't think I'm alone. JWP is clearly a lovely lad and is highly articulate and a great advertisement for the Academy. I just don't think he has the qualities to become a leading Prem player, let alone an International.

Is this a serious post? The JWP P.R. people are hard at work.

Comes across as a down to earth character with humility and a complete lack of ego. Throw in the fact that he's a more than decent, high energy mid-fielder and you start to realise what a good signing he's been.

Outstanding player and quite unique in so far as he can cover wing, striker and AM effortlessly. Has unique skills of pace, control, evasion and great vision for an assist. Will be delighted if we get another season from him beyond this one. What a player.

Romeu on to tighten up midfield.

Did anyone else notice Mane's goal celebration to make it 2-0? It was a brilliant replica of J-Rod's opening goal effort. Almost as though he was trying something out he hadn't seen before.

tpbury - I am also over from OZ (just over the bridge from you) on holidays - and as I couldn't get a ticket for the Saints v Man U I travelled out to WHL to see the Spuds v Palace. Left at half time and walked to Seven Sisters Tube - one stop to Finsbury Park, and managed to find a great pub "Worlds End" showing the Saints game. Most other pubs in the area and seemingly throughout London at the moment are showing the Rugby World Cup. Anyway have a great trip - enjoy the MK Dons game and safe trip home.

Easy to heap blame on Yoshida for his calamitous back pass, but he should never have been asked to play RB from the start of the game. The things that stood out today were - Pelle is a damn good striker when he gets service. Mane is wasted when pushed out wide. VVD has some way to go before he's established in the Prem. Yes, JWP provided a good cross for Mane to nearly complete and Pelle to finish off, but otherwise was ineffective and didn't influence the game, and the more we wait round for him to deliver something of substance week in week out, the closer we will sink to the foot of the table. We looked better when he went off and Davis came on.