austsaint

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

You've got a block against Boufal - the guy has been out injured for over a month and did some good things today.

Good point in the end. Djenepo changed the game to build on the momentum shift of Ings' goal. Both full backs did well today and Hoj was good in midfield.

Thats B.S. - Palace had a good lineup on the Park.

Actually, Armstrong didn't do a great deal when he came on. Djenepo changed the game following the momentum shift of Ings' goal.

Getting whacked in midfield.

Has created more attacking threat than any other Saints player.

What a great week. Big pat on the back to Ralph for sticking with a 4-4-2. Redmond, Armstrong and Stephens outstanding. So good to see Che Adams making a good contribution...he and Obafemi are the future for Saints, not Shane Long.

With you. Despite Long's impact in recent games - as a starter against the better teams you can see the familiar weaknesses, and it costs us. I still think the bench is his best place and against the better teams a combination of Djenepo, Boufal, Armstrong, Redmond and Adams is the best way to go.

Jack S. played well yesterday but he is a long way off England cap quality - as are the other two you mention. Grealish, in a poor Villa side stood out as International quality - the Club could do with a midfielder like him.

Not a day to be critical but agreed - this was a perfect setting for Ralph to give Adams at least half an hour to boost his confidence and get him more involved.

Great result -well done Danny Ings, Stephens and both full backs.

Got to call that one out. Romeu is our best (only?) CM/DM midfielder by a country mile, and he has had a fairly good season so far. The decision to omit him in favour of PEH/JWP is an odd decision by Ralph and exposes further our fragile defence.

The lack of accountability Reed and Wilson were subjected to was a breathtaking failure which the Club seems destined to pay for.

One thing that stood out for me about Saturdays game is that Romeu is a much better midfielder than PEH or JWP - forget this furphy about pace and mobility - he's just a better midfield player - leaving aside that JWP's set piece delivery adds value to a struggling team.

Ralph's idea to play a Hojbjerg/Ward-Prowse midfield was always going to end in tears. Romeu one of the few bright spots in an awful performance. Trusting in Long to start multiple games has also been a bad decision by Ralph. Saints do look like a Championship side.

No one's mentioned Liam Miller for Leeds in the 87th minute for Leeds at St Marys in the Championship to make it 3-4 after Saints led 3-0 with 20 minutes left. That was a nasty memory. Thanks 'Arry.

Played well in my view - took a holding and box-to-box role - the two man midfield is going to cause problems against the better sides, and we needed Romeu in the second half; especially since the early withdrawl of Djenepo emboldened the Norwich midfield (Tetty). PEH was good.

Yes, and a good January...ie CB and CM.

Agree...McCarthy had to cover the open side and Pukki took the wrong footed option near post...it was a quality finish. My only complaint with McCarthy is a few sloppy clearances. As things stand he is a better keeper than Gunn.

What impressed me with Brighton is the way they continued to attack Arsenal after conceding - they never retreated into deep defence - something Saints often do....even as recently as Wednesday night. Mooy is such a creative mid-fielder and the run of Connolly, Daupay and Trossard looked impressive.

You really are a prize *anker Glasgow.