austsaint

Mane hasn't been poor of late - his finishing near goal hasn't been on target since being left out for the Norwich game - the rest of his play has been fine. I hope we keep him, but I fear we won't.

There's a good photo on the "official SFC site" under "We can still climb higher" showing Jack Cork walking off the ground and Ron looking in his direction as if to offer a handshake and a few words. I wonder if it happened. I noticed in the coverage in the tunnel pre-game, Davo and Fonte both greeting JC warmly.

Mane has to start - hopefully tucked in behind $Long and Charlie A.

I doubted Ron's starting line up, but his explanation of wanting to exploit Swansea's weakness defensively from crosses worked out with the delivery from Davo and JWP to Long the crucial moments apart from the disallowed goal. Once again the back three worked well with VVD proving yet again he is one of the Prem's best CBs - aerially there's probably no better. I thought Romeu was tremendous and showed a willingness to get forward; what a buy he's turning out to be. Pelle had a better second half but needed to and Long proved once again he's a better player in the thick of it than out wide.

I watched every minute (on Sky), a lot of running around, shadowing Swansea players in defensive positions without tackling or intercepting and a lot of time spent in the AM role without a lot of contribution. He really does get around the ground well - and his free kicks and corners were good; the cross for Long's goal was perfect - but for the BBC correspondent to make him Mom in front of VVD is quite bizarre.

Lovely cross for the goal but otherwise he wasn't really in the game.

But why wait that long which only increases the chances of a poor Swansea nicking a 1:0.

It is there for the taking; but not with the present formation, Tadic for JWP and Mane for Pelle.

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.