Saint Fan CaM

Got to blame Downes for their first goal in terms of the offensive movement - he jumped up 10 feet in front of the crosser of the ball before the ball had even reached the player and then didn’t get close so the block was not made…result - ball into dangerous area and eventual goal. Downes is the one position we really need to be watertight, but in midfield he’s too power puff and slow, which is why he looked OK for Russball. Same with Aribo - needs a slow build up as he’s facing backwards for a backwards pass 95% of the time. TP was good in general, but the skill and composure in front of goal was sadly lacking in spades which is pretty unsustainable for a striker. AA runs a lot - that’s it…no vision for a pass…no composure in front of goal. Dibling is either being found out or needs completely re-training in proper EPL level football. Wondering why Archer didn’t get a look in - is he that unfit? Fernandez is a lovely player - most things he does he does well. Unlucky not to score, but again composure let him down. In general, this a game where we should be saying - “we should have won 3-1 and the WH goal was a consolation”. Trouble is every point is so precious now that this feels like a double defeat rather than just a single shocker of a game that can be corrected. Is it worth investing in another striker in January? If we can offload the likes of Sulemana, Aribo, etc then the loan of an exceptional striker and CM until season end would be very good business.

To be fair to Suga, he gets forward more than Bree so needs more defensive help from midfield ideally.

A point is a point and we’re in transition, but we need more going forwards which Juric may be able to squeeze out the side. Let’s make no mistake - the formation may have kept Fulham at bay (just), but it did nothing to suggest we’ve got goals in us. We basically need an extra man in midfield to help get attacks going and perhaps equally importantly to ensure the high press is effective. Expecting defenders to venture too far forwards will leave us exposed at the back for counters. In short - a good point gained and a performance moving in the right direction. Much more of both needed…time is most definitely running out.

Whoever came in it was going to be a huge risk for them - less so Saints as the expectation is relegation from most bystanders and supporters. For that I think he should be thanked and given as much support as possible by the club and supporters alike. Priority for any Jan spend (if indeed money is available), MUST be to offload deadwood and buy a decent striker - not 3-4 squad fillers. Good luck annd welcome Ivan - hopefully you will lift the club above the Derby record low points at the very least and restore a little pride to our club.

Very likely 6 months would be my guess! 😂😏

Seems the COT were not in the circle of truth on this occasion and missed out entirely. Had to happen sometime I suppose. 🤔🤣😉

Knew the name, but knew nothing of his approach or history. After a bit of a read up I have to say this is not a bad appointment given there were very few choices. A 6 month contract when the club is very likely facing relegation is a good move. He’s older, got gravitas and a bit of pedigree having managed in serie A. His style of football fills in the gaps missing from Russball - man marking high press, solid defence, dynamic in the final third with high paced counters. Of course he’s got to get the players on-board with his system, but I reckon if he does that we’ll be seeing a quite different Saints side that gives us a bit more pride and hope. Icing on the cake is that, relegation or not, if he fits well he may prove to be the man to take us back up. He’s brave coming to us so certainly deserves every fans support for the next 6 months. Welcome Ivan.

I agree - at this point the players are not conditioned to sustain continual fast paced attacks. However, they should be able to operate a high press - something Fulham will almost certainly be looking to apply to us as Saints will still try to play out from the back when they can (and they should but only if the risk is low). Unfortunately the high press is less feasible with a back 5 and that seems to be the preferred system still with Rusk. Consequently also, our midfield suffers as Downes and Aribo are often stretched. The only way to manage this is to allow Fulham to have periods of possession, but not near our penalty area.

Well I’d say just get it forward quick any which way…we’ve got players that can make it happen…just need some selection consistency so some partnerships can start to gel. I’d leave BBD and Manning back at Staplewood ready to ship ‘em out - the squad is just too bloated with mediocrity.

I think if we play like that second half, get the players 10% fitter and provide the team better coaching in key areas…we MAY have a chance to get some points on the board. The catalyst to this will be who we appoint as manager…it’s so crucial.

Unless you’re a ‘big’ team, then the ball holding attacker gets the benefit and it’s a pen or at the very least a freekick.

That Lino was never going to give us anything - nearly all 50-50 decisions went their way.

Absolute cunt of Ref - there I said it.

Some lovely cross field balls being played - been a long time coming.

I like that there’s a bit of fire coming back. THB just gave Fernandes a rollicking. As I type BBD is miles offside from a brilliant Suga cross. Just very poor.

That Lino must be a massive closet Pool fan….he’s not giving us anything.

How the fook did TP miss that!?!

Lino calls offside against TP incorrectly. Where’s VAR when you need it?!

At last - Archer scores a scorcher!f

Someone mentioned the Wednesday game as the last time we bossed a pressing game. Well I was at that game and the one thing Wednesday didn’t do was press us hard. I said to my friend I couldn’t understand why they were sitting off us so much. This evening we look like Wednesday in that game - no game plan, no press, too much respect, unfit and no idea how to forge a credible attack.

Need to switch to four at the back - Manning off. Put an extra body in midfield, tell Downes not to venture forward. Get Onaucho on for Archer who’s an utter waste of a shirt.

2nd to every loose ball. Our press is as loose as a Pompey lass. And positioning is all over the place - like strangers.

Good goal 0-2…Manning deflects it away from McCarthy. But their play in attack is everything we are not. Setup and coaching is just abysmal.

Downes having a better game.

1-0 and the commentators are happy again. Balls up from Bedders.