S-Clarke

Wasn't necessarily on about this thread, but the reactions during the period, contained within threads after we lost to the likes of Spurs, Chelsea, Villa etc.

That's pretty much the story right there. When you add our worst spell fixture wise, with our worst spell injury wise, then there will only be one outcome. Not sure why we had so many people going off on one during the last 6 weeks, it's really no surprise how things occurred. But we're now on the other side of that pretty much, and amazingly not massively damaged in terms of position and our goals are still there to aim for.

Welcome to 2022!

Ah isn't this racial? Will jump straight to the front, as the FA will have to show they're not sitting on that. They'll probably reconvene for 'exceptional' reasons, but for bog-standard stuff it will probably wait till everyone is back.

All these rumours are just tosh, made up by the same people to generate attention for themselves. People say they've not heard anything, they're obviously not looking very far are they. It's in black and white from MP - the truth to be is that he had an injury to his thigh, and over Christmas he picked up an illness - which other members of the squad had as well. (lovren/Shaw both missed games due to it) The disciplinary panel does not reconvene until 6th Jan as far as I know. It seems as if certain individuals are trying to get on Osvaldo's back, probably so they can justify that hilarious nickname of Oswaldo. That totally cracks me up, that does. Pure comic genius.

The only way a club like Southampton can ''challenge'' at the top end, is if we produce our own stars. We certainly can't go out there and buy ready-made superstars and never will be able to. The Academy route is the best way for us to go, and I'm baffled that it's being criticized. I'm proud that we're doing what we're doing with the academy and english players in the side. They're not exactly a poor standard either, are they. We'd have to spend mega-bucks to get a left back equal to that of Shaw for e.g.

Yeah, let's bring on Yoshida instead. That'll do it.

Damn.

But he defends well 90% of the time, which let's not forget, is his primary role. Anything else he can provide is a bonus.

Eh? He's outstanding, he's only 18 and is getting better. He will be tired at times, as he's still young, and he's played a lot of games in quick succession for a teenager. There aren't many better players than him in his position in the PL.

Quite a few at home next month too. So there's a chance to kick on. This ''spell'', compounded by injuries, will be the worst period of the season. We're now almost out of that, so if we can get back to the same level with the fully fit squad then we should end the season well. So no reason why not.

The prob is, his value would have gone through the roof now. Chelsea will have suitors from all over Euorpe. And he's getting closer and closer to a Drogba type figure as the days go by, so Chelsea would be mad to let him go. If there was a chance to sign him for a fee, it would have probably been last summer if we offered enough $$.

Yep, I agree. But that wasn't in my post either? Still not sure what was gash about it!

He needs to be demoted. For ever.

Sorry, what's gash about that? He was excellent today, as I said. I didn't disagree with that. Not sure what you've disagreed with in the post...

Yep, full agreement here - worse referee in the country. Should be L2 at best. Horrific at his job.

He did, but the shape of the team was altered as well. We scarified a defensive midfield player and pushed higher up, so we would have automatically looked more dangerous.

Would expect Clyne and Morgan to come straight back in, other than that it will probably be the same. Gaston will still be used as a sub I'd imagine.

He was good when he came on, but he has had so many chances and false dawns in the last 18 months. And it was a good shot, but horrific goal keeping from Robles if we're absolutely honest. Stick him in against Chelsea and in the FA Cup game...see if he can get a head of steam going. He's still got a lot to prove, but frustratingly I honestly think whatever happens that he's off in January. Don't think we'll replace him, but he's too expensive to have as a squad player and that's clearly what the club see him as.

There's no Lambert bashing there, I'm just saying it how it is? Rodrgiuez and Lambert were poor, we lack/lacked potency and threat in the final third. End of post.

He wasn't really tested a great deal to be honest, but ended up having to pick the ball out of his net twice...! One good save, which you'd expect any keeper to make, but other than that we kept them at arms length from having shots, which makes the goals we gave away even more infuriating.

Should have won that, story of last season really. Play well, dominate, but gift goals. Not sure what was up with Shaw today, but he wasn't on his game - and the same could be said of JWP, odd that we left him on. The substitution of Cork for Gaston opened up the midfield, which is why Lukaku scored - Cork would have been there cleaning up otherwise, and so would have Morgan. We missed him today. Overall, a good performance, but another of those classic ''what could have been'' games. Bit of a rubbish game from Lambert, we lack potency and threat up top if we're honest. A Lukaku type figure would finish this team.

If that added creativity includes an increase in giving the ball away, then I'm all for it....

We're playing really well, but not getting in enough positions to test the goal keeper at all. Lovren is just top 4 quality. No doubts. One of the best CB's in Europe.

He had a good game, looked to be involved in everything positive. But I'm certain that there have been much better individual performances than that of Puncheon at the Etihad this year.......so your ''mate'' hasn't been to many games.