Player Ratings: from those @ the game

[Mr X]

Couldn't make today but listened on the radio, was a vital win!

 

did anyone shine today?

[saint_stevo]

How was Wotton?

[itchen]

Lambert was astonishing and very unselfish. His first touch is brilliant and he laid off some great balls to others. Took his goal well too. Evrybody played pretty well after the dodgy first 20 minutes or so. Wooton did well as well. I just tyoed that because it's not something people say very often. Well done to all.

[Phil the Saint]

Couldn't make today but listened on the radio, was a vital win!

 

did anyone shine today?

 

Lambert was outstanding. Papa dangerous and more to come from him. Lallana took his goals superbly.

[niceandfriendly]

How was Wotton?

 

He actually did well today. I'm not his biggest fan but today he played well. If he was quicker and more agile he'd be very useful to us because I think he's got a good football brain.

 

Lambert and Lallana were class. Hammond good, James good, defence in general good. Yeah, pretty good!

[Mr X]

Lambert was outstanding. Papa dangerous and more to come from him. Lallana took his goals superbly.

 

sounds like our strikeforce was starting to click today, they are saying on the radio that papa seems to have the skill but hasnt got the footballing brain yet

[S-Clarke]

Davis 7 - Not much to do really...couple of good claims.

 

James 7 - was ok, got done a couple of times for being a bit slow (in his mind) in the first 20mins but really got to grips with the game in the 2nd half.

 

Jaidi - 8 nothing got past him - man mountain

 

Trotman 8 - ditto really - a really strong central partnership we have now.

 

Harding 8 - Excellent i thought, bursting forward, cutting inside and running at defenders...and a good display defensively too. Love him

 

Mellis 8 - was a bit skeptical about his inclusion after his team performance v Rovers, but he was excellent i felt. Always popping up in and around the box. He started out on the left...but then went to play through the middle after about 20mins with lambert - where i felt he was pretty good. Lively pacey and has good ability.

 

Hammond 8 - Solid. A leader in the middle, keeps us playing and keeps the shape of the midfield 4.

 

Wotton 7 - I thought he was good - don't underestimate his involvement in the score line today, kept harrying in midfield and pressuring their players. Ok...he's not a gifted player by any-means, but he gives you 100%.

 

Papa 9 - Brilliant, after about 20mins. Had a slow start to the game..but then came alive. He has pace to burn and gave us that natural width down the right we've been crying for. He beat their man time and time again. It's great to actually have an outlet over the top...and we were a real threat on the break for once.

 

Adam - 9 MOTM for me. Brilliant, he's really upped his game in the last month. You cannot fault his effort this season but now he's adding goals to his tally to. Crackling little player.

 

Lambert 9 - The ultimate front man. He has everything for this level. Holds it up, can pass it, can volley it, can head it..can score......he's going to be a hero for us.

 

 

Subs...

 

Gillet 7 - did ok, didn't get long but did his chances no harm.

 

Patto - n/a - was only on 2mins

 

Holmes - n/a - again..really only got 2/3mins.

[saintsmike25]

Okay.

 

Davies 6.5 - Did what he had to do well and dealt with crosses although punched the ball a bit too much for my liking, however his positioning for there goal was questionable otherwise he'd be a 7, he didn't really have many saves to make.

 

James - 7/10 - Played well after a shaky start in the first 20 minutes, looks assured in possesion, and got more physical when needed. Definately one of the players who needs alot of encouragement.

 

Trotman - 8/10 - Did really well a great physical presence who dealt superbly with Jackson him and Jaidi seem to have developed a very good understanding

 

Jaidi - 8/10 - Lacks pace but uses his brain and bosses the back 4 and dominates in the air, today he struggled at the end and the match fitness is coming in but he played very well today they struggled to create chances

 

Harding 9/10 - Really put in some great challenges got down the byline, took their players on, our best defender today, the 9 is because he bounced back from a bad game and showed what he's made out of and frustrated them time and time again.

