austsaint

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.

Spot on Clarkey. If the fee being paid was less we would be hailing this as a Kevin Phillips type signing, given that the Hernandez push was never likely to work out. Long is the ideal type of player to feed off a lump like Pelle.

If we start with JWP and Isgrove the games up. Got to be Taider and Gaston.

I want him to do well - I have a feeling we will have to wait a year or so for JWP's future as a top line Prem player to be decided, one way or the other.

I probably am being harsh on the lad MLG - he comes across as such a likeable, articulate fellow too. But having watched him closely since that debut against Man City, I just cannot see the progression in his game - with Shaw (obvious now), Chambers, Reed and even Stephens you can see potential progressing but with JWP I see a Simon Gillett with a better dead ball delivery.

I cannot see the stardom predictions other do. Certainly a great goal last night - his first for the club at senior level. Delivers a good dead ball and corner. On the flipside, does not have a lot of pace; is not a great tackler; most of his passes are sideways or backwards and seems to be easily brushed off the ball. I will be happy to be proven wrong but at the moment as he enters his third season for Saints the hype is greater than the performance.

Oh I see. Obviously RB is not as good as Shaw - my point is that on what I've seen of Matt Targett he is not good enough (yet) to be playing in the Prem therefore Bertrand is a necessary pick up, whether Rojo comes or not.

And our first choice lb is who Hypo? Rojo?

I'm liking the new you, Glasgow. Keep up the transformation; let's hope this LB called Ryan goes better than the one named Dickson. I think he will. No way is Targett ready for the big time, week in week out.

Looking less likely though - Rojo I mean? You know your wine - sounds like you've been to Mendoza.