austsaint

My only worry with Tadic is losing him to one of the usual suspects after one season - so impressive are his skills and touch. Lallana was an outstanding player for us, particularly last season for all but the last 6 - 7 games when he probably knew Poch was off and therefore he too.

Rotten luck for the lad, but if you go purely on form shown this season, and the depth we have in midfield, he won't be missed all that much.

It is much too early to gloat. While it is amusing to see the early misfortunes of MP and other leavers, a couple of defeats doesn't make him a bad Manager - much as I'm hoping we beat Spurs in a couple of weeks, I still think we may struggle in the long term to finish above them in the table.

Fair enough - which probably means JWP is keeping Davis out of the side. From what I've seen Davis offers more in the way of assists and passes/crosses into attacking positions than JWP at this stage of their careers. I can only see dead ball delivery and corners as JWP's superior strength and we have Tadic available for that. I still get the impression Ron is underestimating Big Vic who seems to be paying a price for an off night at Millwall and his muted goal celebration today does point to him being miffed.

Great result. My only concern is trying to figure out why RK preferred to start with JWP rather than VW. Get the impression Vic isn't too happy about being a regular bench sitter, and he is a player sure to be looked at by bigger clubs. I am still struggling to see what the big deal is about JWP.

Forster is obviously a good keeper and has many years of top Football ahead of him, yet Boruc is as good a Keeper we've had at Saints except for Niemi. Unless AB was throwing a continuing stroppy about not being in the team then the decision to loan him out is rather daft. It leaves the Club just as vulnerable for back up as has been the case for several years. Davis is a very poor reserve.

Perennial debate - which game is more important; I'd argue the three points v Swansea is, and I would start with Big Vic.

Black humour at it's best.

I'm appy to agree. Unique holding midfielder who we need to hold on to.

Much as I like Davis, would go along with this side - Big Vic made such a difference in the second half. Unless Long does something special I'd replace him with Mane in the 2nd half. Gomes looked particularly dangerous for Swansea v Chelsea...a "Lukaku" style of player - and our old friend Nathan Dyer will keep Betrand busy I expect.

Agree with this. Big Vic really added stability and steel in the second half - we invited the Toon back in to the game at 2-0 and looked shaky leading into half time. So many midfield options and watching Morgan, Cork and Davis together is marvellous. Special mention to Pelle and Tadic for their guile and eye for goal. Defence solid with TA looking a brilliant addition.

Funny thing is, Forren played quite well against England the other night. Strange he never made an appearance.

Well done Bletch. I think you've provided plenty of context and perspective to explain the turbulent summer the Club has gone through. Any one who did not have some concern about the Board/Owners intentions for SFC during that WC period are impressive characters to be sure. At about the point Chambers went out the door the mood from an outsiders view had to be worried and dismayed, especially given the fanning of the flames by certain journalists and pundits. For a time criticism and mistrust of the Board seemed reasonable enough. In the wash up though they have held their nerve; maintained late-in-the-window promises about player retention and picked up several handy recruits to bolster an increasingly strong squad.

I think you are forgetting Tadic, and while JWP may turn out to be a good footballer you could hardly call him a creative outlet (at this stage).

Hope he does well up North. I like his style of play but get the frustration with him too. I'm sure the freeing up of the wage bill was a big part of the move; my only concern is if Tadic gets injured there isn't a lot of creative play in the side and that is where he could have shone this year.

Does this mean Mane is out of Saints plans now?

Handy player, but the short answer is no. Consider that Chelsea are paying less for a striker of Remy's class and the answer to your question is obvious.

He's a decent player. I see a lot of the Japan Internationals and his form is good at that level too. Good reader of the game; very mobile, times a tackle well and has courage.

I noticed that too, Fat Sam hovered around and shook hands with Sammy Lee, but gave up waiting as Ron completed handshakes with the entire Saints bench. One moment in that excellent second half display I haven't seen comments on was the free kick taken by Tadic from the right side outside of the box - he shaped to whip in a left foot curler but then darted a low through ball down the right channel which Pelle latched onto and hit the side netting. Completely fooled the Hammers set up.

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.