 

Wotton 7/10 - Didn't really do 'much' but clearly was biting in the challenges and what he had to do he did well, i think it helped the defence and he stuck to his role well and had a reasonably good game. Still rate Morgan above him, he tried to indimidate the Gillingham players with some dangerous tackles..

 

Mellis 8/10 - Really unlucky not to score, really works hard and it goes unnoticed what i like about him is he's so direct and moves the ball to feet quickly and showed good movement. Also his quick feet are very useful as shown today.

 

Lallana 9/10 Again is in absolutely top form, when he gets onto lamberts flicks and infront of him he's a major goal threat as the first goal showed superbly taken it was really never in doubt, his quick turns caused problems if only he had more pace.. and his second goal was a superb team goal and a great finish. Really linked up with Waigo and Lambert well and worked his socks off.

 

Hammond 7.5/10 - Did everything he had to do well, had an early good effort on goal and it's reassuring to have a box to box midfeilder like him, he was kinda quiet today but did everything well and passed the ball nicely.

 

Waigo 8.5/10 - Really like the way he plays, he gets alot of hard challenges but gets back up and likes to help out the defence and seems to enjoy the defending side! he lacks a bit in "tricks" but when he turned the ball seemed to stick to his feet and really took his goal well. However someone teach him how to cross... but really helps out with his pace, played very well.

 

Lambert 9.2/10 - Really really really awesome today, won everything in the air linked up with the midfeild well, was very unlucky to not score another goal with a superbly struck freekick and was ALWAYS dangerous, worked his ass off today, and a great finish for the first goal.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Davis 7 - Not much to do really...couple of good claims.

 

James 7 - was ok, got done a couple of times for being a bit slow (in his mind) in the first 20mins but really got to grips with the game in the 2nd half.

 

Jaidi - 8 nothing got past him - man mountain

 

Trotman 8 - ditto really - a really strong central partnership we have now.

 

Harding 8 - Excellent i thought, bursting forward, cutting inside and running at defenders...and a good display defensively too. Love him

 

Mellis 8 - was a bit skeptical about his inclusion after his team performance v Rovers, but he was excellent i felt. Always popping up in and around the box. He started out on the left...but then went to play through the middle after about 20mins with lambert - where i felt he was pretty good. Lively pacey and has good ability.

 

Hammond 8 - Solid. A leader in the middle, keeps us playing and keeps the shape of the midfield 4.

 

Wotton 7 - I thought he was good - don't underestimate his involvement in the score line today, kept harrying in midfield and pressuring their players. Ok...he's not a gifted player by any-means, but he gives you 100%.

 

Papa 9 - Brilliant, after about 20mins. Had a slow start to the game..but then came alive. He has pace to burn and gave us that natural width down the right we've been crying for. He beat their man time and time again. It's great to actually have an outlet over the top...and we were a real threat on the break for once.

 

Adam - 9 MOTM for me. Brilliant, he's really upped his game in the last month. You cannot fault his effort this season but now he's adding goals to his tally to. Crackling little player.

 

Lambert 9 - The ultimate front man. He has everything for this level. Holds it up, can pass it, can volley it, can head it..can score......he's going to be a hero for us.

 

 

Subs...

 

Gillet 7 - did ok, didn't get long but did his chances no harm.

 

Patto - n/a - was only on 2mins

 

Holmes - n/a - again..really only got 2/3mins.

 

Have to agree with most of that really, although i think 9 is a bit generous for Papa. Mellis really impressed today and lallana was excellent in the free role.

[Saint Fen]

Davis - 7 - Didn't have much to do, no chance for the goal

James - 7 - Thought he struggled in the first half but got better

Jaidi - 7 - Defended well

Trotman - 7 - Defended well

Harding - 8 - Looks really good player and a great signing

Wotton - 8 - One of his best games in a Saints shirt, tackled well and rarely gave the ball away

Hammond - 8- Superb, covers loads of ground.

Mellis - 7 - Played well, unlucky not to score with a shot that hit the post.

