Saint Pete

Yes, have to say I was pretty shocked when Smallbone came on when we could have had Lallana on instead, who is on a different level of quality, about time Russell faced up to that. The Fraser one was different, in hindsight it definitely should have been Taylor who came on at that point, who would have had at least half a chance of coping with Fatawu better.

My first game of the season today after some very tough times personally over the lpast few months. I had an unbeaten record last season in attendance (7 wins and a draw) so I'm hoping I can bring some good luck today (I know, different league now). It's still early days in the season, so just getting a win on the board could bring some confidence and an upturn in fortunes. You've got to have hope, haven't you? Come on you Saints!

Yeah, point taken about how long it took Che to score. Certainly not writing off Archer at this stage, looks like he needs a shot of confidence that he can do it at the top level. Hopefully once he gets his goal that will come and he can prove to himself and everyone else he belongs in the prem.

Not sure he can have proved he has better finishing ability when he doesn't have a prem league goal for us yet. More time needed to judge that IMO. But Adams wanted to go, so it was his choice to be fair.

I would have had JWP back in a heartbeat if it was possible to do, he is genuine proven premier league quality and pretty much all the other midfielders we have are not that currently. I agree though that there is not really a direct comparison to be made between him and Downes, they share some qualities in terms of keeping possession, but in other ways they have different strengths and weaknesses. I think they could have both been accommodated in the same team potentially, but not to be so we move on.

Yeah, this one doesn't sit well with me at all. Can't help but feel we have messed up by not giving him more opportunities in a period when the other specialist left backs we have played have not been great by any means.

But Edwards and Wood are new signings, presumably intended to play some part in our premier league season? Bit worrying if they can't cope with a Championship club's reserves.

It's plausible that Ramsdale may be loaned out somewhere as you would think he's too good to be happy to stay on the bench for another season playing second fiddle to Raya. Whether we could pull off signing him is more doubtful but we can dream!

Yep, tend to agree. I don’t see enough in his recent seasons with Brighton to think that he would be able to make a meaningful contribution on the pitch and not convinced from some of his comments on leaving Brighton that he has a huge amount of drive for the game anymore. We shouldn’t rush into this kind of move in my opinion before assessing properly who else is available.

THB - "I know I am permanent now" , 😀😀

Massive well done to Russell, the team and everyone there today. It's going to be a great evening now!!! 😁

Great news about Che. Big question now is whether he starts or do we save him as an option off the bench? I suspect probably the latter due to lack of training time, but will be a great option to have if things are not going out way.

Very good professional performance and well deserved win. David Brooks was my man of the match today, class player who showed why we signed him for those who have been questioning that lately. Smallbone also had a good game and used the ball well.

Feels important to get a win today to go into the play offs with a bit of confidence. Also prefer our draw in the play offs to face WBA rather than Norwich. Onwards and upwards!

Objectively, play offs are still much more likely than top 2 and if there is any chance of Downes injury being made worse, we won't want to risk him being potentially ruled out for a longer spell including the play offs, which would be disastrous. So I can understand the caution to be honest. I just don't understand the choice for his replacement!

I just don't get why Martin is so reluctant to play Charles as the Downes replacement when he seems the obvious choice.

I reckon there may be a few changes tonight to get some fresher legs in from the start. Maybe Stuey, Edozie and Rothwell coming in? Will also be interesting to see if Downes continues to start or whether it's felt he needs a rest at some point..

Hopefully Charles will be in squad tonight. Downes will likely need a rest at some point.

Leicester's next 2 games are away to Sunderland and Hull. After 3 defeats on the bounce, they won't be fancying those too much...

Leeds slip up gives us good chance to get a couple of points back. Must win today and get back on track. COYR!!

Commentator still thinks Edozie is on.

Not sure why you have picked on Charles. Thought he has been decent to be honest.

Good half from us, only let down by the finishing. Mara in particular should have had a couple.

Hmmm. Not convinced by that line up at all, especially the midfield where I expected to see at least one of Charles and Aribo with Downes still out. We should be able to do some damage going forward but worried we will be too open in midfield.

Yep, happy with that lineup. Sensible that Charles comes in with Downes out. Good options off the bench if we need them.