Player Ratings for Today

[Colinjb]

Bart - 6. Did what he needed to do, had a few moments of confusion with his defence but kept Walsall honest. Worried about his ability to command his penalty area effectively but this run in the team can only be good for him.

 

Harding - 7. Nice and solid, defended well and overlapped a few times on the attack to good effect.

 

Murty - 5. Had a pretty poor game, his passing in the first half was awful and had to be covered a few times by Lloyd James. Not his finest hour.

 

Perry - 6. Nothing amazing, seemed ok in the air, had a few problems with Byfield but did fairly well.

 

Jaidi - 6. His usual dominant self in the air, although at a couple of points he had a Darren (50p for a head) Powell type clearances. His lack of pace was made up for by his ability to read the game. An intelligent and effective game.

 

Lallana - 8. His movement and passing caused Walsall problems all afternoon, didn't add to his scoring tally but he was a constant thorn in their side.

 

James - 9. His best game in a Saints shirt, he worked tirelessly and effectively on the right, supplied a sublime pass to set up Connolly for his gaol and should be very proud. He is finally starting to come good.

 

Hammond - 7. Solid, helped dictate play well along with Morgan and fully deserved his goal.

 

Schneiderlin - 8. He was the creative heartbeat today, looked at ease with play and held his own brilliantly against a physical but sometimes crude Walsall midfield and defense. If only he would shoot from distance though.

 

Connolly - 9. A very, very classy performance. His movement and reading of the game gave Walsall nightmares, switched well to wide positions and was an excellent foil for the chances made by the midfield and Ricky's hold up play.

 

Lambert - 6. He is obviously tired, off form and needs a break. He tried to hold up play but was not the confident line leader we have often seen. He took his goal well but was lucky the stumble he suffered before striking it didn't cost him the chance.

 

Subs:

 

Antonio - 8. His pace on the Walsall backline was excellent, he kept working off the ball well too. A real prospect, why Reading are not using him is beyond me.

 

Wotton - n/a. Didn't see enough of him to really say. But as soon as he came on Walsall looked brighter.