Waigo - 7 - Did alright, Missed a Sitter but Scored (Not sure if their defender put it in!)

Lallana - 8 - Superb, Second Striker is where he has to play. Took both goals really well.

Lambert - 8 - Great good and superb all round play. Creates chances and will score with service.

 

Subs

Holmes, Paterson, Gillet - Games was won by the time these came on so never had a great influence

[saintsmike25]

By the way when Gillet came on for 10 minutes I can see why Pardew left him out. Seemed like a headless chicken and didn't really do much well at all! However Paterson looked like a man possesed to get back in the team.

[Micky]

Okay.

 

Lambert 9.2/10 - Really really really awesome today, won everything in the air linked up with the midfeild well, was very unlucky to not score another goal with a superbly struck freekick and was ALWAYS dangerous, worked his ass off today, and a great finish for the first goal.

 

Some pretty critical marking there - for the sake of point 8, why not just give him a ten eh...?

[bigchrisy]

Davis 7 - Not much to do

 

James 7 - Some good crosses

 

Jaidi - 8 Strong performance

 

Trotman 7- Again, strong performance

 

Harding- 7 defended really well but not so great going forward

 

Mellis 7- Nothing special but better than tuesday

 

Hammond 8 - Good game in the middle, some great chips in to the penalty area that caused Gilligham problems

 

Wotton 6- pretty poor to be honest, short passing looked good though

 

Papa 8 - Crossing was shocking but really good other than that

 

Adam - 9 Really looks the part up front

 

Lambert 8- reminds me so much of James Beattie

[L1Minus10]

Davis 6 - Thought he was slow on the goal. Didn;t seem to realise it was going over him

James 5 - **** poor first half, improved in the second.

Hardng 7 - Decent game,s eemed to get targetted for some rough stuff

Jaidi 8 - The boss.

Trotman 6 - If you accept that he's a defender and that's it, he's bearable.

Mellis 6 - mixed bag

Hammond 7 - adds aggression

Wotton 7 - even though he has half the technical ability, is twice as effective as Morgan

Waigo 7 - interesting. Will delight and frustrate in equal measure

Lambert 9 - Superb display

lallana 9 - I reckon he was taken off cos Pards didn;t want too many headlines for him if he'd scores a 3rd

[Saint Fan CaM]

Lallana has come of age and is almost a different player frankly with his 'new found' position alongside Lambo. My MOTM as he worked hard for the whole team AND scored a brace to boot! Can't ask for much more from the lad TBF - he could end up being our top goal scorer if he keeps thay kind of effort up.

 

I think the only slight weak link was James today - he still looked a bit lightweight in the 1st half, but got more into the game in the 2nd half when the teams confidence was high. BUT....no-one in their right mind would criticise that win today - it was simply a joy to watch and let's hope there's many more to come.

 

PS: Almost forgot - I have been Wotton's biggest critic, but today he hardly put a foot wrong and for any poor pass from him, he made up five-fold by making sure the Gills knew he was right on their case with some crunching tackles.

Edited 3 October, 2009 by Saint Fan CaM
Extra Extra - read all about it - praise for Wotton!

[Benj540]

Davis - 6 - Few good claims, not much to do.

James - 8 - Solid at RB, excellent crosses/corners.

Harding - 8 - Got forward when he could, defended well.

Trotman - 8 - Doesn't let anyone past him and very dominent.

Jaidi - 8 - Good in the air, best game in a saints shirt.

Hammond - 8 - Battled well as usual and got forward well.

Wotton - 8 - Played very well, battled very hard.

Melis - 8- Played very well, looked confident. (Surprising after a **** performance mid week).

Waigo - 7 - Wasted a few balls, but showed some decent skill and pace.

Lallana - 9 - What we expect to see from him, wasn't played in 3 different positions.

Lambert - 9 - (MOTM) They just could not handle him at all, very aware of everything around him.

 

Subs;

Holmes - 6 - Not long enough to make an impact.

