austsaint

Eh? Watching the game?

Boo boy Boufal doing very well tonight - picking his moments.

He was a lot better than both of them, on the day.

But Glasgow, you slagged MP off unmercifully during his time here.

Boufal needs a consistent run of games to get back to the stuff he was playing early in the season. Even yesterday during his mixed cameo, he found space in the box and provided an assist for Tadic who couldn't finish off. I'd rather a player like Boufal in the side who can create opportunities to win games than a collection of sideways passers and safety first(ers).

He was out sped (JWP) as well as bullied. I don't know what his best position is - but it's not wide right midfield, no run and penetration and no midfield cover and defence.

Wasn't in the squad today.

That's not true though; Gabbia clearly wasn't fit for 90 minutes and Ward-Prowse was anonymous - the subs were ok.

They have been way better than us - but we invited them in, right from the start. The days of midfield strength like Wanyama and Morgan seem a distant memory. Hojbjerg was poor today; Tadic was abysmal. Message for Mr Puel, JWP might be a good player but he is not a wide right/winger. Next season we have to offer better than Long and Rodriguez.

Puel has to change something at H/T. Tadic and Ward-Prowse luxury players today. Either move JWP more centrally and get him helping the midfield or replace him with Clasie. Cedric is all alone defensively down the right side. If we want to win the game rather than hang on for an unlikely scoreless draw, replace Tadic with Boufal. Davis, Cedric and Yoshida all good in an "away" style performance.

Sims is the player I'd like to see get much more game time as this season ends and certainly next season. Just think he's going to develop into a very good player.

I'd take Stephens over Stones and Redmond over Stirling. Roughly a 90 million pound valuation difference when you compare the amounts Man City paid out, which is another reason to admire Saints recruitment and academy policy. Like a lot of people I've been curious to have a look at Carceres play, but I applaud Puel's decision to stick with Stephens and Yoshida. Had one of them faltered badly, Carceres could have come in to steady the ship - but they've done the job and there's no reason to halt the development of Stephens nor not reward Yoshida for his good form.

Nervy at the end but a great away win. Best part for me was the performance of our midfield Clasie and Hojbjerg - both made a mockery of their limited recent game time with all action games. Yoshida and Stephens were solid and settle at CB, and in attack Redmond excelled and Tadic was good. Nice little cameo by Reed at the end helped shore things up. Forster's best game in goal for ages. Only Long disappointed - he was poor today.

Great half of Football; played them off the park without full reward on the goals tally. Redmond and Tadic once again at the heart of things. Bertrand providing plenty of run and dangerous crosses. Midfield of Hojbjerg and Clasie doing the job. Was that really Clasie's first League goal? Was the Arsenal screamer a cup game?

I'll bet his Mum found him a nightmare to get off to school on time.

The odd thing is, that Davis aside, most of Verlaine's posts are well constructed! Surely anyone who can't see the value of Davo to Saints is missing something quite fundamental.

Clearly Romeu is a big miss, but Clasie and Hoj can do the job despite lack of recent playing time. I'd be ok with Harry Reed in with Hoj. Reed seems to have paid a heavy price for one poor half. He has proved himself in games like this several times.

Quite agree. Stephen's reminds me a bit of Chambers - athletic, good on the ball, picks a pass well; room for improvement aerially. Maybe not as quick as Chambers, but there are similarities.

Your first line is an interesting observation. If he continues to improve then perhaps the spot Davis is playing now might become JWPs - that's probably the position he needs to try and cement. That would free up the inside-right place for someone like Sims or even Boufal if Tadic is still with us and still commanding the 10 position. One of the not-so-good things about JWP in the right attacking role is the pressure it puts on Cedric to run the flank, but also to get back and cover defensively. On the left, Redmond and Bertrand have the pace and run to do both.

Gingletiss - if I'm understanding your description of being in "Carramar" - I take it you are living in a residential care facility. If I've got that right, I'm sorry to hear it; can't be much fun losing some of your independence and I hope your health is allowing you to see the Saints play on the TV regularly. You were saying in your post that you watched the Crystal Palace game which by my calculations would have been around 3am Perth time. Look we have different views about JWP's abilities, but I don't think anything I've said that qualifies me as a troll or even makes my post stupid. I gladly concede he has improved this season and is benefiting from a consistent run in the side. I still see several limitations in his game as an attacking inside-right - he doesn't really run at the opposition; doesn't show an ability to beat a man with pace or trickery and quite often slows the game down when he's in an attacking space. He has a great work rate and runs around the pitch willingly but I don't see an effective defensive side of his game at this stage either. But, he is getting his opportunity, is improving and he plays for a great Club - long may it continue.

I'm guessing Pete Campbell, Andy Durman, Faz, Gingletiss might be the same person, so effusive are they about Prowsey. Man of the Match said Gingletiss...ay, what....did you see the performances of Tadic, Redmond and Romeu? Future England Captain says Faz? The lad has improved this season, that's for sure. Last night he took his goal well; played a couple of lovely passes and was neat and tidy. I'm still not sure about the inside-right position being the right spot for him; nor the automatic selection he is enjoying at the moment, but hey ho, we'll see.

He really was. Going to missed in the next two.

One of the best games Tadic has turned in since the 8-0 Sunderland win - Gabbiadini would have had a field day with that delivery tonight. Redmond shone and is finishing the season as a genuine attacking threat. Romeu the other who played well. matching and then rampaging through the Palace mid-field. Table has a better look about it now!

Redmond very good tonight and Romeu as solid as ever. Young Stephens having a tough time with Benteke.

I'm very glad you and your son don't pick the team Andy.