austsaint

Great second half. The boy Pelle can really play can't he? Mighty games for Morgan, Tadic, both full backs and Davis. Someone said thats the first game Fat Sam has lost to Saints in 13 years. Cork and Gaston did their jobs - was a little surprising not to see Victor today. Fabulous result, no matter how poor W Ham were.

Surprised by Vic's omission. Would love JWP to prove be wrong by being highly influential aside from corners and frees.

Long replacing JWP on the right - will be more help to Pelle; from what I've seen Davis is developing a good understanding with Long and Pelle. Would also like to see Tadic being given more freedom to roam in an attacking role. Start with Yoshida rather than Gardos at this stage and Tadic to take frees and corners in the absence of JWP.

Don't you mean on the train? The bus has been traded in apparently.

Good player and by the sound of it a decent lad. He and Tadic are the best business we've done for ages - not forgetting Ron and Fraser of course.

He's special at about the 44 min mark.......fast before the break.

Agree with three of your four assessments. From what I've seen seen of Tadic he is easily the equal of AL - he has a more powerful shot; his vision for assists are at least the equal; his crossing is pinpoint and has great touch. The only area I would rate Lallana more highly would be the mazy runs and Cruyff turns.

Agreed. I can understand the desire for GK competition and also the idea of a quality player for the future, but surely AB as the incumbent should have started the season. He was among the best in the Prem last season and I can understand his frustration.

Thanks for the write up Gemmel - just one point though, the second goal (nor the first for that matter) had bugger all to do with Yoshida - for the winner, Victor headed away poorly and Fonte failed to pick up Sturridge.

Thanks for the write up Gemmel - just one point though, the second goal (nor the first for that matter) had bugger all to do with Yoshida - for the winner, Victor headed away poorly and Fonte failed to pick up Sturridge.

The bad header leading to the winner was from Wanyama (who was superb otherwise) not Yoshida, who like JWP had a really good 2nd half. One of the things I loved today was watching the growing confidence among our players....there's a point around the hour mark when Tadic breaks out into a smile which seemed to be saying...."this team's not too bad after all, and maybe I can cut it at this level".

The bad header leading to the winner was from Wanyama (who was superb otherwise) not Yoshida, who like JWP had a really good 2nd half. One of the things I loved today was watching the growing confidence among our players....there's a point around the hour mark when Tadic breaks out into a smile which seemed to be saying...."this team's not too bad after all, and maybe I can cut it at this level".

So unlucky not to get something from the game. Great second half - Wanyama terrific, Tadic, Bertrand very good. JWP had a much better second half; Clyne looked a threat despite a defensive lapse. Thought our two CBs did a fair enough job; Yoshida not the weak link some are portraying. A shame to come away empty handed but lots to be hopeful about. PS Isgrove's little cameo was impressive.

So unlucky not to get something from the game. Great second half - Wanyama terrific, Tadic, Bertrand very good. JWP had a much better second half; Clyne looked a threat despite a defensive lapse. Thought our two CBs did a fair enough job; Yoshida not the weak link some are portraying. A shame to come away empty handed but lots to be hopeful about. PS Isgrove's little cameo was impressive.

Agree...Bertrand looks good too.

Agree...Bertrand looks good too.

Can the JWP supporters tell me what he's trying to do out there so far?

Can the JWP supporters tell me what he's trying to do out there so far?

Would have played Long for JWP - looks light on for creativity, speed and cutting edge. Hope Morgan has a big one.

Would have played Long for JWP - looks light on for creativity, speed and cutting edge. Hope Morgan has a big one.

Good point. We certainly lose plenty aerially with Yoshida instead of Lovren. Haven't seen enough of Pelle to know whether he can do the job Ricky used to defending corners and frees.

If you cast your minds back to last season, Maya had two stints filling in for the injured Lovren and did very well. I don't think he will let anyone down today.

I take your point that Dyer and JWP are different types of players - my point is that at a similar age and amount of games for Saints you could clearly see Dyer's qualities - pace, good touch and an eye for an assist while with JWP I can only see a neat and tidy player with a good dead ball delivery.

JWP has to prove himself this season. I've been underwhelmed by his performances in the last two years, though his dead ball delivery has improved markedly. Sometimes I think if he wasn't white, articulate, good looking and the son of a barrister he would be less hyped. For example, at a similar age, Nathan Dyer (in my opinion) was a much better prospect, yet never got the widespread hype JWP has. Let's hope he really kicks on this year; he needs to.

Seriously, can someone tell me how JWP would or should be rated ahead of Jack Cork in the pecking order at Saints judged on last seasons performances.