Patterson - 6 - Chased well, not long enough.

Gillett - 6 - Looked a little rusty, not at his best.

[Roger]

How people can give wotton more than papa is beyond me. I thought papa was superb. Most of the dangerous situations we have come from him. His crossing needs to improve but I thought he was a major threat and even helps the defence with some good tackles. Wotton does trhe easy things, papa created loads today and I think he will be a very good player for us. If we get murty or thomas back at right back at morgan back plus dj campbell we will look very good. Although james played well today he is topo slow for right back imo. Any news on another centre forward?

[saint.tom.clancy]

By the way when Gillet came on for 10 minutes I can see why Pardew left him out. Seemed like a headless chicken and didn't really do much well at all! However Paterson looked like a man possesed to get back in the team.

 

ermm.. Gillet didn't play. That was Mills.

[SoccerMom]

Should have had at least six!! Their first goal came from Harding's mistake, but when it comes down to it, it could have been goal of the week... So, glad at least that it was just the one.

 

Great match and I thought there was some fantastic play out there today, but the left side is still weak - Harding only "looked good" going forward coz there was no one for him to link up with, and he was off his mark more than once. Methinks he is an LB by default, but would love to be a bit further up the field. Please, AP, get partnerships established on the wings. James and Papa are working on it; Harding and Mills nearly had something before.

[Genk]

I thought Gillett came on and played just behind the striker which clearly isnt his position. Very harsh to judge him today, he hardly got a kick of the ball. Should start on Tues so we will see how he does.

 

Lallana, Lambert, Papa the stars for me today. Harding didn't have the best of games. CB's looked good after we conceded and James played well for the last hour.

[Genk]

ermm.. Gillet didn't play. That was Mills.

 

Gillett did play. It wasn't Mills

[The Majestic Channon]

ermm.. Gillet didn't play. That was Mills.

Ermmm no, it was Gillet.

[JustMike]

best game by wotton for us by far, sat in front of back 4 and controlled leaving Hammond to get forward. Lambert was awesome and my MOM

[Roger]

I southend game on sky? Otherwise why is it fri? Does anyone know if we are going to sign a striker this week, dj campbell? Also anyone know how long morgan, thomas and murty are out cos if we get all of these guys back I think we will go far.

[syd_barrett_saint]

To those at the game, how exactly did the formation line up, and did it change through the game?

 

Merrington was saying that Mellis was playing in the middle of the park, and Lallana seems to have been up front with Lambert, so who was playing on the left of midfield? It can't have been Wotton surely?

Edited 3 October, 2009 by syd_barrett_saint

[S-Clarke]

To those at the game, how exactly did the formation line up, and did it change through the game?

 

Merrington was saying that Mellis was playing in the middle of the park, and Lallana seems to have been up front with Lallana, so who was playing on the left of midfield? It can't have been Wotton surely?

 

 

From what i could see, it started with Mellis out on the left and Lallana through the middle.

 

After 20mins, Mellis started wandering again - so Pard's stuck him through the middle and instructed Lallana to get out on the left to support/track back when needed - but adam was still given the license to roam and come inside when we attacked.

 

We didn't really have any width down the left....but we didn't need it as our right side was so productive.

[NickG]

By the way when Gillet came on for 10 minutes I can see why Pardew left him out. Seemed like a headless chicken and didn't really do much well at all! However Paterson looked like a man possesed to get back in the team.

 

ermm.. Gillet didn't play. That was Mills.

 

:confused::confused::confused:

[syd_barrett_saint]

From what i could see, it started with Mellis out on the left and Lallana through the middle.

 

After 20mins, Mellis started wandering again - so Pard's stuck him through the middle and instructed Lallana to get out on the left to support/track back when needed - but adam was still given the license to roam and come inside when we attacked.

 

We didn't really have any width down the left....but we didn't need it as our right side was so productive.

 

OK, thanks!

