austsaint

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!

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.