austsaint

Yes, like many, I like Armstrong , he is a powerful, direct runner and creates chances in attacking positions - but he can be sloppy in possession; and lose the ball leading to costly turnovers. In that respect he reminds me of Boufal....who received a lot of criticism because of that.

Good summary. And when Ralph did react against the Wolves momentum, Shane Long was the wrong player; offers so little these days - Diallo was probably the early sub we needed. Great point just the same against a side with great attacking threat. Theo's miss was crucial, but in the end it was a hanging on draw. First time for a while our midfield has been outpointed and we had a lot to thank McCarthy for. Despite losing possession once or twice Walker-Peters continues to impress and surely all Che Adams doubters are changing their minds.

I believe 70% of Ghanaian's speak Twi as their first language.

If Shane Long can be given a two year extension Theo must be a candidate for a contract the way he has fitted in. Chances are other Clubs may offer him say a two year deal in the Summer while the Club may prefer a one year contract.

On "form" you would have to stick with Djenepo. Agree about Vokins - would be a good game to throw him in and see if he can reprise the young Luke Shaw.

Fascinating to hear Ralph's words about playing better without a home crowd. The results and style of play confirms the suspicion of anxiety/stress during downturns in results, confidence, luck etc. at home during the last couple of seasons. It's all just a joy to watch at the moment - Adam's finish and general game, the prodigal return of Theo; the Romeu/WP combination; the class of KWP; the bargain that is Armstrong and the improvement of JV.

Stevens was quite poor - but Armstrong too was very loose and sloppy in his play allowing Grealish and co much freedom on the left side. A pity the second half display detracted from those four marvellous goals

And even though Armstrong was good yesterday, I'm glad Ralph let Romeu complete the game, and tweak the formation slightly.

Remember the game 3 or so seasons back when a fit and in-form Wanyama (playing for Spurs) and Romeu battled it out and Romeu clearly outpointed VW. There has been a lot of unjustified writing off of Romeu...."too slow, legs are gone". He is a very accomplished DM and his eye for an attacking pass has often been under appreciated.

I think we get you don't rate him! I do, but he was not suited to the Prem and didn't get the trust/faith from a couple of poor Managers.

More like a long run of poor opportunity! JS strikes me as a player good enough to make an impact at Prem level (he has already) but hasn't been able to back it up consistently enough.

I saw more than enough from Sims at Saints to know he's better than a L1 player.

It was surprising that Tella, JWP and co didn't take those late opportunities to put crosses in to pressure the shaky defence and goalkeeper. Such an enjoyable game though and it was great in the last 20 minutes or so watching Saints taking the game to Chelsea. I thought Romeu was our best - all over the pitch, harassing, intercepting and I counted at least 6 incisive attacking passes as well as the pass which turned Zouma around and led to Adam's goal. Ings and Adams both good, JWP, KWP and Bertrand very solid and fair play to Vesterguard in keeping his nerve after that whirlwind Chelsea start. Walcott's second half was much improved and he showed his class with those driving runs and crosses late in the game. Suddenly the season is looking more promising!

Smallbone is the player who should be going out on loan.

One of his biggest critics on here was/is Verlaine - who otherwise is a poster well worth reading.

That's a tremendous read. And Pochettino's comments are marvellous and a warm tribute to a much loved Saint.

I would be too. Three or four years too late for a Walcott return to St Marys.

Can't remember a more comfortable win with only a 10 minute spell after half time from the Baggies raising any concerns. KWP a clear best player - a display that Clyne in his prime would have welcomed. Romeu another strong, decisive game topped off by that superb volley - and a mention for the maligned Vestergaard who had an outstanding game, relishing the lack of threat from the West Brom forwards.

Great half from Saints and a well deserved lead. WBA haven't threatened which has allowed KWP and Vestargard to impose themselves on the game. Ings, Adams, Armstrong all lively and both midfielders energetic and pressing well. Lovely skills from Djenepo after a quiet start to the game.

Weak, unfunny, slightly spiteful piss take on Charlie's very reasonable SFC valedictory to Boufal's time at the Club - he may not have fitted in to the Prem format, but was a sublimely skilful player to watch.

Much as I like both Armstrong and Djenepo, if Boufal had played like they did on Saturday he would have been hauled off earlier and been given the rounds of the kitchen on this site. And then we have to watch the hapless Tella come on and deliver something many grades below Boufal's capabilities.

Yes, I agree...he had the energy yesterday and the pace, just not the control and touch expected of him. It was strange to see both he and Djenepo so far off the pace.

Crucial win, but the two players you mention Djenepo and Armstrong were so untidy and wasteful. Just that one threat on goal after the KWP and Adams lead up; never looked like scoring a second. The two CBs did well enough and JWP and Romeu were probably our best - Adams not bad for his 75 minutes. No one likes to be critical after a win but players like Tella coming on and Smallbone in the opening games underlines how threadbare our squad is.

Well said Charlie. Most would concede the weaknesses in Boufal's game; particularly in the Premier League with the style of player RH wants. He has some sublime Football talent though, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. My best memory was the goal line control and pull back resulting in a goal for Romeu - not sure of the game, but very few players could have engineered that assist.

Has to be a better option than either Smallbone or Tella, neither of whom look like short term or long term answers.