 

With Mellis not available for the next game/s, I believe, maybe it would be nice to see some proper width on the left too. Perhaps Holmes or Mills in for him, so that Lallana can concentrate on creating and scoring goals up front with Lambert... :-)

[NickG]

To those at the game, how exactly did the formation line up, and did it change through the game?

 

Merrington was saying that Mellis was playing in the middle of the park, and Lallana seems to have been up front with Lambert, so who was playing on the left of midfield? It can't have been Wotton surely?

 

it was pretty fluid

 

Wooton infront of back four

 

Mellis and Hammond midfield

 

pretty much three up front with Papa / Lambert / Lallana

 

Papa was quite wide right a lot of the time but certainly not formal RM

[NickG]

From what i could see, it started with Mellis out on the left and Lallana through the middle.

 

After 20mins, Mellis started wandering again - so Pard's stuck him through the middle and instructed Lallana to get out on the left to support/track back when needed - but adam was still given the license to roam and come inside when we attacked.

 

We didn't really have any width down the left....but we didn't need it as our right side was so productive.

 

think Mellis was central all game. solent on way to game announced the team with him CM as well

[Legod Third Coming]

Some marking is too high here and reflects the score line rather than the players I reckon

 

We did well, we played ok on the whole, the front three/four were very good.

 

But Gillingham were a poor side. Poor, poor side.

 

They had shipped ten goals before today away from home and it's easy to see why.

 

On the upside, the Gills are a mid-table League one side and it's those teams we have yet to play who we need to keep stuffing.

 

A professional job, but not spectacular by any stretch.

 

BTW, why bring Adam off on a hatrick??? How bizarre.

[St Will]

Davis 7 - Not much to do really...couple of good claims.

 

James 7 - was ok, got done a couple of times for being a bit slow (in his mind) in the first 20mins but really got to grips with the game in the 2nd half.

 

Jaidi - 8 nothing got past him - man mountain

 

Trotman 8 - ditto really - a really strong central partnership we have now.

 

Harding 8 - Excellent i thought, bursting forward, cutting inside and running at defenders...and a good display defensively too. Love him

 

Mellis 8 - was a bit skeptical about his inclusion after his team performance v Rovers, but he was excellent i felt. Always popping up in and around the box. He started out on the left...but then went to play through the middle after about 20mins with lambert - where i felt he was pretty good. Lively pacey and has good ability.

 

Hammond 8 - Solid. A leader in the middle, keeps us playing and keeps the shape of the midfield 4.

 

Wotton 7 - I thought he was good - don't underestimate his involvement in the score line today, kept harrying in midfield and pressuring their players. Ok...he's not a gifted player by any-means, but he gives you 100%.

 

Papa 9 - Brilliant, after about 20mins. Had a slow start to the game..but then came alive. He has pace to burn and gave us that natural width down the right we've been crying for. He beat their man time and time again. It's great to actually have an outlet over the top...and we were a real threat on the break for once.

 

Adam - 9 MOTM for me. Brilliant, he's really upped his game in the last month. You cannot fault his effort this season but now he's adding goals to his tally to. Crackling little player.

 

Lambert 9 - The ultimate front man. He has everything for this level. Holds it up, can pass it, can volley it, can head it..can score......he's going to be a hero for us.

 

 

Subs...

 

Gillet 7 - did ok, didn't get long but did his chances no harm.

 

Patto - n/a - was only on 2mins

 

Holmes - n/a - again..really only got 2/3mins.

 

Saves me doing my own match ratings - I agree with all of that!

[georgeismyname]

Davis - 7 - could've been better positioned for the goal, couple of dodgy throws but a couple of good punches/claims

 

Harding - 7 - decent game as usual, seems to have gone off the boil in the last couple of games but still pretty good, eventhough not his best

 

Trotman - 7 - decent game, won most things in the air as always

 

Jaidi - 8 - won absolutely everything in the air, bossed the defence

 

James - 7 - ok, didn't really notice much of him, some good crosses

 

Mellis - 8 - best game in a Saints shirt, looked brilliant when in the middle, good passing and unlucky with the shot that hit the post

 

Hammond - 8 - Brilliant, aggressive as usual, some great passes

 

Wotton - 7 - ok, didn't really notice him, good aggression

 

Papa Waigo - 8 - started off poor but improved, missed a sitter, looked terrible at times but brilliant at others. well taken goal, needs to learn how to cross.

