austsaint

When you consider that RK for much of the League season so far has had to play the likes of Ward-Prowse, Targett and to a lesser extent Steve Davis, he really has started the season well. I don't hear him complaining and offering excuses too often.

VVD the only bright spot for me; though an away point in not be scoffed at. Surprised that Long or Juanmi didn't make a late second half appearance and once again James Ward-Prowse was totally underwhelming.

Put Mane on asap - even if he's sleep deprived he will add more than the dross of the first half. New boy (VD) looks good.

And don't tell me, you think Steve Davis should never wear a Saints shirt again and JWP is the next Gerrard.

A bit of revisionism going on here. While Romeu had a blinder, let's be fair, Norwich were pretty awful with 8 starters from their Championship side. Against most other Prem sides Romeu is going to need help and a clear headed Wanyama is just the player we need firing alongside to build something like we had with MS and Vic. I understand the annoyance and disappointment with what Wanyama is seemingly doing, but let's not pretend he isn't a unique, powerhouse defensive midfielder, and most weeks we are going to need both of them.

Agree entirely, except against better teams than Norwich Romeu won't be able to command the holding midfielder alone. There was little pressure on our midfield after the sending off which gave us so much time and space. He was the stand out player though (Romeu) edging it from Mane - who we just have to hang on to.

I hope Wanyame stays; but not as much as I hope Mane does - he is the creative force in our side. Romeu man-of-the-match.

Tadic is much more effective on the left. Mane is our cutting edge. Romeu solid and cultured and Cedric looks more at home today.

Credit where it's due. Ward-Prowse did well in the lead up.

Take Mane out of that lineup and it's the weakest side to line up since L1/Championship days. Midfield in particular looks suspect. Why not Reed partnering Romeu and either Davis or Juanmi on the right AM.

He is a dud player; and will be when he's 23, 24 and 30. I'm not holding my breath thinking a "big" team are going to swoop for him one of these transfer windows. On the other hand he speaks well, is photogenic and is a good advertisement for the Academy.

A consistently underwhelming player whose limitations have been obvious for some time.

Just about the most astute summary of what we need to compete for a mid-table finish. The CB reinforcement of itself will not right the ship without the other additions.

I want to believe that so much; can you provide some itk titbits.

Both Toby and Morgan are also above average dead ball exponents, which to be diplomatic took the pressure of having to include Ward-Prowse or even saddle Davo wit that responsibility.

Don't Bale, Theo and Ox count?

Woke up (Oz) to the BBC reporting this - awful news. Someone tell me, he will stay and not be distracted.

You may be right. I hope we get both in because if KK can cover several defensive positions, all the better. The first two league games show defensive frailties beyond just CB.

He was very impressive. You might remember in both games v Everton last season Martinez played Lukaku out wide on the left and Clyne kept him very quiet.

You can add Tadic, Long and Ward-Prowse to that list , and even Fonte doesn't look up to it early on.

Good summary. Wide open through midfield - full backs look shaky and indifferent performances from Tadic and Long - who is better suited as a sub.

I want to add my thumbs up. Looks a great signing, and the Newcastle game just highlighted our need for a player like Romeu. Those all touch videos don't lie - he can play. Impressed with his skilled-with-both feet attribute.

I think you can definitely delete the word almost from the sentence about Mane.

Thanks for the correction. Misspelling or not; he can play.

The Hammers have got them selves a gem in Payate. Just the sort of midfielder we need - skilful; creative, hard in the challenge and great set piece delivery. Whatever they paid....it looks cheap at the moment.