Ivan Katalinic's 'tache Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 For those that were there, how did he get on? I thought it an interesting call to bring him in, in a must win game, when he's not been close to a game for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Pardew was very impressed with him after the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 As I've said on the other threads - thought he showed alot of promise. interchanged well with harding and lallana, was sharp and composed in possession and delivered a few sweet crosses more or less from the byline. He was sometimes a bit too eager to cut inside and there was a general lack of support around him but these were only minor points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saints foreva Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Our best player imo. That saying, the majority of our players were pretty awful.... Nice to see him back, hope he can get in form like he did last season before his injury. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Thought he did well, linked up with Lallana well, and put in some nice crosses. Sometimes he didn't have much support but he did alright today, no complaints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littlelat17 Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Gives us a nice balance going down the left and after being out for so long feels like a new signing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
It's There Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Pardew has bigged him up - hence feels like a forth signing. Encouraging! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genk Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Thought he was quite good today. Like Redandwhite91 said, he didn't get much support and tended to cut infield more than use his pace down the wing. Crosses looked good too. Good to have back. Think Lallana is more useful on the left than upfront however. Perhaps Lallana on the right and Holmes on the left?? James doesn't have the pace to play on the wing I don't think although he had a reasonable game today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forever a red and white Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 not bad considering he hasn't played a proper match in months. Although would like to see him used as a proper winger in 451/433 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilsburydoughboy Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Glad to see him back in the side.He will go from strength to strength now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forever a red and white Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 also found it slightly strange how he seemed to warm up independently from the rest of the squad almost casting an isolated figure in the corner pre match, suprised he see him start but happy to see it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Glad to see him back in the side.He will go from strength to strength now. If he can saty fit I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surrey1saint Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Our best player imo. That saying, the majority of our players were pretty awful.... Nice to see him back, hope he can get in form like he did last season before his injury. He was indeed,IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Played well. Gave us proper width on the left which we've lacked. Put a couple of top notch crosses in, one of which Morgan seemed to wimp out on when the goal was gaping. Looked a little rusty first half and took a while to get the pace of the game, but that's to be expected after a long period out the first team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilko Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Solid performance. Nothing spectacular, but he worked hard and did his job well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 no one has criticised him like I have, but I can honestly say I thought he was very good today. Great touch and passing. He never gave the ball away anf fought much harder than I have seen in the past. Two concerns, Lallana seems to be stepping on his toes in the first half, and the other that I didn't see Holmes beat the full back once. Isn't a winder meant to dribble and get to the byeline and cross the ball? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint1977 Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 no one has criticised him like I have, but I can honestly say I thought he was very good today. Great touch and passing. He never gave the ball away anf fought much harder than I have seen in the past. Two concerns, Lallana seems to be stepping on his toes in the first half, and the other that I didn't see Holmes beat the full back once. Isn't a winder meant to dribble and get to the byeline and cross the ball? I'd agree with that, Holmes doesn't have any great pace but is by far the best crosser of the ball in the entire squad which comes in handy with Lambert to aim at. The pace issue is a problem as we need to get far more of it throughout the squad but if Holmes delivers in other ways it may be that he is worth a prolonged try. After all, Beckham delivered great crosses for over a decade with little pace to draw on. We need some pace alongside Rickie asap, even if it means Waigo plays up there. Lallana is a confidence player - he was hot when we were on that winning run but can go missing like recently when we've been very poor since Leeds which seems to have really hit the team's belief. I'd still pick him though as he is feared by the other sides in this league. Morgan S is badly overrated - someone compared him to Oakley but he's not fit to lace his boots. I have always thought James would do better in CM, with Hammond injured we are about to find out. Seabourne looked ok but Exeter fans' observations about his heading and distribution may have validity but with work he may be a gem. Fonte was superb, what the heck is he doing in L1? Thank you to Kelvin, some great work today to get us a point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Majestic Channon Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 A fit again holmes would be like a good new signing . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 I'd agree with that, Holmes doesn't have any great pace but is by far the best crosser of the ball in the entire squad which comes in handy with Lambert to aim at. The pace issue is a problem as we need to get far more of it throughout the squad but if Holmes delivers in other ways it may be that he is worth a prolonged try. After all, Beckham delivered great crosses for over a decade with little pace to draw on. We need some pace alongside Rickie asap, even if it means Waigo plays up there. Lallana is a confidence player - he was hot when we were on that winning run but can go missing like recently when we've been very poor since Leeds which seems to have really hit the team's belief. I'd still pick him though as he is feared by the other sides in this league. Morgan S is badly overrated - someone compared him to Oakley but he's not fit to lace his boots. I have always thought James would do better in CM, with Hammond injured we are about to find out. Seabourne looked ok but Exeter fans' observations about his heading and distribution may have validity but with work he may be a gem. Fonte was superb, what the heck is he doing in L1? Thank you to Kelvin, some great work