austsaint

Surprised there isn't a " new player alert watch" running in tandem with this one. Ings 20 + kept us up last season which created a buffer for many team mates and Manager. Which is not to say a Ralph replacement discussion isn't needed. Could see Howe coming here.

Time you took your bluster, sarcasm and algorithm book back to the "Is anyone looking nervously over their shoulder" thread.

Agree - it really appears that clearcut; without Danny's 20 + goals, and to a lesser extent Romeu's presence, our overachieving and comfortable table position seems shot! As Tedderr observes, without the quick high press and a decisive pass and strike, there's not much else to create scoring chances, and we haven't seen much of that in the past 11 or 12 games (20 minutes v Man City aside).

That's a key observation. We're like a horse kicking several lengths clear down a short home straight and falling in to win by a head.

It's a very good point you make about the scarcity of "take responsibility" players we have in the side. Armstrong,KWP, Romeu (when fit) and occasionally Diallo. People don't like criticism of Ward-Prowse, but objectively, take his dead ball game out and your left with one of the most conservative, static "non-responsibility players we have. The experiment with Tella should soon be closed off; he just doesn't have the control or touch to be starting in an attacking four. Another deflating afternoon however you dress it up and it certainly looks like a flop to safety being sought out, not a comfortable mid-table finish.

Fair enough, I didn't realise he was valued so highly. I was partly responding to MLG's belief that Forster and McCarthy are better keepers - on what I've seen of Ramsdale, they aren't.

I think you're missing the point some people are making. No one's drooling over Fulham, and not many are fearing relegation, just that in the last 9 games or so, they are one of the Clubs who are in better form and playing a better style of Football than SFC. That of itself is fairly deflating, given the early season form and results.

You might - but judged on what I've seen, and considering Ramsdale's age and development - not to mention Saints budget - I'd say he's a perfect candidate for goalkeeping succession, especially if Gunn's career continues to stagnate. I'll trust my eyes on that one.

I used to think Steven Davis was the best bit of business for a UK player (sorry Verlaine) Saints ever did, but Armstrong might have him covered.

Maybe the returning Norwich will fork out a 8 -10 million fee for their prodigal son.

I think you've identified the areas he needs to improve. First touch, control and ball retention in tight areas. His pace, movement and work rate are excellent and he can strike a ball well with either foot. Tella is an immediate upgrade on Shane Long - maybe Long's aerial skills aside and he looks ahead of N'lundulu and Obafemi. I'm not quite ready to junk Redmond yet but Tella is clearly mounting a challenge for his spot as well.

You're not going to be able to retire early betting a tenner on Saints, or any other Club for that matter. I imagine you will be offered $10 or $12. for a Saints win v M. City which might tempt you. What do you drink over in the shaky isles? Monteith's Ale, Savvy Blanc or maybe a Central Otago PInot.

Same here. I still think McCarthy's a better keeper; and I still think both of them need replacing - someone like Ramsdale perhaps. Just the same, Forster does look rejuvenated and has earned the shirt for the time being. As Bankok Saint hinted at though.....let's not extend his contract again!

Come on Captain, take off the blinkers. Criticise Che if he plays badly but today he showed he's a good player. Sublime goal; a few good touches and flicks and very good hold up play which showed that against the weaker sides there's a case for the direct route to goal. Thought the return of KWP, Minamino and Diallo lifted our quality and paved the way for the win. Probably Minamino's best game in a Saints shirt - may have missed a sitter but much more involved around the ground and against the ball. Diallo improved after a shaky start and KWP immediately showed the benefit of a mobile, specialist RB. Armstrong sublime today with his movement and skill. Well done to Tella for his run and work rate and some recognition for Forster who didn't have a lot to do but looks confident and mobile at the moment - the young goalkeeper at the other end definitely looks the sort of keeper Saints should be looking at. Finally, a word of praise for the referee - calm, decisive and showed up some of his "celebrity" colleague whistle blowers today.

He always has been!

Leon Best - will always be remembered for his miss in the 07 play off v Derby. On a scale of deflating nights, that one was right up there!

As above. And whoever authorised the two year extension should have their salary docked for rank stupidity.

Real blather in your case.

Yes but after the 80 minute mark the Djenepo opportunity after being teed up by Armstrong and the Vestergaard scuffed shot while slipping could easily have earned the draw, no?

Well done for fronting up Vancouver Saint!! I knew you would! Your summary is right on the money. What you missed would have frustrated you further in that Djenepo and particularly Vestergaard missed gettable goal chances. As you suggest, many are hoping for KWP's return and Diallo for that matter, even though Armstrong did a remarkable fill in job tonight.

Yep, I've changed my mind in the last month or two. Let him go to Leicester. He has been a class act for the Club with those marauding overlap runs and pinpoint crosses - but it's a while since we saw them; perhaps he's no longer capable of making them!

What is it people are seeing in Tella? Certainly in favour of leaving Redmond at home but if Minamino or Djenepo aren't fit I'd prefer to see someone like Watts occupying that attacking wide role. Just haven't seen enough from Tella to justify a start.

Agree with this. We battled it out strongly and Vestergaard and maybe Djenepo could/should have rescued a point late on. Both the midfielders did well - Armstrong with his strong, direct running and Ward-Prowse with work rate and passing range. Have to join the chorus questioning Redmond's continued presence in the team - he just doesn't have the touch/control or the Footballing nous to be remain in the side....I'm not convinced that Tella is the answer either! There were hopeful signs tonight and with Diallo and KWP back the points needed will surely start to tick over.

I'll bet you end up watching. As will I.

Perfect opportunity for Jankewitz to show up and earn his "redemption".