Saint Fan CaM

My view is defensive cover on our left (or lack of it) is a result of (a) Scienza being an overly attacking player who is very advanced high up the pitch much of the time as that’s his primary skill set, (b) Manning’s propensity to play high up the pitch when he doesn’t have the pace to recover his defensive position when we lose possession and (c) Manning’s lack of ability to defend competently when he is actually in position. Watch the number of times he’s dispossessed because he’s too slow making a decision to pass the ball - it’s quite a lot and for me explains why he chooses the ‘safe’ option of passing backwards so much.

He’s improving for certain and importantly I think he’s got attributes that Archer didn’t have, such as turning on a sixpence and decent pace. I do believe that by January/February he’ll be giving Tonda big selection headaches if the whole 1st team is available. His improved form has coincided with our rise up the table and a pretty decent goal difference - it will be difficult to separate out these factors, maybe to the point that it will take an injury to drop him to the bench.

You’re entitled to your opinion of course, but I don’t know how you’ve arrived at that observation to be honest. Numerous times he didn’t close down an attacker, got caught upfield, was left in no man’s land in defence looking like a spare prick as usual. The worst thing for me though was the lead up to their goal - he lost the ball deep in our half of the pitch giving them possession because he’s so slow making decisions on the ball and then (watch the replays) he’s seen to just saunter back - and I mean slowly saunter back without a care - offering no support to his fellow defenders. No urgency. And they score, so no clean sheet again. If I was Peretz I’d be very pissed off with that lack of effort. Yes, he had some decent moments too, but on balance I don’t think that can be characterised as a ‘good game’.

Got draw written all over it this one. 2-2. Although I wouldn’t rule out a 2-1 or 1-2 if either Manager gets the tactics/teamsheets right.

Welly 4-1!!!

Oooh who’s this? Williams?

Stealing a living. Perhaps he needs some time on the pitch? Nah.

Great shift from Dobbin today.

Great - a FK in JWP territory. Oh.

Really don’t like this going back to the keeper when we’re attacking their pen area.

And here’s Downes 😊

Has Tonda gone to sleep? Where’s the changes?

Typical Saints - typical Manning letting them play, sauntering around

Get the fuck in!!! 3-0

Unlucky Dobbin - nice hit

Playing very nicely now - think we need 3-0 to be really sure.

And there’s a goal from Bragg. 2-0

Nothing else for it - stuff ‘em good n proper. The stats might suggest otherwise though.

It’s going to be one of ‘those days’ I feel.

Terrible decision by the Lino - how the fuck did he see an offside or even a foul by Stephens?

JWP should have shot there.

Dobbin can be good, but he doesn’t seem to be particularly spatially aware as he gets caught with the ball quite a bit.

Lovely ball by Bragg. Azaz buggers it up.

Well done Manning you utter mong.

How many more defensively shit performances will Manning deliver? Answers on a postcard.