austsaint

Hojbjerg had a very good first half. Both midfielders fell away in the second half as Traore and co dominated. Even though our recent form has been good, always worried our two man midfield could be exposed, and they were. I think Ralph has erred in discarding Romeu.

Well summed up - they had Traore; we had a powderpuff Armstrong; our midfield couldn't cope in the second half and our CBs, particularly Stephens were found out today. Cedric our best player by a country mile. A reinforcement or two badly needed.

Your dislike of Boufal is bemusing. Should be keeping Adams, Boufal and Djenepo. Long should be going.

I think you've come too far out of your shell.

I'd like to echo your words Steve. Love Yoshida - committed player for SFC, and not a bad one either.

No, I was just being flippant. Let's just go out and beat them! I still remember the Sakanowski hat-trick all those years ago.

Beware the wounded wolf.

Long's been ok......but he looks gassed before the hour when he starts. Ralph doesn't seem to do half-time subs but replacing a spent Long with Adams at H/T would be my hope.

The difference being he is now in his mid thirties and looks like an impact sub even at Championship level.

Too little too late? He's played well for the last month. The form of both fullbacks is a big factor in the good run of form.

If you apply that logic then Shane Long would have been sent packing years ago! Given the improved position the Club's in I'd like to see Ralph start Adams more often and bring Long on as the impact sub - then we would see if he can cash in among a more confident, better performing side.

Steady on. His speed and direct running are assets but he does drift in and out.

Well done you - and all the best on becoming a Dad.

Really good cameo today. He'll be alright. The goal (s) will come. Thought he should have replaced Long earlier today.

He was superb - right back to his best. Hope he re-signs.

Absolutely the most satisfying win of the season. Ings, Cedric and McCarthy all brilliant. Cedric's recent performances have been mighty.

Yep, which was the case last night when Rice gained an advantage for his assist from the unintentional hand ball.

As long as the rule is consistently applied I don't mind it. It's the lack of consistency with the VAR rulings which does my head in Though unintentional, the Rice handball did allow the ball to cushion nicely into his path allowing him to set up Snodgrass.

Egg...listen up. Read Gordon's long post, and take it all in. It is succinct, and gives you plenty of examples of the Club taking us for mugs. Show a bit of a respect for a well thought out offering.

From memory, Mane's debut was v Arsenal in the League Cup late 2014 (2-1 SFC) - he won the penalty with a mazy run and showed enough to stamp him as an outstanding talent. The Sheffield U. game was a cold, midweek cup tie in the North, and the whole side were rubbish that night. I remember writing that he could become as good an attacking talent as Eden Hazard - and he proved it......everyone gets a wild guess right now and again! I think you are right about Djenepo - he has got that raw talent, quick feet and movement which reminds you of a younger Mane. Also agree that Che Adams doesn't have those attributes and looks like becoming one of the highly rated Championship strikers who don't make it in the Prem.

Sorry - Mane's class was evident from day 1 at St Marys.

No, I don't think he will become a first team regular, his best performances for us have been as a sub. Ralph probably sees him only as a winger, in competition with Djenepo and to a lesser extent Redmond for a place. If he was given some licence to play a more attacking midfield role by Ralph then maybe he could cement a place. I think he needs a Manager who trusts him and backs him with a run of games in a side with other switched on attacking and midfield players.

I don't have an agenda, (I don't imagine you do either) nor do I claim Boufal is the most skilful player in the League - but he is a lot better player than you are making out. He has also had quite a good season, if not so great in his return from injury v Palace. Open both eyes

Overall, Boufal's performances this season have been good - he was virtually "first up" from the foot injury v Palace. On the other hand, Armstrong who apart from a fine performance against Chelsea has been very patchy, and did very little when he came on as a sub on Saturday is seen my many as a "must include". They are such different players anyway - Armstrong the fast, direct straight line runner whose control and link up play isn't as good as Boufals and Boufal who can cause chaos in and around the box with trickery and touch. It's amazing how little slack Boufal gets compared to Armstrong and several other regulars (Redmond and even JWP) from many supporters.

Maybe, but apart from Kelly's mistake, Palace were tight in defence and strong in midfield - with quick counter attacks from Zaha, Ayew and co. Today was a completely different match to Chelsea - Saints had twice as much possession and Palace were a lot tighter, provided less space and were hard to break down