Saint Fan CaM

Where does one start to analyse that shit show? Most points already very well made, but for me there’s some key comments. 1. Martin is arguably the best Manager available to deploy the Pep type system at this level, so as it seems SFC are intent on utilising this system, where do we go if it still doesn’t work with Martin? He’ll be given a lot of rope before he’s hung out and I can foresee many more days not unlike yesterday unfortunately. 2. We’re trying to play like Pep’s Man City but with players that are of a lower quality in many aspects - their brain function, ball skill, fitness etc. Can it work? I’m very sceptical because so far I’m seeing a group of players struggling to deploy what’s being asked of them tactically. They’re just not good enough collectively to pass through the lines meaning easy turnovers and counter attacks which in turn can’t be defended. And importantly, opposition clubs have been given a clear blueprint on how to get at us and win. 3. Bazunu is not a Championship level keeper, let alone Prem. I read lots about his hands, but worse still he is not athletic enough to get to shots which should be bread and butter for a good keeper. It’s his legs which don’t get him anywhere near some of these long range shots. Plus his positional sense is poor too. A really bad decision to persist with him. Overall, I really fear for our season and I don’t mean in terms of promotion. No, I mean fundamentally the team mentality will start to erode very quickly if the key issues are not sorted now and it’s looking pretty damned screwed already. At this point based on the evidence before us, I predict we’ll be languishing lower mid-table by Christmas…about 14th…possibly worse. Martin and his team have a huge job on their hands to figure out how to make this system work.

Well he certainly makes a mockery out of the belief he’s a Prem player - he doesn’t look good enough for L2! Needs dropping to the bench and shackles placed around his ankles, but we all know RM will give him another chance against Leicester…oh sweet Jesus. 😳

Apologies - I meant year before. Although they were top six last season so obviously a team on the rise.

Downes just stands watching and Baz does a bad impression of a pro keeper. 5-0 to a team that were in L1 season before last. An extremely poor performance from Manager and his team. Sunderland wanted it more. Embarrassing doesn’t really cover it. 8/10 window…mmm?

By losing Tella we’ve lost balance in attack and Mara is NOT the answer. We need SAA to provide the pace otherwise every attack will be very slow and we’ll struggle to score all season.

Baz makes a 1 on 1 save to get picked next game.

I just don’t understand how they are so much better drilled than we are. They have had so much more space to break into. Alcarez on. Might I suggest it’s a bit late?

Oh goody - Aribo on. We’re going for the 4-0.

Adams trying hard to get a red.

Mara trying hard to impersonate a striker. And failing hard.

70% possession and fewer shots on target than Sunderland. It ain’t working is it Russell?

OMG - was there a fucking clause in Stewart’s contract saying we’ll lose 8-0 to compensate for us spanking them? It’s an absolute shit show…no excuse.

Oh Holgate you stupid fucking twat. And Bazunu reminds us of what a shit keeper he is. Can see a real fucking nightmare in the 2nd half too.

Holgate is just a terrible defender - not a clue. Just before half-time and he gives away a stupid FC on goal. Then Bazunu makes a complete hash of a simple save. Shambles.

The big difference is they don’t need possession because they break so quickly. We look like we’re continually on holiday.

Sunderland basically have our number - well set up to break up our play and hit us on the break. Not a great advert for Martin.

An unlucky deflection. All uphill now. Big job to pull this back.

Shit defending from Edozie - Fraser should have started.

Exactly this!

Well surely if KWP said that he was happy here and didn’t want a move, Saints would be stupid not to ensure he was not put on the market. Let’s face it, he of all players knows what it’s like to be a bit part player and that’s why he came to Saints. I’m convinced that for whatever reason he really likes the club.

We’re almost there and there’s been some pleasant surprises in terms of retention it seems (Che, KWP), but I can’t help but feel cautious until the window slams shut. Ultimately it’s up to RM and his coaches to get the whole team gelled and firing on all cyclinders, however I’m feeling a little more positive than the start of the week when it looked like we’d be far worse off. We’ve got what appears to be on paper a very strong squad and the wantaways have mostly been shipped out. I just hope Che and Sully put aside their disappointment and knuckle down.

It’ll probably be a loan then as Fati is a loan (but not sure if an obligation to buy for them).

It ain’t over ‘til….

Martin made it clear that JS would continue to have a presence / role in the dressing room, so he’s hardly going to be cut out the picture by removing his Captaincy even temporarily.

SSN reporting that the Stewart medical has completed. Let’s hope the confirmation of signing follows shortly.