Baird of the land

I agree with the general point about fans getting too green eyed about others signings. We seem to have gone about our business replacing the players we've lost. Soares-Clyne, Clasie-Morgan, Romeu-Cork, Caulker-Gardos, Stek-Forster, Hopefully Van Dijk-Toby. That leaves Juanmi/Martina as the additional depth that's been added. I don't have much complaints with our approach. Though I think article is rather too dismissive of dealings of the likes of Palace and Swansea. Neither has had to lose anyone they don't want rid of this summer. Think all of Palace's signings are reasonable additions. Swansea's signings aren't as familiar names beyond Ayew but they've like us shown a history of decent acquisitions.

Have to say Stoke's seeming acquisition of Shaqiri could either turn out to be an Osvaldo like mess(if he really doesn't want to be there) or a huge success(if he's willing). The player is of such quality at such a young age, i find it bemusing other clubs of higher stature aren't in for him.

Some tough choices. Personally i'd be tempted to switch Caulker for Yoshida. If clasie's fit, he's a much more natural fit alongside Wanyama. Jrod should go to the bench, so then its whether you go with the more conservative option Davis(who played well against Newcastle) or the more aggressive option of Long(who had a big impact when he came on).

Disappointing thing about both their goals was the lack of challenge from our players. Cisse allowed to drift from his marker and chest in unchallenged. Same for the 2nd where Martina watched Wynaldum, letting him jump unchallenged. On the whole Martina seemed more solid if unspectacular going forward when he came on(i'll admit i was worried by the move at first glance, I’ll be happy if his role in the goal aside he remains defensively decent). Soares defensively looks worrying, especially when compared to watching Clyne later for Liverpool. Not as down on Targett as some others, thought he was wasn't terrible but neither was he great. Yoshida was poor today and you wonder if that might open the door for Caulker or a new signing to come straight in. As others have said Davis was excellent today. Lovely freekick which yoshida should have converted too. If we aren't willing to give Reed a chance in the first team though think we need to buy another defensive mid for when Clasie/Wanyama are out. We were just far too open without Davis protecting further in front of the midfield two. Mane was excellent. Unlucky with great Colback block and then probably should have scored with great late run, even if he was on the wrong foot. Pelle took his goal very well.Long made a big difference when he came on. Guessing he’ll start next week. All in all a draw was probably a fair result and one i would have taken away from home beforehand. Newcastle look to have made a couple of decent signings, though Mitrovic looks a sending off waiting to happen. Hopefully we get a couple of signings completed quickly.

I'd have no issue if we were linked with Shelvey. Apart from his past disciplinary issues he's an excellent young english player. Don't agree either that he was much more influential than cork, even if i agree he had a good game too.

Someone who i see seems very out of favour at Swansea is Nathan Dyer. Wouldn't mind bringing a maturer dyer back to Saints.

From the sounds of it Cork has had a big effect off the bench. Very surprised he didn't start in the first place.

Very surprised he's dropped that far down. Surely he should at least still be attractive to league 1 teams at 31. Vastly preferred him to fox as he could defend.

Yep massively overrated imo. Genuinely bemused Wenger didn't pursue Morgan, can't see them being anywhere near the title.

I'd like to see Mcqueen given an opportunity, so hoping we don't bring back the like of Elia.

Like the new away kit. Loved our black away kit too. No need for the away kit to be traditional colours in my eyes.

I was thinking the same. Would seem to someone decent who could add depth to our midfield. Maybe we want a defender who can fill in, in centre mid instead.

I'd like to see a fair amount of rotation happen. Take advantage of the fact we've got a big lead to ensure key players are fresh for the important first game of the season sunday lunchtime.

The Swindon fan I know was of the complete opposite view. For 2 years Stephens was impressive whereas turn bull was rather dodgy.

Rather disappointed that we are sending a 21 year old out on a season loan when we've typically our young players chances in our first team. Would prefer him playing league cup and europa league games for us. If we're loaning and he isn't first choice for them that's even more disappointing.

Happy that he's got away from the terrible treatment at the hands of Rodgers. Be interesting to see how it works out for him at WBA.

Yeah very surprised McCarthy is ahead of Stephens personally.

My only issue is the fact it is a loan. Just hope we have a secure option to purchase this time. Caulker's made a couple of bad moves but is still young and talented and British. Strange that QPR wouldn't have held out for a straight fee deal.

Yep i certainly wouldn't have any issues if this turns out to be true.

Personally hope we just bring in one quality centre back to compete with yoshida and have Stephens step up as cover in gardos absence.

It's premiership experience Stephens needs now imo. Given our whole mentality has been giving our own youngsters opportunities it would make far more sense imo for Stephens to take up the fourth centre back slot in Gardos absence.

Wasn't particularly impressed by him during his loan spell. Is this sort of arrival going to block opportunities out wide for the likes of Mcqueen/Isgrove/Gallagher? I guess if Gaston is about to be shipped out again(which would be a tad disappointing) then it may make more sense. I still think there's a very good reason he's going to be available so cheap, and i'd be very put off by his rather dubious history as i would a 2nd hand car.

Personally i'm keen for us still to have room for youngsters such as Stephens/Mccarthy/Gape/Hesketh to get opportunities along the way this season. With Clasie's arrival our first choice centre mid partnership seems to be set. Reed should be ready to deputise much more this season. A replacement would be pretty much it in my eyes.

Happy days, ticks all the right boxes in terms of age & ability. Hope he can come across and settle quickly.

I'd happily take him back if it was in a Loan with a guaranteed right to buy at the end of the year. However i've no interest in Saints rounding off the rough edges of an Arsenal youngster if its not a case of us doing so with a view to him being our player again at the end of the loan period.