austsaint

People keep saying that...."considering the squad we've got", but Redmond, Tadic, Long, Ward-Prowse v Benteke, Zaha, Townsend and Sako. In an attacking sense we were vastly inferior, with only our full backs (and Boufal) providing any width and run.

I watched Sako come on and instantly give Palace drive and width on the flank, and then I looked at our right side and saw Ward-Prowse masquerading as a winger/wing back. He's not the reason we lost, but his nothingness in attack and defence add to the inevitable pressure the side invites.

It's all been said, even when the score was 1-0; but the quote above is the main reason the Manager has to be sacked. That piece of crap on the BBC site by Kreuger is instantly shown to be laughable nonsense.

I know the conditions are bad, but the Manager must take responsibility for the safety first approach which invited Palace back in - and then his delay in making obvious changes. He really must be replaced before it's too late.

Our clown of a Manager has to match the Palace changes....doesn't he?

Lemina for JWP or Tadic seems such an obvious change to me.

Saints look scared to press home the advantage - sitting back..very dangerous tactic.

He turned back because half time approached and there was no one to cross to. We have looked so much better with Bertrand and Pied providing width and run, although Pied's injury has slowed him. Bertrand and Boufal working together - our right hand side is not as effective. Need Lemina on to cover that.

Hojbjerg is superb tonight - he's the player we thought we were getting with Clasie. Romeu has also been at his top tonight. Well done Shane Long for that finish. One goal is clearly not enough, and since the injury to Pied we don't have that attacking width down the right - width and run is going to win this game. JWP is congesting play and slowing things down by coming infield - I'd bring Lemina on for Ward-Prowse and play him in the same "wing back" position while at the same time negating the danger of Zaha's run. The fear is conceding if we don't get the second but we are such good value for the lead.

Zaha, Benteke and Townsend look much more dangerous than Long, Tadic and Ward-Prowse......only Boufal gives some hope Saints attack will have some bite. At least MP has given the right side some width and run with Pied selected and McCarthy's retention is well merited.

That's right; we're all descendants of convicts with no idea out here. Pretty handy at Cricket though!

Everything you say is right....... provided we keep our Prem status.

Better attacking players. Better Manager?

I'll join that bracket too. Some have said Forster only needs better coaching, but it's his fundamental deficiencies that let him down. He hasn't got "good hands", the ball doesn't clunk into the gloves, it all looks laboured. He isn't a good mover. These things cannot be coached - it's frustrating that this situation has meandered on so long; I'm not saying McCarthy is the long time answer, but it just seems like a better balanced side with Forster out. He is only trading on reputation rather than performances.

Now you mention it, there was much less back passing tonight.

Did well. He just looks a more agile, mobile keeper than Forster. Comes off his line well; gets down to the low ball and his distribution is good. If Forster had been an outfield player he would have been dropped weeks ago, and he should not be re-instated anytime soon.

Yes, Boufal coming off was strange; thought he was excellent today, great running, touch, control and passing - only those two rather petulant fouls on Young spoiled the performance. Has to play against Palace.

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.