austsaint

It was mystifying to see Sugawara replaced at half time. That substitution and the sending off completely changed the game and took a lot of wind from our sails. Both Sugawara and KWP were brilliant in their wing back roles. Sugawara got forward well, his crosses were threatening and he showed good defensive qualities. KWP had a spectacular game - running the show in the first half as he moved into midfield space and combined well with Airibo, Downes and Diaz. If there is any chance of keeping KWP at the Club, it must happen - he is of more value to SFC this season on the pitch and leaving on a free next season if he doesn't sign a new deal, than the fee he could attract in the next fortnight. Airibo was very good today. I assume he was spent on 70 minutes, hence the substitution. He was more effective today than Smallbone who played the full 98 minutes. Smallbone wasn't bad but he's still essentially a recycling, safe passing mid, not the attacking midfielder we need. I'm hoping when Lesley is up to speed, it's Smallbone he replaces and not Airibo, but I suspect RM will go the other way. If there were any doubts about Downes measuring up to Prem standard they were dispelled today. He has got the lot - pace, tenacity, tackles well, drives forward with the ball and plays the box-to-box role. Has to be the Club's best bit of business for some time. Future Captain material. There's not much you can say about McCarthy that hasn't been said. Should never have been given the new contract, and we have seen too many errors and clangers from him over a long period of time to think it would be any different today and into the future. Has to be replaced. There was a lot to like about today and it was very unfortunate to come away from SJP without a point, at least.

Yep; I'd like to see Smallbone do well, and he has earned a second chance at Prem level - but he could well be "a bit crap at this level". I say that because good control and passing range with some technical skill may not be enough. An attacking midfielder in the Prem needs to be capable of driving runs with the ball; have the half-turn in their locker and have a creative, expansive eye for a pass......not sure Will does.

The thread about the most excited you've been about a signing - in this case, a loan signing and very recent. This lad has increased my confidence levels that Saints can stay up this season! No pressure Lesley.

Apple?

I'd be very downbeat if McCarthy, Stephens, Smallbone and Mara were represented in our strongest 11 for the season.

Nor can I, but it's sounding and feeling like a smart bit of business.

Think it was Tadic' first Saints game v Everton? He and Clyne combined on the right flank for a sublime goal. Respect for Koeman straight away.

Excited by the signing of Mane, and the early Saints career moment he drew a penalty against Arsenal hinted at what was to come. Might sound strange but the loan and subsequent permanent deal for KWP was exciting too. Found it satisfying that sourpuss Mourinho in particular and even Poch missed a trick in underrating and offloading the lad - to our great benefit.

Might be time for a walk round the block.

It's a very good Championship team - with THB, Downes and perhaps Sugawara as probable Prem standard.

It's certainly going to help this season (as a Saints supporter) if you're a fan of the underdog; as I am. Wins, hopefully at least ten, and draws in certain games need to be celebrated long and hard.

Is he still with us? Life always seemed such a pessimistic struggle for him.

Arguable that the starting 11 in two weeks will be a tiny notch up on the play-off final team. Sugawara may turn out to be a very good player for Saints, but at this stage he can't be ranked the equal of KWP. Fraser, from memory, played an hour or so in a left wing-back role and did very well - remains to be seen whether Taylor slots straight in as effectively. I'll give you BBD as a step up, and I suppose its possible there will be new signings in the next week who may be ready on August 17, but at this stage it's hard to say we'll be a stronger team in two weeks - and we probably need to be.

Yes, of course it matters that 2 weeks away from our return to Prem action Saints turn in a performance like that. Oxford United passed the ball better; moved the ball quicker; were quicker on the counter attack and looked more dangerous in attacking areas. In my mind it also matters that players like Bree, Manning, McCarthy and Mara are getting game time, and our likely starting line up at Newcastle is likely to be weaker than the side who beat Leeds in the play off final.

Stands out at the moment. Our best eleven as things stand is not an improvement on last season, and two weeks out from a trip to Tyneside that's something to worry about. There is an urgent need for a better GK, one or two better midfielders (Charles is not good enough for a defensive midfield role and Smallbone is not good enough to be a regular starting attacking midfielder) and a striker in addition to BBD.

It's the one big worry I have with RM. He seems to have too much faith in players like Manning, Stephens, McCarthy.

And that does count for something. Martin does seem to be assembling a group of likeable characters who play for the shirt and each other. You can't discount BBD's performances for Chile either, alongside the likes of Vidal and Sanchez - he hasn't looked out of place.

Given the threadbare striker cupboard, this would be a good signing.

Flynn Downes doesn't do "take it easy" pre-season does he - all-action,committed 45 minutes from him. Airibo and Dibling the other bright sparks.

I was going to cough up the five quid but this facebook video is working well. Thanks Patches.

I agree that Smallbone, along with others like Arma and Airibo have earned the chance, or another chance to prove themselves at Prem level - but there is a very strong chance they won't be quite good enough. That's why relying on them to be first choice starters, if that's what RM has in mind, is a risky strategy. Re Smallbone - he is a technically adept player, but it's a stretch to call him athletic. He covers plenty of ground, but at a loping pace. He was regularly outstripped for pace last season, especially when played in a defensive midfield role.

Sulemana has looked pretty sharp today to my eye. Who is the 25? Looks an impressive youngster.

He's been a bright spark along with SAA. A little disappointed with Charly so far.

I could only see THB lining up against Newcastle from that 1st half line-up. Seems pointless watching players like Bree, Manning and Mara - they are nowhere near good enough; even as squad players.

Wishing you well with the parenting of twins! Brings back good memories.....not completely easy at the time! Rodriguez is a long shot, but just what we need. I also hope that RM has the wisdom to give Alcaraz a clean slate - he was disappointing last season but we've seen enough of him at Prem level to know he can play, and we need attacking mids who can run at defences with the ball.