austsaint

Would be a brilliant pick up - very pessimistic about it happening. More likely Liverpool or the like.

I don't think I've seen three batsmen with worse Test Match techniques than Hameed, Burns and even Malan.

Apparently Wolves are right up there among the Prem's stingiest defences.

It was a very special strike at many levels. I haven't see JWP get that left-to-right curve from a free kick before.

I don't know. Perraud's doing a job - he just hasn't got that precision and class that Shaw, Bertrand (at his best) or even a wrong sided KWP have. That's why I think the likelihood is Thierry Small could get his opportunity soon. Perraud's a solid addition, he's just not a stand out first choice LB. Not with you either re Armstrong. Give him time; things will fall into place for him. Keep in mind the Club paid 12m for Shane Long!!! Armstrong's a much better player.

You're right though, on both counts. Perraud did work hard and got forward well (unlucky with the late header too) - but his crosses are very average.

Yep, the experiment with Tella playing RWB fell flat today and I kept willing Ralph to replace him with KWP who could have either matched that role in the same formation or played as RB in a revamped system. Some will disagree but apart from raw pace I don't see a Prem player in Tella. Another poster likened A.A. to Shane Long recently but I see the worst of Long in Nathan Tella - he was kept on the pitch too long today. Likewise Redmond was ineffectual both as a striking/AM partner to Broja and then as a left sided wing role - it meant for much of the game we were relying on Perraud for creativity and width with contributions from Romeu (Saints best today) and JWP to provide anything much for Broja and Adams. Having said all that, it wasn't a bad Saint's performance. The headers from Salisu and Perraud could so easily have provided at least a point. In the end the difference was probably the goal keepers - theirs was almost flawless; ours reverted to type in crucial moments. Marvellous strike from Ward-Prowse.

Thanks for your contribution. I would view a purchase of Broja for 25m and a buy back of 35m after a stipulated length of time as tidy business for SFC.

You are probably right, don't forget though Chelsea have plenty of "form" around selling players who prove to be outstanding. Admittedly, many of those sold or let go were done under Mourinho's watch.

Indeed, looking forward to Small being given a chance. Can't see Targett coming back here, can you? Perraud is more than ok and KWP is very impressive, even out of position at LB.

I think you're right. Too early to label Broja a champions league level player - especially since we're all hoping he stays with us 🙂. It's hard not to get a bit carried away by him though - I can't remember a 20 year old striker with his range of skills and attributes popping up too often! He could well be a 40m player sooner than later.....which would probably rule us out, but let's hope the new ownership commits to a decent attempt to keep this young man a Saint.

Doubt that he is....in any case Im confident that Small is better than both.

Like you, I'm an Armstrong fan, I think he will settle into Prem Football in time, and be a consistent contributor alongside Adams and hopefully Broja. Your assessment of Broja though is diminishing your credibility as a forthright, thoughtful poster - Broja is a talent in the here-and-now, and he will only improve barring serious injury or adverse life events. Just accept that he's good, very good. We've all made mistakes in our assessments of players - Verlaine insisted that Steven Davis was ordinary; many questioned Sadio Mane; I thought JWP was barely worth his place in the squad pre Ralph. I accept that he is now a top class dead ball exponent with a solid all round game.

That midfield trio were superb, completely shut down the Brentford midfield and set alight many attacking moves. That pass from Romeu leading to Broja's well taken goal was pure. Must have been a joy to be at the ground tonight - watching on it felt like a return to the (best of) Koeman days; the misery of seasons under Hughes, Pellegrino and even Puel seemed to be expunged tonight. I know we aren't going to win 4-1 every home game, but the promise of the new ownership, and the feeling that our best players won't be sold automatically; that some more quality will be drafted in and the side having a clearer more expansive identity suggest optimistic times ahead. Quite a long list of players to commend beyond Romeu, JWP and Diallo. Broja once again underlined what a gem he is - it's all been said but the Club must move mountains to at least secure a second loan season. Good to see Bednarek and Lyanco giving their all in what looked to be a battle to become Salisu's CB partner in a different set up. Tella did well in his hybrid spot, was it RB, RWB or wide attacker? Perraud was heavily involved; Redmond busy if a little erratic in possession. The Adams goal beautifully taken and Forster in goal was good tonight. Happy days.

I'm confident about Armstrong - he just needs the time, support and the belief gained from confidence in his own game to establish himself at Saints. I really like our strike force of he, Adams and Broja - each add something different. A.A. has the speed, touch and two-footedness to provide and score his fair share. I see a bit of anxiety in his game so far; playing an unfamiliar role and being played out of position aren't helping, nor the lack of a "Tadic" style attacking mid. - he certainly isn't an option for a sole, hold up striking role as Adams and Broja are, yet as a trio they cover most bases you'd want from a strike force for a mid-table side.

I've got a feeling that when Small is fit and well he will be pushing (metaphorically) Perraud to the sidelines.

Past players ok? Roy Keane and Joey Barton.

It's got a stench to it; this decision. Impossible not to be piss#d off with the Geordies and the governing body.

Agree with you. Quite bizarre (in a good way) the Club has two top quality RBs a very competent LB and a young LB in Small rapidly putting himself into the frame.

I'm not stepping up to the plate for Charlie - first half Perraud was quite poor with some embarrassing moments, but he improved greatly second half in the same way that Diallo did. Perraud's problem is he has a quality player like KWP taking his spot to accomodate Livramento at RB and what looks to be a star player of the future in Thierry Small not far away from staking his claim.

He always looked fired up from the off didn't he. Yet in the first half the whole side played with an intensity and an aggression not seen for some time - it was inspiring stuff for the long suffering supporter. I just interpreted Salisu's ill timed tackle as a desperation to deny an almost certain goal...clumsy and ultimately costly, but he is a player on the up and long may we keep him. The second half was as gutsy and committed as the first half was intense and aggressive. So many impressive performances from "unusual" suspects. Bednarek, Valery, Perraud (second half), Diallo (second half), Armstrong A. ran all day playing a different role, even Shane Long made a contribution from his diminishing bag of tricks. KWP showed what a classy RB he is; and he dug in and showed courage with multiple clearances and blocks late on. JWP's sweet strike was a sublime moment and his all round game an example others followed, especially Diallo as the game wore on.

Easy for a punter like me to say I know - but if a new owner is imminent, then their first bit of business should be offering the 40m pounds or so for Broja if he was gettable on a permanent deal.

Great signing; seems to be a good lad, plays with a smile on his face, prepared to get his hands dirty when required. It's going to be interesting if Small develops quickly as many expect. Should always start (KWP).

.Can we dream about keeping him? That was a "feel good" win" - unexpected, edge of seat, monkey-off-back performance. Thought both full backs, Salisu, JWP, Redmond and Broja were immense

I'd call him a bargain at 20m, wouldn't you? I agree though, we haven't had a striker in his mould since Pelle. Broja is much more mobile than Pelle and a decade younger. Somehow it seems a faint hope that he stays - surely Chelsea will want him back or another Club stumps more than the 20m you mention.