 

Lallana - 10 - MOTM, fantastic, ran the game, great passing, 2 well taken goals, fantastic

 

Lambert - 9.5 - Fantastic, great goal, won everything in the air and seemed to be doing it all on his own at the start. His goal proved that if he gets the service, he WILL score.

[spyinthesky]

Great feeling to get a handsome win

 

Bit of perspective though.

 

Gillingham were pants but if there are several similar sides around we will take decent points off them and move up the league.

 

Thought Trottman was poor first half and seemed to be having a problem. Pardew gave him a talking to and Hammone/Jaidi and Wooton went out of their way to spk with him. Better second half.

 

Waigo good and bad in equal measure.

 

Otherwise good performances from Harding, Hammond, Lambert & Lallana and generally acceptable elsewhere.

 

Still think we need to improve in 3 positions but it feels good tonight!!

[Saints foreva]

Kelv - Not much to do. 6/10.

 

James - He still scares the **** out of me, but had a decent game today. 7/10.

Jaidi - Rock soild, won almost everything in the air. 8/10.

Trotman - Same again really, thought he had a slow start to the game though. 7/10.

Harding - Started off slow, they scored and maybe he should have done better but after that I thought he was quality. 7/10.

 

Hammond - Yet another soild game imo, passes the ball around nice and got stuck in. 8/10.

Wotton - Shocked when I was him on the pitch, but I thought he did alright - Battled well to get the ball. 7/10.

Mellis - His best game since signing imo, he actually did something today. 8/10.

 

Papa Waigo - Poor for the first 20 minutes and missed a great chance, but after he scored (looked like the defender helped) he was good. He looked so scared to take players on against Rovers but today he looked confident. His crossing was poor but apart from that well done lad!

Rickie Lambert - Soild, great finish for the goal and some decent passing movements created by him, unlucky with that free kick.

Lallana - One of his best games in a Southampton shirt, two great finishes and he looked a real treat all day.

[up and away]

Should have had at least six!! Their first goal came from Harding's mistake, but when it comes down to it, it could have been goal of the week... So, glad at least that it was just the one.

 

Great match and I thought there was some fantastic play out there today, but the left side is still weak - Harding only "looked good" going forward coz there was no one for him to link up with, and he was off his mark more than once. Methinks he is an LB by default, but would love to be a bit further up the field. Please, AP, get partnerships established on the wings. James and Papa are working on it; Harding and Mills nearly had something before.

 

This has been our main problem both going forward and defending, sort that problem out and we really could go forward. I was impressed with what Holmes did last season, both going forward and defending.

 

We were good and had made improvements over the Rovers game, but Gillingham were not as good as Rovers. Thought Pardews comments were very honest and a good analysis of what was going on.

[vince]

I southend game on sky? Otherwise why is it fri?

 

According to the "live on Sky" page on Skys website, it is NOT being broadcast. The article on the Saints site where it announced the switch said it was moved on "Police advice".

[St Will]

According to the "live on Sky" page on Skys website, it is NOT being broadcast. The article on the Saints site where it announced the switch said it was moved on "Police advice".

 

But don't we have a love in with Southend fans? There might as well be no police there at all because we'll all be hugging and kissing after the game!

[Saint_clark]

Am I the only one who thinks Lallana is playing up front with Waigo on the wing?

[St Will]

Am I the only one who thinks Lallana is playing up front with Waigo on the wing?

 

I think it's a 4-2-3-1 formation, like this:

 

 

----------------Lambert----------------

 

Lallana----------Melis------------Papa

 

------Wotton-------------Hammond----

 

-----------------Defence-----------------

[OldNick]

No poor displays. Lambert MOM. Lallana carried on from tuesday...if only he had some pace.Another Surman who will find lack of pace is the thing that stops them being a top player.

