austsaint

He had a poor game - no doubting that. By "over-criticized" I mean that Guly's poorer games or mistakes seem to be pounced upon while poor games and errors from players like Hammond (who was very good today) are largely overlooked. But we've all got fixed ideas about players - I admit I can't abide Harding as a Championship player - I see him as a ball watching, panicky light weight and probably nothing he could do in the future would change that assessment.

Yes, but he is massively over-criticized, which is puzzling. He did not play well today, granted - a scrapping derby was never going to be his style of game in the same way that it suited someone like Hammond. The responsibility for conceding the equalizer shouldn't be leveled at Guly shutting it down at the near post - have a look what happened in the lead up. Harding tamely conceded the corner when he could easily have cleared into touch or upfield, and one of our defenders (Fonte I think) was beaten to the first header from the resultant corner.

I agree. Harding had time to clear the ball without conceding a corner - the subbing of Fox seemed strange to me - he was doing the job.

A lot of criticism of Guly for not shutting out their goal, but Harding had no need to concede the corner in the lead up - he had time to at least hook it away for a throw.

Yep, live into Brisbane (Oz) at 11pm - for me the most nerve wracking game since Man U relegated us with the Van Nistleroy goal 5 or 6 years ago.

1 Lambert 2 Lallana 3 Guly

Fair comment. The beard is a bit naff, isn't it.

I agree, totally. I thought Adam had a good first half but really faded out after half time.

Chapel End, as a matter of interest, how did you rate Adam's game and recent form?

That's a very hard marking of Guly's card - he was easily our most creative player on the day.

Interesting article - spot on with the observation of Saints not pressing Blackpool players in possession consistently. The only real spell of intensity was the lead up to our first goal when Adam pressed hard to dispossess and set up Ricky. Pleased to see people outside the club can see the qualities of Guly too.

Yes, he was quite anonymous in the second half and doesn't look anywhere near his best. An uncomfortable game to watch at times - remarkably Blackpool played more of the crisp "on the deck" passing football and controlled and used the ball much better than us for much of the game. We looked predictable going forward with the Richardson cross from the right becoming too common. Disappointed with Cork and Hammond - thought Guly was creative and Ricky played well. The other area where we looked second best was the pressuring of players in possession - Blackpool constantly harried us in possession while we allowed their advancing midfield and flanks too much space - Richardson hanging back into the box prior to their first goal from the cross was a prime example. Felt so sorry for Bart. Is there a way back for him?

Guly was our most creative player today and gets my nod in front of Ricky and Jos.

Judged on tonight Palace are a threat in the Championship. Very impressed by Clyne at right back (hasn't he been mentioned as a possible signing?) and also Zaha on the left.

Good article. He's a gem - whoever recruited him deserves a pat on the back and a pay bonus.

For many years there has been a debate as to whether "nature" (genetics) or "nurture" (parenting etc) shapes personality. In Ferguson's case it's both.

Having just watched the highlights I didn't realize Guly's first goal was so well taken. Cracking headed goal. He is a class player on his day.

I think three out of our last four managers have been outstanding in their own way - Nigel Pearson, Alan Pardew and Nigel Adkins.

Judged on his performance tonight, he won't be missed that much!! At present, Chaplow and MS are our form midfielders, although Cork got going following the send off. Chaplow the man-of-the-match; Fox very good again and Davis top class in goal.

Try Bet 365 for a good quality stream from Sky TV.

Sums it up perfectly for me. Both are good Managers; Pardew turned the club around and built the foundations and Nigel has progressed the job.

Just listened to Nigel's post-game interview and it underlines what a good Manager he is. No sulking or defensiveness towards the interviewer - no endless excuses and blame - just a fair assessment of missed chances and the concession of two soft goals. Being able to respond like that so soon after the disappointment of a loss says a lot about the man. Just one thing though, does anyone believe him when he says he doesn't look at the league table?

Sorry to read this. I've got a lot of time for Dickson. I am sure he is both game rusty and a little deflated at being down the pecking order. Of all Nigel's assessment of our squad and their place in the bus, I reckon this is his only error.

Can someone who saw the game tell me how Ryan Dickson played tonight?

Shocking news.