5string

Cedric getting in good crossing positions, but not crossing well. At half time, Redmond off, maybe Boufal on? Or JWP?

He's right. He is. Tadic is enjoying getting the ball from him early, in space, so he can 'do his thing'.

Getting some attacks & shots on. Good one from Redmond - straight down the middle, but could've got a deflection, swerve... Does Lemina have hints of Morgan S about him?

Lemina playing well. Being used as playmaker.

Was that an incredible save? It was!

Should've been a foul for Palace... ...Wtf am I doing?! I'm starting to feel sympathy for Crystal Palace! Shutupshutupshutup. Stuff 'em Saints! COYS!

Good spot. Nice anniversary gift for him.

If I was a Palace fan, I'd be disappointed with the 'keeping and that defender on the line.

YYYYYAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! 1-0 Davis Good move.

Great cross field ball from Hoedt. Rather rubbish in the box

So, 5-4 Saints win... ... nah, 0-0!

What's the shape of that midfield, then? 'Y-Fronts' -------Romeu------- --Davis----Lemina-- --Tadic----Redmond-- or 'Star' --Romeu---Lemina-- -------Davis-------- Tadic---------Redmond or 'Trench Warfare' Tadic--Davis--Romeu--Lemina--Redmond (names interchangeable, positions for illustrative purposes only)

Agreed. Create some competition for places, ruffle a few feathers. Would 3-5-2 work for us? Stephens, VvD, Hoedt Cedric, Lemina, Romeu, Hojbjerg (Davis?), Bertrand Gabbiadini, Austin Romeu holding the middle DM, Lemina & Hoj (Davis?) more attacking, supporting front 2. Bertrand & Cedric marauding wide. Main problem: can any of this lot shoot? On target? Is it too defensive? Too one-dimensional? Gotta try something, ffs! If no VvD, then Yoshi instead & Hoedt in CB. I left out a whole load (Tadic, Boufal, JWP, Redmond) because I don't think they've stepped up to the mark this season. Make them earn their places back. Long isn't a starter imo (Or if he does, take Hoj out & use Long to sit in behind front 2, running from deep).

Taking some shots would be a start! Formation-wise? Tadic & Boufal look better playing wide, then coming in as an option. Do that. We should have our best strikers on the field as much as possible - get Austin & Gabbiadini playing together. Option to bring Long on to run between them from deep. What's wrong with sticking Bertrand further up the left (instead of Redmond?) & bringing McQueen in? Bertrand has a good shot. If you're playing JWP, tell him to get forward, hang around 18-35 yards out. He likes it there. And with Lemina & Romeu there's plenty strength in the DM area. And... When in attacking positions, stop going bleeding backwards all the flipping time!!

Can't bear it. I'm off. Til next time, everyone.

We don't look like scoring today. Even though we're more positive now, there's still no real goal threat. We've raised our game since Long came on, up to the level of last year when we got to the box, then nothing. Can't overstate how disappointed I am in this performance. And still 10 minutes to go.

And his face reflected how mine is!

Maybe FF should try a long effort from his box?

At least MoPe hasn't waited until 60 or 70 minutes before trying a change. Tadic & Boufal should be a dangerous combo. We'll see...

3 of ours v 1 of theirs - we get in each other's way & lose it. 3 of theirs v 2 of ours - they pass it quickly, keep possession & forge a dangerous attack (one of our players falls over!). WTF?! Where's our strength? Possession? Fight?! We look like a bunch of wimps. HT 0-1 and not looking good at all.

Oh dear. 0-1 Deserved, quite frankly.

We look like U11s playing against U13s. Watford stronger & more direct. Boufal not yet looking like the no.10 we hoped he'd be. Redmond having to come inside to support him.

Watford looking 'up for it'. COYS!

http://www.myfeed4u.net/watch/2185910/4/Southampton-vs-Watford.html Link 4 working for me

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41193378 Another former LFC player gets his word in. Naturally supportive of Saints' stance...