[DrZuess1979 the 2nd]

Davis 7 One mad moment were he ran out to header the ball (jesus lol)

 

James 7 Had a ruff first 5 mins but over all solid

 

Trot 7 Won almost everthing again solid

 

RJ 7 Won everthing in the air

 

Harding 8 Was doubled up first half when Melis went walkies

 

Wotton 8 Bulldog performance

 

Hammond 7 good passing look good

 

Melis 6 first half was all over the place

 

Papa 7.5 Hummm one min superb the next awfull his goal was a peach

 

Lallana 9 was so close to MOM VERY cool finishing

 

Lambert 9.5 MOM was chasing everything took his goal very well

 

 

Pards 9 Spot on tactics 4-3-3 then held with a 4-1-4-1

 

Burgers 5 very disappointed soggy must do better

[shurlock]

Lallana definitely got better today and came close to MOTM (for me that goes to Lambert) Saying that, I think he's much less effective on the left (where he started today) than down the middle.

 

Arguably AP also wants to play Lallana in a more central position but didn't think after Tuesday Mellis could do the job on the left(so switched him with Lallana, gaining a bit with Mellis but losing a bit with Lallana).

 

Strange that our system is partly designed to accomodate Mellis given he's not one of our heavyweights. Still he had a very good game today and I've been a fan for his movement, endeavour and alertness since day 1.

Edited 3 October, 2009 by shurlock

[NickG]

Davis 7 One mad moment were he ran out to header the ball (jesus lol)

 

James 7 Had a ruff first 5 mins but over all solid

 

Trot 7 Won almost everthing again solid

 

RJ 7 Won everthing in the air

 

Harding 8 Was doubled up first half when Melis went walkies

 

Wotton 8 Bulldog performance

 

Hammond 7 good passing look good

 

Melis 6 first half was all over the place

 

Papa 7.5 Hummm one min superb the next awfull his goal was a peach

 

Lallana 9 was so close to MOM VERY cool finishing

 

Lambert 9.5 MOM was chasing everything took his goal very well

 

 

Pards 9 Spot on tactics 4-3-3 then held with a 4-1-4-1

 

Burgers 5 very disappointed soggy must do better

 

 

 

 

think you are way out on Melis. Not been his biggest fan but he was excellent today. Real attacking threat and involved in most of our good moves, unlucky not to score when he hit the post

[OldNick]

think you are way out on Melis. Not been his biggest fan but he was excellent today. Real attacking threat and involved in most of our good moves, unlucky not to score when he hit the post

I agree Melis was the best he has been today

[DrZuess1979 the 2nd]

think you are way out on Melis. Not been his biggest fan but he was excellent today. Real attacking threat and involved in most of our good moves, unlucky not to score when he hit the post

 

Yes good threat going foward, but left Harding really exposed they scored because of it, as harding was trying to defend against 2 players. Improved 10 fold 2nd half

 

His build up to his shot that hit the post was superb so 7

[NickG]

he wasn't playing on the left

[DrZuess1979 the 2nd]

First half he did

 

did`nt he

[shurlock]

allana definitely got better today and came close to MOTM (for me that goes to Lambert) Saying that, I think he's much less effective on the left (where he started today) than down the middle.

 

Arguably AP also wants to play Lallana in a more central position but didn't think after Tuesday Mellis could do the job on the left(so switched him with Lallana, gaining a bit with Mellis but losing a bit with Lallana).

 

Strange that our system is partly designed to accomodate Mellis given he's not one of our heavyweights. Still he had a very good game today and I've been a fan for his movement, endeavour and alertness since day 1.

[NickG]

First half he did

 

did`nt he

 

he was central with Hammond

 

Wooton behind them.

 

Lallana/Lambert/Waigo as front three (Waigo/Lallana also dropping back)

 

was how I saw it, from the start - agree it does leave fullbacks exposed tho