austsaint

Mane "redeemed" himself? He was exceptional from start to finish, wasn't he?

JWP is 20 and he is certainly not a class act (yet, maybe never). He did pass tidily today and as usual ran around a lot but he was leaky in defensive duties and gave the ball away in dangerous areas. He is getting every opportunity but time for a rest against the Hammers.

At least you're owning up Simo. He's a beauty isn't he?

What an exciting player is Mane - and a great finish. Pelle looks like he needs a spell; we missed Big Vic in the last 30 minutes; I thought Yoshida did well playing out of position, Gardos not bad either alongside Fonte.

Mane particularly and Elia lively, they look our main threat. Tadic has to come on.

Spuds look very sharp. I guess Poch isn't getting the sack anytime soon.

Hey Grigsy; you've got balls coming in for another serve after the "Guardian" blooper. Touche.

I don't think anyone feels hostility towards CC (or Shaw, Lambert, maybe a bit towards Lallana and Lovren) and he played several blinders for Saints including that draw which no doubt influenced Wenger. It's just if it came down to having him back or keeping the money the preference seems clearcut.

No, I don't think that badly of CC, although I always thought that when Clyney was fit he should have been first pick at RB and his subsequent form bears that out. I just mean although he showed a lot of promise with us and hit the ground running with the Gunners for the first few months, the money we got for him is now looking to be good business. I know Chambers is young but it's hard to see him holding down a permanent spot in their side and who knows, when Wenger eventually does put his cue in the retirement rack, the new Manager might look beyond him too.

Thanks for the lead in - the Kiwi's have a great sense of humour and don't mind taking the **** out of each other. Surprisingly, this show doesn't get a viewing in Oz, which is just "over the ditch" from New Zealand. One similar program we have over here you could see on youtube is "Summer Heights High" an Australian actor plays multiple roles depicting a misfit Samoan student, a private school student on exchange and a camp drama teacher. It's quite good and funny.

For no other reason than his Footballing ability and potential I would opt to keep the money and wish him well in his increasing role as bench warmer.

One of the funniest five minutes of my life. Thanks Griggsey.

Couldn't have put it better - Mane is a terrific player; looking forward to Elia and Mane combining with Mane hovering around Pelle.

Is this so? With the FFP requirements on Chelsea for the expensive purchase they made - great work by SFC if the case. Been a great player for us this season; love his runs down the flank and he really has a good cross in his kit bag.

I cannot remember seeing Davis at 20 - but I've seen Shaw at 18; Chambers at 18, Reed at 19, Targett at 19, Barkley at 19 etc and they all have a immediate quality of class/ability in a defined position. Shaw's speed, strength and touch; Chamber's athleticism; Reed's tenacity and defensive instinct - I don't see any such quality with JWP, and Rasiak-9s assessment is brutal but very close to the mark.

It's not a popular view on here, but we really did look better when he was out injured. The observation of JWP running alongside an attacking player and not tackling - as with the lead up to Shelvey's goal is demoralising to watch. If you take the corners and free kicks out of his game he is a complete luxury.

Nail on head for me - after Reed came off, Shelvey waltzed past JWP twice, hitting the woodwork then hitting the net. Our midfield was very leaky from that point.

The Echo is saying the Club offered him a long term deal making him one of the better payed players in the squad, yet he's off. Maybe it is about regular game time for Cork.

Any tips for the gallops?

I wouldn't lose sleep if I never saw JWP in a Saints shirt again, but it's not going to happen. Tadic is a class act down on form; JWP is a lovely young lad trading on youth, "potential" and a pretty good dead ball delivery.

The feeling that Clyney will go in the summer is irresistable - Clyne and Morgan gone in June. Disappointing but I'm sure the replacements, given the big revenue their sales will bring, are already figured out.

Touche, quite funny. On a serious note, given that Morgan seems nailed on to leave in the Summer, Clyney is the one I worry most about losing at seasons' end even if a combined kitty of 50 mill or so would buy decent replacements.

That first paragraph is a bit tough me old Wes. There are many ex-pat supporters living outside of the UK for employment or family reasons who still have a genuine love for the Club. I watch every game live on the box (usually in the middle of the night with three kids fast asleep) and have made three trips back to the UK in recent times to take in a Saints game. The EPL, and the Club for that matter are global interests, and not every non-plastic supporter can remain in the UK.

I admit I'm not a big fan of JWP, but the assist stats you list there seem misleading. Going purely on memory (dangerous thing) JWP's open play assists were the one/one with Sadio a few weeks back and the lovely through ball for Elia on Saturday - otherwise I assume he has been credited with assists from corners, free kicks or crosses. As someone else mentioned he just doesn't seem to have the presence or quick feet to play off Pelle; as a box to box midfielder he doesn't or can't at this stage burst forward with the ball at his feet like Barkley, Ramsey or even our own Steve Davis and clearly the holding role is not for him either. After 70 or so first team appearances he still hasn't got a clear position to occupy whereas Harry Reed, with his combative, high energy style has immediately put down a marker as a DM.