sfc4prem

I can see that. I can also see that the club seem to have bought into his vision and will stick with him. I'm not sure the club properly bought into either Ralph or Nathan Jones' visions.

Agreed, it does bemuse me to see people so relaxed about the prospect of relegation. We surely would lose a lot of players if we did, and would be back to square fucking one. Weirdly, I would love to see Martin stay if we did get relegated, as I believe he does learn from errors and mistakes and is evolving. He inspires his players and creates a real togetherness, something we haven't had for a long time.

I mean, isn't every poster here relying on hindsight to make their comments about games that have just happened?

I always find your posts insightful and bang on the money. The bit in bold is a brilliant bit of analysis and a really important way of looking at the way we play: from the opposing team's perspective. That they're actively awaiting a pass backwards as a trigger for a quick and aggressive press. I saw it too many times today where we, rather than look for alternatives, were quite happy to play it backwards or sideways to a player quite clearly marked or targeted by an opposing player who was ready to pounce. Man City's players can do that, of course. Our players, however, can't.

The fans turned decisively on Mad Nate, so it's certainly possible if we see more intransigence from Russ whilst we sit on nil point.

I forgot of the man's upbringing! So he'd rinse the Welsh Wonder then. 3 rounds?

Russ would keep up appearances and land jabs regularly to limited effect, but would leave himself wide open too often and lose on points. He'd stand there expecting his hand to be raised and become absolutely incensed when Mad Nate's hand was hoist aloft.

Just imagine having the talent that this bloke does and being hung out to dry. It must rankle.

It often only just makes it to its recipient. Especially between the defenders. It's like one of those dreams where every punch you land is a feeble cloud, despite you putting all of your effort into it 😅

Didn't they get promoted in an unlikely manner through the playoffs, too?

The problem is he asks them to play in this way knowing they only just had the capability of doing so in the Championship. How Russ thinks they'll be able to play this way with the aggressive and relentless pressing of PL players is baffling. To throw them under the bus then is a bit cheap.

I feel very grumpy.

This is the huge worry. Outclassed by a team that didn't really get out of third gear. Barely broke a sweat.

You've certainly remembered a couple of confused face reactions well. Not sure I'd have the same level of precise memory as you!

Taking away any joy we might have as Saints fans watching young players we've developed.

What pained me was when the co-commentator said this screams relegation as the second went in, and I worryingly didn't see the comment to be that outlandish.

Well that was all a bit shite, eh? I've ne'er seen so many blunders in one game from one team! Bedders, Stephens, THB!? The lot! Some decent incisive play when Dibling Lallana, Archer, Fernandes came on... go fucking figure. I would say I'm intrigued to see what Russ says, but I'm not really. I'm certain he'll say the team played well, and I'm certain he'll pin it on a couple of mistakes being all that cost us. I'm not sure it was as simple as that, though. Brentford found today very easy.

If he does that, he's a mentalist.

Smallbone and Aribo offering little, if anything. BBD strikes me as a player that can't break through a defensive line but is great on the counter running at players or playing a team with a high line. That ain't Brentford.

Armstrong doing his best Che impression

I mean, sometimes it seems our players aren't cut out for intricate passing and turning in defensive areas. Almost as if we need to mix it up and be free to play more directly or hit it out in certain situations. Sloppy.

Not sure about sticking with the same team or formation. Russ literally said it was his fault and that against Nottingham Forest it led to the whole game 'passing us by'... What is the definition of insanity?

Soporific? At times, yeh, when the opposition nullify and we can't break their lines. When it works and the players play the system effectively, I'd argue the quick movement and incisive passing isn't at all soporific.

I so hope it is. The main thing is the togetherness, team spirit and especially the manager are all very strong. That is distinctly different to last time.

Reckon this sums it up quite succinctly!