S-Clarke

This was like watching us from the Koeman/MP days, probably a little too early to read too much into it...but it was a seriously impressive showing tactically, I have to say. We used to press under Pelligrino, Puel and Hughes in a half-hearted manner, maybe 1 or 2 token efforts. However yesterday there was a plan, a cohesive team effort and a tactical understanding of when to press, in which areas to press and how many press at a time. When you play like that against anyone you worry teams, you fluster them, you force them into rash clearances and mistakes - which is what we did. This is exactly the sort of setup I think Hojbjerg will thrive in if I’m honest, he isn't massively quick, but he reads the game well and can snap in and set the tempo - I've always thought he's better on the front foot rather than defensively anyway. Romeu still looks rusty as hell, but I'm sure he'll get his sharpness back.... Bednerak was the best of the bunch at the back, although as a unit it was tons better, I have to say. It shows what a bit of coaching and tactical instruction can do, as the players seemed keen to implement the plan. I just feel over the last 3 years we've just been told to go out and 'pass the football' without much thought for anything else. Teams like ourselves have a better chance of doing well if we pressure teams and force them into errors. We still have huge deficiencies in the squad though and there is still work to do, but the path is seemingly looking like the correct path and the players are buying into what they are being told. I loved the new guys passion at the end, that will rub off on everyone.

No loss!

Basically social media speak, the amount of times the content is displayed on peoples news feeds etc.

They've obvioulsy just seen how much he cost brighton. He'd be more aorund the £25m mark I'd have thought.

We didn't play that badly either if I remember right, it was an unlucky defeat away at one of the 'toughest' sides in that league back then. I'm pretty sure McGoldrick scored our goal...might be wrong. But we actually had a decent start, I remember the away 1-0 at Derby where we played them off the park. We just were just too young and got sucked into a rut after a hard run of games.

Can't really stand those guys either. Dragging us down with their averageness.

Don't turn it on the fans. It's been 2/3 years of absolute horrific stuff at home, no goals, no action. I think the guys who are still going need ****ing medals.

I absolutley dispise this team. Get rid of the lot of them, horrible.

If we have players who are upset/already moaning about a new approach, then they know what they can do. To be fair it will probably equal most of the squad, but we need a cull here as the players we've accumulated is by far the worst bunch ever.

We haven't got a best defence, every combination is below par and there's nothing we can do about it. We just need to start scoring at the other end and see if we can score more than we let in.

Yeah, it feels right. Good fit from what I've read. Give the club the plaudits on this one, they've seemingly pulled this from nowhere. It feels like we've gone back to having a coach with a clear identity/style of play, rather than just ''I like to pass the ball''.

Yeah, that's a common misconception. He's as slow as all hell. Technically good, but certainly needs pace around him, otherwise he's just pointless

Ummm...nope. He is horrific.

Time for this to be a sticky?

I don't think they said we were talking to them, more like they'd be interested. And of course they would be. It's not like we'd be interested though.

Yeah, it's Ralph for sure now.

I didn't expect this if I'm honest, but fair enough. We didn't let this one drag out, we wanted to change it up quickly. Makes you wonder how much influence Les had last year in keeping MPoE for as long as we did (criminal). I think he's a decent bloke, Hughes, and he did galvanise us a bit last year and did his job in that sense - but the record was just appalling and has been for a long time. I can't see him getting back into work anytime soon after his last couple of roles.

Ok, well this is a pleasant surprise. A forward thinking, long-term and highly regarded managerial appointment. After the last few we've been crying out for someone like this, he's very much in the Klopp mould and will obviously know a lot about high pressing football. Dare I say we're going back to having some sort of philosophy? As we have totally lost that through the last few appointments. The debate is if we really have the players to do that, but then bringing in Mitchell alongside him is an interesting choice. He obviously got plaudits for the way we managed the 2015 pre-season, but he still did find his share of duds! (although nowhere near as bad as wee ross...)

Not talking about just the 'legs', it was his entire pressece around the club.

So, that was better....! But.....but....we still threw away a position of strength, which yet again underlines the fragility of this squad. I will say though, that I liked the way we stood resolved in the 2nd half as I did fear the worse. I don't think we'll ever get Man Utd as 'there for the taking' as they were today though. They were diabolical. Lemina was my MOTM, he is running his arse off right now without a doubt. Putting in a complete shift everywhere on the pitch, proper box to box. Obafemi gave us an outlet through the middle with his pace and directness, so that was a positive. Redmond was direct, although his final pass at times was typical of him and average. (good for the first goal though) Overall it was frustrating and yet another game not won at home, but it was better and I come away feeling somewhat fulfilled. More than I have in a long time at St Mary's.

Yeah, that is crazy. I'm not having that. Bournemouth spent £26m on Lerma without selling anyone. We are being sold up a river here, club is dead.

I seriously dislike Hoedt and Cedric, obviously because they're pretty crappy players and just drag us down, but the main reason for my dislike is they think they are already better than us and have said as much in the media.

HCDAJFU

We have an horrendous record at St Mary's against anyone tbh.

Jesus, good point. Where the hell has this year gone.....that game only feels like yesterday!