austsaint

If Adkins had the likes of Hoedt, Ward-Prowse, Redmond and Long in his starting team he would be tonked 6 - 1 as well.

He really cannot tackle - nor does he often try to. It's no myth.

I'd be happy if Saints showed the sort of intensity and courage Derby are against Chelsea at the moment.

A real black mark for Hughes, persisting with Austin. Plenty of effort from our lads, but short on quality and short on the element of luck needed. Lemina the best today.

Poor quality half. Austin needs to be replaced. Lemina, Redmond doing ok, Elynoussi better, Ings trying hard.

This is the doomsday outcome which is scarily close.

Feck sake mate, time to let JWP go; he is not going to make the grade.

Let's hope Sparky can see this too - probably the only chance he has of keeping his job for longer. Any word on Lemina's fitness?

Yet replacing Hughes would be addressing just a small part of the malaise Saints have slipped into. As the article points out, it's been the loss of quality - particularly Mane, and a decline in the quality and recruitment of replacements which is at least as important as the quality of Manager. A painful read indeed; but hard to argue against any of it.

Good on him. I still think he can make an impact at the top level and I still rate him a much more skilled attacking player than Ward-Prowse.

Yes, more time is the only hope because he's been really underwhelming so far. Hasn't shown the eye for a pass that Tadic did and hasn't shown a turn of speed or ability to take on a defender.

Definitely a Championship player at best these days. Likewise Shane Long. It's a big part of the Club's problem these last two and a bit seasons.

Quite true - Stephen's pace today was crucial and Hoedt had a reasonable game too. Hojbjerg, far and away our best. Austin, Armstrong and Gabbi's misses were very frustrating. Thought Hughes should have replaced Austin earlier. Moi and Armstrong both very underwhelming at this stage - Moi in particular was hardly sighted.

Yep, thought Gabbiadini played well before the break and is now benched in favour of Austin who has been awful. Romeu also played well when brought on at half time and a midfield of Hoj, Lemina and Romeu has led to our best performances - Romeu not even on the bench. Lack of attacking press today from Ings, Austin, Moi and Redmond might put a lot of pressure on Lemina and Hoj.

I've been defending Hughes, but that's not the best side he could put out.

I think Reed should go; together with Kreuger, Wilson and perhaps Kat L. The shake up is needed - and soon. Quite apart from the poor decision making of Reed in the past 2 - 3 seasons, there is a strong case for questioning whether a 66 - 67 yo who has been round the block, has the sharpness, drive and capacity to "read" and respond to the modern game.

There's a chapter in the DSM5 which describes you perfectly, Glasgow.

Hughes is not the most dynamic Manager around, but a better thread title would be - Replacements for Austin, Long, Bednarek, Hoedt, Davis, Ward-Prowse, Stephens. And probably Vest, Yoshida, Armstrong, Moi and Redmond.

Mane by far; Wanyama, Toby.

Thought Lemina was good today - worked hard, passed well and got forward.

Agree with Hoedt and Long, but thought Romeu was the right half-time sub and resulted in a better midfield performance plus more Saint's play higher up the pitch. Chelsea were different class but at least the second half performance was encouraging.

If you haven't seen the 3rd Arsenal goal today - you must see a replay. Goal of the year candidate.

Yes, of course, misread Saint IQ's team. I still like it though; Lemina and at times Hoj to push forward occasionally or in counter attacks, and measured attack from Bertrand and Cedric. I mean you can't go full cannon against a slick outfit like Chelsea, but I just like the absence of Austin and Long and the inclusion of Romeu who should lift against his former side and gives Lemina and Hoj a little licence to get forward. I expect Hoedt will start, but he shouldn't! Three CBs though is nearly nailed on.

He is nearly 24, has made over 200 appearances, and is one of the most "coached" players I've seen ie. that right to left swinging corner/free/pass, which is just about his entire kit bag. JWP is not going to improve loads! I'd still keep him as a squad player and if an offer did come in during the summer, well and good. Would be a good outcome for Club and player - he needs a change of scenery.

I like that team. There's enough movement and threat from Redmond, Gabby and Ings to compensate for the three midfielders and three CBs.