saintwbu

Wasn’t the Everton goal the one where he curled it into the top right?

He got an assist last week and put in a great cross for Aribo’s blocked chance yesterday. He’s definitely capable but very inconsistent and erratic.

He had good moments in the first half, but in the second half he was great. Beat their full back repeatedly and got decent crosses into the box, worked his absolute bollocks off all game. Defended pretty well albeit they didn’t go down his side as much in the second half as you might’ve expected. Had to be subbed due to being dead on his feet at the end. He was probably our MOTM really.

Bednarek has always been a sliding, last ditch defender. Can sometimes look good on a highlight reel but often the sign of a defender who cannot read the game well. He also doesn’t have the physical attributes to counter it. Salisu is not the best reader of danger i don’t think, but physically he’s imposing and has a great stretch. ABK seemed to anticipate really well yesterday, as well as be physically imposing. It would be a huge disappointment for me if Bednarek was here after the window closes - I would genuinely pick every other CB at the club over him.

Good to see Ralph’s famed 4222 formation is now being lauded by the people who were slaughtering him for it last season. When you’ve got no left full back, playing with wing backs makes sense - the problem is the third CB is always going to be a liability for us because we only have two good ones. Hopefully Perraud is back soon and the 4222 returns as it is without doubt our best setup with the players we have.

Pretty crazy that there’s a list of 6/7 players, which accounted for probably half of our starting 11 last season, that literally no other club wants. Yet people still don’t think Ralph’s done a respectable job keeping that team in the league without coming anywhere close to relegation…

Watkins would be good in terms of our pressing and workrate. But if you’re looking for someone more prolific than Che Adams, I don’t think Watkins is it.

If Tony Cascarino told me it was sunny outside i’d wear a coat. Most of these pundits don’t watch us, don’t follow us, just think ‘they weren’t great last year, they haven’t signed Mbappe, so they won’t be great this year either’.

Considering the fees being talked about for Delap and Broja, not sure how Che hasn’t been worth the (up to) £15mil we paid for him. Personally think he’s been a good team player and worth the fee, would be disappointed if we let him go.

Thought through so much that they just nabbed it from their back catalogue from the previous season?

What a lovely goal

Can definitely see the hype about Aribo’s first touch, he’s very graceful on the ball. I like the look of him already.

Now that we’re not losing is it safe to say I think we’re playing well? No one has been particularly bad, everyone has had some good moments. Armstrong and Romeu been particularly good. Encouraging given that most people would agree most of this team are second string.

Dean Hammond

Anyone know if they’re gonna have stock of the home kit in store from today? Website says 27th July release date.

Weren’t we top or close to it for goals conceded from set pieces too?

Thought it was noticeable in the Watford highlights how we’ve really upgraded physically this summer. Aribo is also much more physically imposing than I realised, Lavia is pretty big himself too. We’ve definitely not been an intimidating team physically for a few years, so i’m glad we’ve added a few taller lads.

I agree Broja’s pace was a bit of a game changer, having a lad of his stature with pace to burn is very rare. I described him early doors as a bit of a poor mans Haaland and I still think it. I really think he’s got huge potential and whilst I think it’s unlikely, I think us signing him would be a real coup, even at the 20/25mil figure suggested.

Get him in on loan and spend the cash on Broja 🙏🏻

The other Mousa Dembele that played for Fulham and Spurs? He was superb and the heartbeat of that Poch Tottenham team.

Harry Winks seemingly getting the ‘he must be good enough for Saints because he’s played for a big club’ treatment. Wouldn’t surprise me if a fresh start here got more out of him than Spurs have in recent years, but there’s absolutely nothing to suggest he’s good enough to get in our starting 11 currently.

I’m quite optimistic for this season, based on our window so far. If we were to buy Broja i’d be excited about the season! Would be a good show of intent.

Can’t blame the kid for taking the money at his age, but likewise can’t blame the club for not trying to match anything Newcastle are offering. Don’t think this move reflects bad on either party. We’ve lost plenty of talented youngsters over the years, like most clubs have, but we’ve had plenty of successes and hopefully plenty more to come.

Personally I just wonder if the news outlet reporting about Lyanco going there just made a mistake and meant to write about Valery. There’s been a number of reports about us sending Valery over there.

Wasn’t that always said about Poch too? Think Pep has a way of isolating players he doesn’t fancy too. Koeman definitely did. Don’t think it’s particularly uncommon.