austsaint

One thing I hope the Manager has learned is that Hojbjerg and Boufal should be in Saint's best 11.

We're a bit short on quality, but the effort is there. Hojbjerg in among it; Boufal looks a threat; McCarthy actually moves like a GK. Have to tighten up defensively on our right side ..Stephens, W/P being run over by Mkhit. Shaw and Rashford.

Being opened up on their left flank.

Put on a plate by Boufal, who looks sharp.

Don't forget Prowsey.

No, we're not. Underwhelming "pipe and slippers" appointment - building a momentum of mediocrity. Get rid of the dud Manager for feck's sake...SFC decision makers. And I use the words decision makers very tentatively!!

They just aren't the type of players Saints have recruited since being back in the Prem. Then again, our Prem status hasn't been so uncertain for a decade or so and that was when Henri Camara was brought in - and did a job. Strengthening of the attack is urgently needed but I fear if the Manager is here much longer we are staring at the Championship abyss.

I hope he has started to rein the moaning and complaining out of his game - the on field demeanour of Redmond and Tadic is cringeworthy to watch, and it can only corrode the team spirit and cohesion we need so badly. I give credit to Boufal, who last season could often be seen dropping his head and being petulant - he seems to have eliminated that; keeps his head up and is having a go. He is also encouraging others on the field; yesterday he went straight to Lemina after he had hit the post and congratulated him/encouraged him.

I don't know why but I see him being a success as a Basketball referee! Certainly not a Football Manager. Palace replacing De Boer after 4 games may have been too rapid, but this annoying buffoon getting towards 20 games is alarming. Pellegr. is the first Saint's Manager who I feel anger towards; throw Reed in for anger and disdain as well.

Bit harsh to put Boufal's goal down to a goalkeeping error; it was a very decent strike from Boufal. You're right though, the two goals shouldn't delay the exit of Pellegrino.

Another goal and we will draw the second half.

Hojbjerg is another player the new Manager should cultivate and stick with - good player,

The new Manager has to play Boufal week in, week out.

I would like to see Forster subbed.

Hang your bald head Les Reed.

He has to go before the Man. U. game - I don't care if Dave Watson is caretaker for that game, but Pellegrino has to go now.

Exactly right. The board have to act now! It's clear the Manager is bereft of ideas and tactical nous; the players are not putting in for him. The lack of desire, fight and energy is demoralising to watch.

He has been unusually quiet so far; the whole team is quiet and subdued.

Nonsense - Gabbiadini is a better striker than Long every day of the week. On what basis does Long make perfect sense. No goals, no control or touch - just gut running.

Agree. Midfield looks good; but Long instead of Gabbiadini is pure Pellegrini nonsense.

If McQueen and Ward-Prowse are in our best 11 we really are in trouble. The Manager must be moved on; it's getting close to crisis time.

I suppose Austin's action had a higher visibility than Vardys'. Plus, the goalkeeper (in possession) always get's that presumption of extra protection doesn't he? Then there was the immediate flow of claret from the head which gave a more serious impression than Virgil's foot. I thought Austin should have been red carded on the spot - the three match ban effectively confirms that thought.

Only positives for me have been watching Lemina play (ankle permitting) and also glimpses of attacking class from Boufal. I've also got some anticipation about seeing Sims and Hesketh play a part in the new year although that may depend on how "safe" we are from relegation.

This is one of the main things that bewilders me with Pellegrino - he consistently starts repeat failures Tadic, Redmond and Ward-Prowse in attacking roles and leaves Boufal as an afterthought sub. once we're behind and need a goal. His treatment off Gabbiadini is similarly negligent. Then you look at the ridiculous rotation, the lack of timing and strategy with subs and team set up, and you have a disaster. He's an abysmal Manager.

I listened to a podcast this morning warning that the biggest reasons for emergency hospital admissions over the Xmas period are indigestion and road trauma!!!