austsaint

Yes, of course - if Juanmi didn't travel to Norwich, he could hardly be drafted in, point taken. It begs the question then, why didn't he travel? And if he is on his way out, it seems a rough call since he has hardly been given a chance - he clearly has talent.

I thought Juanmi has shown enough to have been Mane's replacement on Saturday after the late-for-meeting fiasco, rather than JWP being shoehorned into an attacking role he has shown ample times previously he's not cut out for.

I don't think you can read a lot into the U/21 performances - the point being (albeit relying on memory) he has done well in the past when called on to fill in for Morgan or Vic, whether that was at the front of the diamond or in the traditional DM space I'm not sure. I also remember him getting forward a bit with some success at incisive passing which flies in the face of RK's quote post-Everton.

I'd argue your assessment - Clasie can press and tackle but he's not particularly quick. He is also showing the capacity to move the ball forward at speed and pick a pass out in dangerous areas. As for Ward-Prowse being a better tackler!!!!!!!!!

Amid the understandable teeth gnashing directed at Vic and Sadio, it was good to see Harry Reed get a short run out, belated though it was. I've always thought Ron was off the mark (I think it was after Reed's solid performance against Everton) when he commented in interview on Reed's technical limitations, which sounded like a "I don't rate you". Practically ever since a young mid-fielder with technical skills has featured week after week, and never really made a impact. Whether JWP continues to be picked at right wing, attacking mid or holding mid is obviously RK's call, but in the wake of Vic's ban, I hope Ron has the foresight to put Romeu and Reed together in the DM role, even if it's Reed subbed on for Clasie - it's not the solution to all our ills but giving him some sort of extended run gives the hope of Academy representation (beyond Ward-Prowse) and a chance for a good young player to challenge Ron's assessment of him.

I understand the anger at Wanyama - but at least he is capable of pulling out a performance like the Arsenal game. On the other hand week after week we have to watch James Ward-Prowse going through the motions, getting opportunity after opportunity and producing so little. I worry less about the players who are out of form or don't want to be here than a guy like Prowsey who says all the right things and tries hard but is never going to contribute much due to his limitations.

He is contributing much more than JWP, wouldn't you agree?

We are - if Ron isn't going to bring Mane on then it must be time to give Seager a chance - Ward-Prowse off, there are others who can take corners and free kicks.

Agree with posts 16 and 17 - he's a good all action holding midfielder who can pick a pass and has a decent shot in his kitbag. Hope he stays; a partnership with Clasie awaits.

Superb against Arsenal and has been at the heart of most creative things Saints have done this season. Mane will be in demand come the Summer and in my view 30 million will be a starting price several Clubs will be willing to meet. I hope he stays - he's a brilliant player; it's just a pity RK has switched him from right to left wing; attacking mid and striker to fill the gaps for most of the 19 games so far.

Never mind the platitudes, you've got Dalek in your corner, you'll be allright.

Yes; I'd like to see that line up. I thought it odd RK played Mane wide left today rather than more central and in turn Tadic wide right when his creative best seems to be on the other flank or in behind the striker.

Deflating stuff - why was Mane taken off I wonder.

I laughed Vectis - very good!

It was a screamer, but 25/1 was massive unders.

Icing on the cake was the cameos from Tadic and Juanmi. There is a player within Juanmi.

Might be both. He was mighty tonight, along with Clasie.

Good summary. The other noticeable difference in our game was the effectiveness of Mane in the 10 role and Tadic late in a similar position - keeping the ball on the deck more and the pace and movement of Long and Mane really exposed Arsenal's CBs.

Leicester, Spurs and Barcelona owe us tonight.

Our midfield have killed them tonight - Vic MOM.

Hard work, intensity, confidence and a bit of luck.

Mane is such a player - is he not? Great lead up by Davis too.

Least we're getting stuck in a bit tonight - Clasie and Vic in particular.

Best Xmas wishes to all Saints supporters from sub-tropical Oz. Hope all in the UK get a sunny Xmas day and a result or two over the next three days.

Hodgey, I'd be interested to know which Prem Clubs you think might come in for Ward-Prowse?