today to get us a point. no idea why we don't play Waigo up the middle. Get him chasing things rather than Lallana. Don't agree with your Morgan opinion. He's mile better than James. Miles. A bit worried that Seaborne didn't win jack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musesaint Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Class but like Glass If he can stay unbroken he'll be a huge plus for the second half of the season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herne Hill Saint Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Holmes as genuine left winger does bring balance to the side and on todays performance I would prefer hime to Lallana on the left. His first touch was excellent and his crossing was good even from out near the corner flag. I do feel that Lallana when not on top form is a bit of a luxury playing as a second striker because some pace and strength may have been more useful today - perhaps he should play on the right if James moves to centre mid whilst Hammond out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genk Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 Holmes as genuine left winger does bring balance to the side and on todays performance I would prefer hime to Lallana on the left. His first touch was excellent and his crossing was good even from out near the corner flag. I do feel that Lallana when not on top form is a bit of a luxury playing as a second striker because some pace and strength may have been more useful today - perhaps he should play on the right if James moves to centre mid whilst Hammond out Agree with Lallana to the right wing but I'm not totally convinced about playing Lloydy in there with Morgan. Pardew has mentioned another midfielder to bring in so hopefully its a good one! As much as I like Lloyd James, I can just see him being used as a squad player, filling in when injuries occur, especially if another CM is brought in. It is good to have someone like him on the bench that can play a handful of positions if needed to and can perform in these positions to a reasonable standard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tokyo-Saint Posted 16 January, 2010 Share Posted 16 January, 2010 I thought he was crap in the first half and should have been taken off. Too light weight for today's game. In the 2nd he did put in a few good balls but still lacked the pace of Antonio or the skills of lallana. Strange game to start him off with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Pardew has bigged him up - hence feels like a forth signing. Encouraging! (4th signing) ..which he effectively is. He started well last season but the injury put him out for a year. He's still got bags of experience, and I hope he maintains his form and fitness and he will give some balance to the left side. With Hammond out now..we def. need a strong attacking " midfield general." Injuries like his can be a short term problem, or a season-long nightmare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 not bad considering he hasn't played a proper match in months. Although would like to see him used as a proper winger in 451/433 "proper match" is right, though he's had a few outings in the reserves of late. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 We can't afford to play Holmes and James as our wingers again, there's no pace in the side at all with those two. I'd much rather player Waigo and one of the two, probably James and Waigo since we can rely on James staying fit for more than five minutes. There's no way he was our best player, our midfield offered nothing yesterday and he was as much to blame as anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Im glad he has had a chance. There is omething about him that I think he'd do ok. He works hard and tracks back and can cross the ball. In fact he does try to get to the byeline as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 James or Holmes? It's a no brainer, we have loads of better options wide right and only one wide left. Holmes is the best crosser of a ball in the club. Unless we get a wide left player in he should play. James on the other hand apart from being the mediocre non goal threatening dead ball kicker we don't need, really doesn't rate a place anywhere because he is so slow. I see him as purely a necessary evil, an infill until we can get better players in then let go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ponty Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 451/433 That's a very generous rating, IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 ponty...any danger of dealing with the posts that I mentioned on the other board..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 ponty...any danger of dealing with the posts that I mentioned on the other board..? dont get involved DD. There was nothing like it used to be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Village Saint Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 no idea why we don't play Waigo up the middle. Get him chasing things rather than Lallana. Don't agree with your Morgan opinion. He's mile better than James. Miles. A bit worried that Seaborne didn't win jack. Morgan had another solid game yesterday with too little support down the middle. The team selection yesterday was very sound (with one exception of course) and should have won the game. On the basis of one game - which is grossly unfair - you would have to say that our new right back looked very poor indeed. He did nothing of any great note that was positive and just went absent on the only occasion he was required - for the goal. However, he was one of three new boys in the back four who presumably will gell better in time. Also he probably wasn't helped by the bringing on of Waigo as James had been a very effective screen in front of him whereas Waigo just doesn't do that job. But when Waigo came on it was 0-0 so it was understandable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthamSteve Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Lee Holmes was our best player yesterday by some way. Our new players were all good, Fonte is a class above and has a touch of the Claus about him imo. Otsomeboor (or something?) was great coming forward, not so good in defence so the partnership with James on the right will work out I'm sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Really not surprised he played well - like a few on here, I've been championing his cause for a while (ooooh, get me.) But seriously, if he can stay fit he would a huge new dimension and bit of quality that we lack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 could never understand why mills was ever played ahead of him, whenever I have seen him he works harder and more productive/more quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Rather have Holmes in the side than Scheiderlin at the moment certainly. He has only good things to say on the OS too - comes across very well and he has been a good pro waiting his chance and not throwing his toys out like some do. Welcome back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 could never understand why mills was ever played ahead of him, whenever I have seen him he works harder and more productive/more quality. Neither Can I Dont understand why he could not get Saga to play either Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 James or Holmes? It's a no brainer, we have loads of better options wide right and only one wide left. Holmes is the best crosser