austsaint

What are you so angry about? You got the result you wanted. How do you rate Bertrand's left foot and his plans beyond his playing days?

He did do well...and he's such a likeable character. But he should not be getting a contract extension at 33; it's time to set him loose as a free agent for a Championship Club.

Have to question part of your remarks. I thought Hojbjerg in particular and Romeu did quite well in midfield...the problem (in my view) was that the team (collectively) tired at about the hour mark after so much running, pressing and marking; space opened up and in those circumstances Salah, Firminho and their full backs were uncontainable. Armstrong is a strong, direct player but not a particularly composed on the ball and not necessarily a good decision maker. JWP did a reasonable job at RB, though he was exposed at times by Robertson and though he's done well in midfield in recent times, a game like this puts pressure on any midfielder. Saints did well, and 4-0 was a harsh reward for their efforts, particularly the first half. IF anything it showed the bravery of Ralph to keep the 4-2-4 structure, which created chances but inevitably left us exposed as the game wore on......Armstrong and JWP in midfield would not have changed that. In fact PEH looked one of our best on the day, along with Ings, Djenepo and Bertrand.

Great reading. RB is an interesting character. Agree with his observations that many pro-Brexit citizens are voting on nationalist ideas of reduced immigration. One thing they forgot to mention is that sweet left footed cross he has.....probably the best in the Prem. Hope he stays into next season and beyond.

Given that you live in Bordeaux, I hope your judgement on wine is better than your assessment of Maya Y.

Absolutely this. Well done Maya Yoshida; a much better player than many on here are claiming. Great Clubman too.

Something that's largely been missed in the commentary. Cedric has served the Club well over time - and he leaves on a high note with polished, spirited performances in the last 8 weeks.

Cedric has been much better than mediocre over a long period of time for us. Even this season, a game hasn't been won without him playing and it has been no coincidence the upturn in form recently has been with Bertrand and Soares on the park.

Agree. Apart from the Ings' goals - the form and structure of having Bertrand and Cedric playing regularly in their right positions has been a huge factor in the improvement of the past two months.

What about Papa Shango? Didn't he write a review or two of Saints matches.

JWP has been very good lately but you can't say he was superb today surely? And Danso was clearly taken out by Son; he didn't slip up. Also, Redmond was clearly our best player today.....don't you think?

While I agree Danso looked uncomfortable at RB - Son got a lot of space because our midfield was opened up time and again by Ali, Lo Celso and Moura. Either way it's hard to see a future for Danso even if he hasn't had an opportunity at CB. Thoroughly enjoyed the game, could easily have been 3-3 with plenty of chances at either end. Redmond outstanding today, Obafemi showed glimpses and Hojbjerg continued his upsurge. Really missed Cedric today, but well done to Ralph with his use and timing of the subs.

Exactly what I was thinking. Wolves will do well to hang on to Traore!

Barry Sanchez - probably the weirdest, most argumentative poster I can remember. Blew in and then disappeared. Might have been a Glasgow alter ego.

Yep, he was good. Despite lack of match practice he was intercepting, disrupting and providing the physical challenge - left Ayew and McCartney in crumpled heaps and contrary to some opinions, showed he can pick out an attacking pass. Still a very effective DM. PS . His legs aren't gone!!!

I don't know about the point of a good bollocking in the wake of a gaff like Vest's mistake - it's a very old school response that defies what we know about motivation and performance. A bit of encouragement and a pat on the back work better and to Vest's credit he fought back and played a part.

Read my follow up post - 49. Mea Culpa !

Shroppie, just in case you read my post (47) - I misread your comments about a "reaction" to the Wolves win - sorry. Yes, it was indeed the best reaction possible from start to finish.

Why don't you just enjoy the win without gloating about some criticism (justified) following the collapse against Wolves. Thoroughly enjoyable win tonight with two sublime goals and some of the best passing, control and attacking link up play seen from a Saints side since the Koeman days. The link up between Bertrand and Redmond was joyful to watch; the direct running of Armstrong decisive and the speed and intensity of Obafemi and Long (even if his touch and finishing were again abysmal) keeping Palace defenders jittery most of the night. Credit to JWP for a decent effort at filling in at RB. Stephen's great on the ball tonight and he bailed out the hapless Vestaagard several times. Romeu tightened up the midfield and he and PEH were among the best. Redmond a clear man-of-match.

FFS, Romeu is not a poor player! As others have noted, he was clearly our best player for the first part of this season. While he's not lightning quick, nor are the likes of PEH/JWP. We got a glimpse on Saturday (2nd half) of how fragile our two man midfield is, once the press falls off due to fatigue and against the power and pace of sides like Wolves - which in turn heaped pressure on the CBs. Romeu is also more than capable of picking a pass - and linking with attacking players. He has, or should have, a very important role in getting the Club across the line of safety.

Dead ringer (Traore) of Ma'a Nonu - former All Black.

Got to feel sorry for the young lad don't you. With a Dad like that his card has nearly been marked.

Thanks for the hyperbole. It wasn't his best game today, I'll grant you.

Listen up Glasgow. It's not jealousy when people react negatively to your betting triumphalism. It's the cringe of someone trumpeting their proclaimed wins on the punt after the let down of a loss. Keep it to yourself, no one is interested!

I thought Boufal handled the situation well. Probably the best thing he did for the afternoon!