austsaint

You could be describing at least one other midfielder in Saint's squad - it will be interesting to see how the new Manager rates Clasie and JWP.

Yes, in an era of egotists and prima donnas, we have Steven Davis, model pro, decent bloke and a damn good player.

But surely not Van Gaal!! Ageing, blunt, tactically inflexible and egotistical - where's the upside????

I wouldn't hold the use of defensive tactics against Barca as a reason not to appoint Pellegrino. Both Chelsea and Man City have had to adopt a similar style in recent CL games during Mourhino and Pellegrini tenures. Anyone know what Pellegrino's command of English is like?

Yes, quite so. And I'd take another 2 years or so of the benefits a high profile manager like Tuchel would bring, Let's hope Les thinks so too. Perhaps the whole idea of "managerial stability" is a fanciful dream of the past - just like the notion of the "loyal" player is more likely a player without any better offers.

Les and co. might be wary of a Tuchel appointment if they are looking for managerial stability since a Poch/Koeman stepping stone outcome would be likely.

To be fair, your use of "is seemingly on his way" is ambiguous, in that it could be read as an incoming or outgoing player. Have a walk round the block; you'll feel better.

I'd like to think we could accumulate more than 46 points next season.

Sorry, Danish. And I quite like Hojbjerg, just making the point that we don't always get our replacements for big money sales right,

And don't forget the Sengalese attacker who went to Liverpool for big money only to be replaced by the new Thierry Henry and a Moroccan superstar. And the Kenyan international midfielder who couldn't pass that we replaced with a Norwegian international equal of Barcelona's Xavi and our own home grown future international England captain JWP.

He really isn't, Andy. Tidy player but fringe Prem, at best.

Eduardo Howeski from Bournmouth?

Good write up LD. I think a section of the crowd were booing the decision to sub JWP, not JWP himself. He had quite a good game, but the run and penetration of Boufal was a good change and he proved that with a decent cameo.

Boufal changed things when he came on....quite a few on here have a pre-conceived idea about him being a dud. He's a good player who will get better. The second half was so much better. Tadic played well, Yoshida was good, Cedric before his injury and JWP played well.

Look Andy, JWP had a tidy first half; made a few neat passes, put in a good cross and covered a lot of the pitch, but he wasn't really influencing the game in attack or defence in the second half when we were 1-0 down. Boufal for JWP was the right sub. By all means talk up Ward-Prowse but don't inflate his influence in the second half last night.

I'm with you Super. A unique, world class attacker is Mane.

Machiavelli?

A post which should be sent on to to Les Reed - or whoever will be making decisions about the squad next season.

Yep, and should have been given a free when Mignolet handled just outside of the box. There was a lot of spirit in the side all day - but particularly after the penalty save.

I'll guarantee you it was given against Stephens.

Once again I'll challenge your assertion. Davis played well today - the glaring weakness in midfield was Ward-Prowse! Great fighting display by Saints, especially after the penalty save. They were there for the taking, but we didn't have much in attack to take them with. Stephens and Yoshida were both excellent today - so was Forster, Cedric and Romeu. In the end it was a great point.

I thought he had a good half of Football. How did you rate JWP at DM and Tadic staging for free kicks? Davis, Romeu and the two CBs very good. Would like to see us take the game on a bit more - Redmond for Tadic and Hojbjerg for Ward-Prowse.

Yes, I agree that both Hoj and Boufal are not finishing the season well after really good early season performances. Boufal has been blighted by injury, interruption and trying to settle into the demands of the Prem. Hoj seems to have dropped confidence after being dropped and just hasn't played enough Football since to regain his rhythm. I hope they stay though - they have to be given their chance - the talent is there.

Your maybes' are crazy.

Agree with you, but where does this leave JWP in your line up? Don't you agree that the playing of JWP wide right has upset the balance of midfield; because effectively he has taken the place of either Hoj or Clasie playing alongside Romeu - a position JWP isn't suited to.