austsaint

Yes, but most of our midfield have been guilty of that on the odd occasion - Vic, Morgan, JWP. One of the things I like about SD's game is that ability to burst out of defensive mid-field at speed before making a penetrating pass; if someone like JWP is to be his successor it's a quality he needs to add to his game.

But he hasn't got the quick feet and first touch of Lallana and I can't see him improving in that area. His strengths as I see them are dead ball delivery and the occasional killer pass, a couple of which have resulted in goals. I'd like to see him take defenders on now and again rather than the safe water carrier passes which often slow our attack down. He has got time on his side and is improving, but has a lot to prove on the pitch to match the boom being put on him by many.

Hilarious OP - A quiet achiever is "Davo", and we immediately saw his value once he was moved forward in midfield Saturday.

I thought we rode our luck at times today but given the context of three hard away games and so much travel this was an outstanding performance and result. We, looked better when Corky came on and held midfield with the excellent Harry Reed allowing Davis to move forward. Elia outstanding, back four solid and Pelle had his moments. Nice assist from JWP for the first goal but I still can't see a nailed on role/position for him in the team. He doesn't have the pace to play out wide; isn't really suited playing in the hole behind Pelle and doesn't have the defensive game to hold in midfield. By contrast, Reed has all the skills and tenacity to become a regular holding midfielder.

Agree. I still cannot see a lot to JWP's game besides dead ball delivery, which is excellent.

I probably haven't. Thanks for clearing that up Vectis. I am actually Scottish born myself, but have lived in Australia for a long time. In any event, we probably agree Steve Davis is a terrific footballer.

He really is a gifted, committed professional. Can I be among the first to ask the question; as an Irishman, how is it SD speaks with a Scottish accent?

Six foot 2 - not that little. Great reward for a good squad player.

He got an extraordinary amount of bend on the shot; it was a thing of great beauty. A stunning goal.

The 12m fee we paid for him looks a snip now! Easily one of the best DM going around anywhere.

Big Vic outstanding in holding that midfield together; Gardos was good if lucky to only be subbed and not sent off; Davis had a good second half; Forster kept us in it at times when the game was tight. Special mention for Harry Reed, terrier like and a bit more technical skill about him than RK gives him credit for. How much grumpier can Mr Wenger get?

Agree - if we stay set up as we are it will be another "Chelsea" second half defending for our lives - JWP or Tadic off - hasn't Gardos been solid, Bertrand good.

Wanyama being asked to do too much, Davis and particularly JWP being skinned in midfield.

And from the many fans and expats downunder.

Hope you are right Clarkey, you often are. I've loved watching the 6 - 7 seasons MS has given to SFC and no one would be happier than me if this wasn't his final stint for us.

AS I said before he just looks stale and a little like he's going through the motions; still effective, still professional, but not the edge and passion that he used to play with.

Morgan does not look as motivated or committed to the Saint's cause as he used to (to my observation). You may believe otherwise by the look of it.

Lately he just looks like a player who wants to be some where else - yes, money and "big club" possibilities are a big part of that, but he just looks stale with Saints these days; playing well still, but I can see the arguments for cashing in now though I expect him to remain for the season.

His passing and distribution have improved many-fold this season.

Much like the next grumpy old Manager we're up against.

Simo, good on you for owning up to your gaff. If it's any consolation, after the fifth or sixth game of the season I came up with the opinion that Toby was "underwhelming". Now, of course, I am completely overwhelmed by his class and composure. Like a good piece of music, sometimes it takes a while for the listener or observer in this case to catch on.

Agree, but I'd rather trade off the set piece delivery for a tighter, quicker mid-field against a team like the Arse (in Morgan's absence)

I'll get slated for saying this but I would start Harry Reed in midfield rather than JWP who I thought had a poor half hour on the pitch today.

Deserves a new contract, even if we are lucky enough to sign Toby permanently.

I thought it was a reasonable question.