austsaint

You're a jury of one. The kid is, and will be class.

I don't know about that. His last two games have been less impressive; yet he is still highly influential and brings other attacking players into the game - especially since defenders are now paying him more attention. He definitely needs to work on his passing and link up play - but he's still a gem.......every day of the week! Will he be our gem next season though?

They probably do - but Mourinho and Levy didn't; which is laughable!

Yes, one of the many great things about watching that win today were the performances of Romeu and Armstrong - with their combined purchase price of 12m pounds. Best game I've seen from Armstrong, particularly first half. With the full backs playing high up the field, Armstrong's central midfield runs; his touch and passing, capped with the strike would usually make him a stand out mom. As it was, Romeu, and the second half efforts of KWP put them in the frame too. Add Adams, JWP, Elyounoussi, Salisu, TIno all as stand out performers and it made for a dominating win which is exactly what it looked like for all but 10 minutes. Everton's touted Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin were completely shut down by our back 4 - their midfield Allan, Gomes, Gordon undone by Romeu, JWP and Armstrong, and were left to commit cynical fouls. Romeu and JWP made so many quick, progressive passes today to willing runners which was such a contrast to the slow build up style of not long ago. Played them off the park today, a joy to watch. And full marks to a referee who let the game flow - only 15 fouls given in the match! And it was the only column the Toffees won all day....9-6.

Had a decent left foot from memory - and always seemed to score with headers at Upton Park.

Yeah. Of course Ward-Prowse and Romeu are playing well, but the emergence of Salisu and Broja, combined with the quality of our full-backs, all three of them, have lifted the side greatly.

No one I'd say. Two tremendous performances - had to dig in after United dominance early, but seesawing stuff thereafter.

You've summed things up so well - surely one of the most electrifying and satisfying Saints' performances for many years - at so many levels. First, that astounding opening 45 minutes where Saints sat Tottenham on their bottoms in most facets of the game - it could so easily have been out of sight at H/T. Then the feeling of dread and injustice when the Son goal goes in after the blatant foul on Broja which surely must have struck most supporters that our night was done in familiar, unlucky circumstances. To watch Conte carry on like he did - the aggression and the arrogance following on from the home fans howls at Forster on 66 minutes as he was perceived (in their eyes) to be wasting time in search of a 1-1 draw when in truth Saints played a brave, expansive attacking game for most of the night and made what followed with those two sublimely headed goals so wildly enjoyable. BBC gave their mom to Ward-Prowse - he played so well, but Romeu would be by choice, together, as a few on this forum predicted, they put Hojbjerg and Winks into the shade. It was incredible to see Spurs lack of appetite for the press! - they didn't apply it and they were rattled by our use of it - it was almost comical to watch their defence and midfield slowly crumble under the pressure. Perraud really announced himself tonight. He added some attacking run and pinpoint crossing to his grit and passion - and with KWP continuing to demonstrate what a classy RB he is it really gives Ralph a problem deciding where to fit Livramento in. Elynouissi - just as you're doubting he has what it takes at this level produces a game like that - particularly first half. Armstrongs run and industry returned tonight. Broja gave further suspicion to fears we may not be able to retain him. Adams played his role so well. Haven't mentioned Salisu, yet he was quietly imperious most of the game. Those who were lucky enough to have been at the ground must be walking on air tonight.

Slightly better than the oft heard "if I'm honest" though isn't it? I blame Pardew for that one. Btw, I'm an old boring twat as well!

Yep, the benefits of the new ownership should include a stronger stance on retaining our best players and a willingness to "break the bank" for the right player(s).

This is a bit different to the Bertrand deal though. From memory RB was 25 at the time, had been on loan at several other Clubs and while he looked a good player straight away for Saints, there weren't compelling reasons for Chelsea not to sell for the 10m or so fee. Broja's a 20 year old with unique attributes; the "world at his feet" and no certainty that Chelsea want to sell, let alone that other Clubs are interested.

Surely we would. If it got to that stage and 5m stood in the way of a deal, the new ownership would have to meet the 30m price.

Yes, your last sentence points up what Saints have lacked since the Koeman days. Salisu, KWP, JWP, Livramento, Broja...even Romeu and Adams are all players who could (or could soon) hold their own in a top 6 side. Just a tweak needed with a quality attacking midfielder and goalkeeper. Perhaps a CB too.

Indeed. I found the studio commentator's belief that Man City were "below their best" quite insulting to the quality of Saints performance because to my eye Man City played some sparkling Football. The game was fast and intense - Saints midfield and defence disciplined and resolute. The performance of Salisu was quite astonishing, with his great reading of the game, interceptions, tackles, headers and sweet passing. On that display he is already in the top bracket of centre-backs. The goal from Walker-Peters was sublime, and his general game excellent, underlining that despite the precocious skills of Livramento, KWP is among the best RB's going around and should be maintaining that spot upon Tino's return. A call out to Perraud, apart from that gaff in the penalty box he showed a tenacity and commitment all afternoon; Forster could be criticised for not contesting the KDB free kick leading to the goal but he made some good saves, "made himself big" and has been a presence in the last month or so. I thought Stuart Armstrong's return to form was telling, with his direct running a threat, which led to several attacking phases for Saints meaning that the Man City defenders could never completely have a quiet afternoon or push too high up the pitch. One of my favourite moments was the petulant push by Grealish on Romeu.....leading to Romeu, turning his back and returning to position; it made the Grealish "aggression" look even more foolish given that in a test of physical strength you'd back Romeu every day of the week! Superb performance.

Let's hope the decision makers at Chelsea read your comments, and believe them. The disallowed goal was a neat package of what makes Broja so scarily promising. Speed, strength, touch and a cool, clinical finish.

It might be plausible, but in my mind selling KWP would be idiotic. I rate him up there among our most valuable players...up there with Salisu, Ward-Prowse and the youth of LIvramento and Broja (yes, I know he's only on loan). I actually can't think of a player I'd least sell than KWP.

Hope you're right - I remember him making one of his first appearances for Fulham against us last season. It was hard to miss his talent.

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.