Saint Fan CaM

Poor team selection from RH with better players left on the bench. Championship level defence and striking options. Players played out position. Bournemouth have built gradually and sensibly, retaining a good fit Manager to the point where they now have a better squad more suited to the Prem. Yes, make no mistake, they won because they are better in attack and defence - they deserved to win that game hands down. Beat Pompey Tuesday and we can hopefully move on. Lose and a lot of love for Ralph will evaporate from the fan base. Worse still it will make a big dent in the fragile confidence of this squad.

Exactly this. It will be a tricky one for RH...they’re a team that demands a high press and an early goal, but they have fast forwards who can hurt us on the break. Hence defensively we could be exposed.

I fear for our defence - their attacking options are very good. I reckon the first to score will win, so early pressure on their goal will be vital. We must also match their high press relentlessly. Tough to call, but would be happy with a 2-2.

If Saints can perform at the top of their game, to man, then we’ve got a great chance of three points. Otherwise can see a 1-3 result. Our defence will be key to getting something from the game...no errors essential.

Great to get 3 points, but what a slow ponderous side we look. Central midfield went missing for large parts and typically in defence we look a shambles. In attack, Ings and Adams were utterly useless. Djenepo was superb and Boufal is like a secret weapon. Much, much work to be done with this squad although thankfully early days.

Thought we played ok, but there are just too many Championship level players in the squad...mainly at the back and attack. You can get away with one or two, but we’re too weak. I thought Armstrong improved the team when he came on and should started the game instead of JWP who is less able to move the ball forward.

Shame we’re playing the bin dippers so early in the season but ultimately they have a far better team. Drubbing in store...probably 0-3. If we’re lucky.

Burnley were the better team in all areas of the pitch - the strikers finishing being a clear example. Couple that with a managerial inept team selection by using Stephens over Yoshida (we needed guile and experience at CB to cope with the type of game Burnley play) and the game was set to be a bad day. Seriously, that threesome is not working - don’t do it again Ralph unless we’re playing a L1 team in the cup. Could be a long season again, but then I honestly didn’t think we had changed enough to be anything more than a lower half team anyway.

The club have once again failed to address the sub-Prem standard of central defender position...i.e. without pointing the finger at any one of the present incumbents, we are exposed. It’s been this way for what, three seasons? Sorry, but there is no way this window can be classed as a success, although it must be recognised that past mistakes (e.g.Hoedt, Forster, Carrillo etc.) will take another 2-3 seasons to correct. Whether we are able to sustain Prem status in the interim is of course the key issue - hopefully Ralph can work his magic again.

Where do you start? Naive in the transfer market and then a terrible team sheet from the supposedly great Ralph. It's only one game in, but as I said last season, it's the manner of the performance that is so shocking and indicative of a real struggle again this season.

Can anyone explain why I find posts about new songs cringeworthy?

Would love to think we could achieve a top 10 finish this coming season, but I didn’t see such a significant step up in results to be honest...yes an improvement but not to that degree. Without making a clear improvement in our central defence I can see another lower half finish. Remember, our new additions are not tested at Prem level and other teams will improve too, so there’s not a great deal to get really excited about just yet...cautious optimism at best.

He needs to go to a club where he gets regular football to learn his trade as a defender and that’s likely going to be in league one. Too much of a liability in the Prem unfortunately.

Let's hope he makes the grade in the Prem. More to the point, let's hope he doesn't have the goal scoring coaches out of him. Welcome Che - big hope that you'll storm it like Rickie.

When I’ve seen Vokins he’s looked very capable of the step up, although perhaps more in a defensive manner rather than as WB.

Fingers crossed for an away game as other plans will interfere with 10th.

I don’t think we’ll see the type of player turnaround that we’re all hoping for and even incoming players will likely need time to adjust. I like Ralph and yes he’s made a difference, but there have been cracks - large ones. For me I think theres a chance of another relegation struggle, but overall I’m in the 14th group.

I think it’s great...10 times better than the bra kit (now that was a joke kit).

Must win game. 1-1...you heard it here first.

FFS Forster, just go back to Sunday league football now...and take Moi and Stephens with you. Disgusting defending.

Terrible pass by Valary, however it was meant for Stephens who hesitated and then backed away without attacking the ball. Then we have the lump Fraser who is never going to get down to save low near body shots. So far we don’t look like we have a game plan to win the game.

Stephens just stopped...went to sleep - what a complete waste of a pair of boots. He. Has. To. Go.

Just don't get this - Sims on for Armstrong??? Already looking like he doesn't know the game plan. Mind you, I think the Ref will win this for Watford.

OMG - Goal from Long within 10 seconds, then everyone falls asleep!!! FFS!

When he comes into the side the defence looks and acts like a shambles. He can’t read balls and is slow on the ball...sometimes when in possession he just stands there with the ball at his feet not know what to do next. He can play football...of course he can...but to look good he needs to drop two divisions.