of a ball in the club. Unless we get a wide left player in he should play. James on the other hand apart from being the mediocre non goal threatening dead ball kicker we don't need, really doesn't rate a place anywhere because he is so slow. I see him as purely a necessary evil, an infill until we can get better players in then let go. I really don't see the difference between James and Holmes apart from playing on different sides neither of them really offer anything as wingers. I much prefer James playing rightback or in the middle, neither of them should be playing out wide while Lallana, Waigo and Antonio are around. Playing them both is just far too negative. Lee Holmes was our best player yesterday by some way. Behave. He was crap, didn't create anything of note all game. He put in a decent shift but at any level of football you need more than that from a winger, I can spend 90 minutes running around following a winger, anyone can. We need players outwide with pace, power and confidence to take on a man - James and Holmes haven't got any of those things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 I really don't see the difference between James and Holmes apart from playing on different sides neither of them really offer anything as wingers. I much prefer James playing rightback or in the middle, neither of them should be playing out wide while Lallana, Waigo and Antonio are around. Playing them both is just far too negative. Behave. He was crap, didn't create anything of note all game. He put in a decent shift but at any level of football you need more than that from a winger, I can spend 90 minutes running around following a winger, anyone can. We need players outwide with pace, power and confidence to take on a man - James and Holmes haven't got any of those things. Holmes is the only natural wide left midfielder we have. Until we get someone better we should play him for the balance. I personally don't rate James except to fill in because primarily he is so slow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Holmes is the only natural wide left midfielder we have. Until we get someone better we should play him for the balance. I personally don't rate James except to fill in because primarily he is so slow. For me Holmes is just James with a left foot and a couple of dodgy knees. We should just go back to what worked so well with Lallana on the left or sign a left winger which would be my next priority if I was manager. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 For me Holmes is just James with a left foot and a couple of dodgy knees. We should just go back to what worked so well with Lallana on the left or sign a left winger which would be my next priority if I was manager. If Lallana played wide like he did for five games and scoring, yes. If he as he has been playing narrow, No. I do understand however that is how Pardew is telling him to play, which is wasting his talent. If that is the case until we sign a quick natural left midfielder Holmes should play. James for me is a lucky reserve standard player that the manager seems to like that brings nothing to the table. We need to set our sights higher than bit part players like James, he is not the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 I think James will have a place in the squad for a while, everyone needs a versatile player and he fills that for us. Holmes just isn't good enough, let Lallana play there or sign someone better in. Like you say Lallana went through a spell on looking dangerous and getting back to help Harding, he doesn't look anywhere near as effective upfront. Needs to be in midfield somewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 I think James will have a place in the squad for a while, everyone needs a versatile player and he fills that for us. Holmes just isn't good enough, let Lallana play there or sign someone better in. Like you say Lallana went through a spell on looking dangerous and getting back to help Harding, he doesn't look anywhere near as effective upfront. Needs to be in midfield somewhere. After Lallana's good spell he suddenly reverted to narrow and inneffective. I slated him for it because it coincided with the start of our hoofball then I found out that was the way he was supposed to play. That was the point in time I started to doubt Pardew because of his negativity. I think Holmes needs to be given a bit of a chance, he was good last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 After Lallana's good spell he suddenly reverted to narrow and inneffective. I slated him for it because it coincided with the start of our hoofball then I found out that was the way he was supposed to play. That was the point in time I started to doubt Pardew because of his negativity. I think Holmes needs to be given a bit of a chance, he was good last season. I'm not against Holmes getting a chance, if we play him on the left with Antonio or Waigo on the right and Lallana alongside Hammond or Schneiderlin in the middle then i'd be happy. I just don't think we should be going to teams and playing for a point with such a negative midfield selection. It was clear as day after Wotton came on that we'd struggle to score from open play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 I'm not against Holmes getting a chance, if we play him on the left with Antonio or Waigo on the right and Lallana alongside Hammond or Schneiderlin in the middle then i'd be happy. I just don't think we should be going to teams and playing for a point with such a negative midfield selection. It was clear as day after Wotton came on that we'd struggle to score from open play. Your first paragraph is how I would like to see it set up. Lambert Connolly (or Antonio) Holmes Lallana Schneiderlin Waigo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Your first paragraph is how I would like to see it set up. Lambert Connolly (or Antonio) Holmes Lallana Schneiderlin Waigo Is that not a horribly lightweight midfield? What shall we do when the opposition run right through them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 That's how we should be playing if we're serious about getting out of the league. Just won't happen with Pardew, he's obviously more inclined to play a more cautious team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Is that not a horribly lightweight midfield? What shall we do when the opposition run right through them? It really isn't that different to how we play at the moment, Hammond doesn't get stuck in half as much as people think, infact i'd say Schneiderlin does far more of the dirty work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 It really isn't that different to how we play at the moment, Hammond doesn't get stuck in half as much as people think, infact i'd say Schneiderlin does far more of the dirty work. Yes, but Hammond gets stuck in 100% more than Lallana! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 17 January, 2010 Share Posted 17 January, 2010 Yes, but Hammond gets stuck in 100% more than Lallana! The way I see it if we continue the way we are we are looking at next season so lightweight or not give it a go. One other thing if you have a midfield and strikers with no pace it allows the opponents to attack without being caught out. If that six played the opponents would be bloody uncomfortable with the pace and movement and a lot less likely to feel comfortable especially if Antonio replaced Connolly up front late on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now