trousers Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 The feel's much the same as last Christmas if I recall rightly - pessimism, a deluded belief that we'd never turn our form around, thoughtlessly blaming the board/manager for poor signings like Sadio Mane. Groundhog Day? On the SaintsWeb Forum? Surely not.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalek2003 Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Interesting stat I've just seen. The top four teams in terms of average number of shots on goal from within the penalty area this season are : 1. Arsenal. 10.4 2. Southampton. 9.1 3. Man City. 8.6 4. Liverpool. 8.1 This would suggest not only that we're in for a tough time on Boxing Day but also that our overall team play is a lot better than some fans on here would have us believe. Our problems are not in creating chances, they're in taking those chances and not conceding stupid goals at the other end. Tottenham game was just like this. Thought we were the better team all over the pitch except for the two penalty areas which is of course where it really counts. Upside of this is that it shouldn't take a lot to sort out. Expect us to lose to Arrsenal but then go on a run . Good point. We need a really quick mobile, confident striker. Will the board spend the dosh on Charlie Austin ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/10107376/alexis-sanchez-of-arsenal-set-to-miss-next-four-games Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 The feel's much the same as last Christmas if I recall rightly - pessimism, a deluded belief that we'd never turn our form around, thoughtlessly blaming the board/manager for poor signings like Sadio Mane. Spot on mate, but sadly lost on here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 The feel's much the same as last Christmas if I recall rightly - pessimism, a deluded belief that we'd never turn our form around, thoughtlessly blaming the board/manager for poor signings like Sadio Mane. But we kicked out of the slump before Christmas last year although it's true that we lost 4 on the trot, both Manchester clubs at home, Arsenal away and surprisingly Burnley, we were also far better placed before the slump started. This season we've lost 4 out of our last 5 in the league, with a miserable home draw in the other game and have suffered that ignominious defeat at home by Liverpool in the league cup, a defeat which seems to have totally demoralised many a fan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Spot on mate, but sadly lost on here hey mate, what do think the score will be on sat. and what is your thinking behind it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett24 Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 We are going to win 3-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 hey mate, what do think the score will be on sat. and what is your thinking behind it? 2-2 mate, trying to be optimistic but i guess its more likely to be a loss. Arsenal have proven that they know where the net is and we just need some of our chances to go in If we can score early it will give us the confidence we are lacking at the moment as i dont feel we are playing too badly gong forward just need to be clinical when it matters and cut out the mistakes at the back. However if we concede early it might be a long night of pain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErwinK1961 Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 The feel's much the same as last Christmas if I recall rightly - pessimism, a deluded belief that we'd never turn our form around, thoughtlessly blaming the board/manager for poor signings like Sadio Mane. I think a key difference to last year is the defence (and by that, I don't just mean the back 4/5, I mean defensively as a team). During our pre Xmas slump last year we hardly scored any goals, but we were pretty solid at the back. This year, we are nowhere near as solid, which I guess you won't be when you lose Morgan, Toby and Clyne and have Wanyama t*ssing it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpbury Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Go DRG! Some sensible and rational points you've made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Interesting insight into Leicester, Kasper Schmeicel on Sky. We went back to trying what we did in the Championship and it's working. We are NOT a possession team. The front players play off the shoulder of the defenders and the ball is put into the space behind them, where the forwards want it. We win it and get it up to them quickly. We on the other hand pass it around slowly, allow the opponents to close down the space in their half and outnumber our few players that get up front. Or we hit Pelle who is struggling to win the ball with precious little support. We have loads of shots ie Villa, 23 only five on target and a goal from a corner that everybody misses except Romeu at the far post. In my view we need more of Leicester and less of Poundland Tika Taka as coined by Verlaine 79 which nails it for me. Or Souness slaughtering Swansea, passing for the sake of passing. 651 passes 2 shots on target 0-0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Interesting insight into Leicester, Kasper Schmeicel on Sky. We went back to trying what we did in the Championship and it's working. We are NOT a possession team. The front players play off the shoulder of the defenders and the ball is put into the space behind them, where the forwards want it. We win it and get it up to them quickly. We on the other hand pass it around slowly, allow the opponents to close down the space in their half and outnumber our few players that get up front. Or we hit Pelle who is struggling to win the ball with precious little support. We have loads of shots ie Villa, 23 only five on target and a goal from a corner that everybody misses except Romeu at the far post. In my view we need more of Leicester and less of Poundland Tika Taka as coined by Verlaine 79 which nails it for me. Or Souness slaughtering Swansea, passing for the sake of passing. 651 passes 2 shots on target 0-0. We're not Swansea, though. None of the numbers support your idea that we're obsessively focussed on keeping possession. We're bang in the middle of most possession-related categories. We're equally happy to go long and hit Pelle early, if need be. That's not to say, there aren't problems with our attacking play. But passing for passing's sake is not really a major one. It's not surprising: you like your football nice and basic, "in the mixer and down the channels" and judge everything else accordingly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 We're not Swansea, though. None of the numbers support your idea that we're obsessively focussed on keeping possession. We're bang in the middle of most possession-related categories. We're equally happy to go long and hit Pelle early, if need be. That's not to say, there aren't problems with our attacking play. But passing for passing's sake is not really a major one. It's not surprising: you like your football nice and basic, "in the mixer and down the channels" and judge everything else accordingly. I don't like passing it sideways and backwards, getting closed down and back to the keeper to launch it. I want to see passing but I want to see the passing going forward with midfield players getting forward to help the attackers and incisive passing not the easy option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 I don't like passing it sideways and backwards, getting closed down and back to the keeper to launch it. I want to see passing but I want to see the passing going forward with midfield players getting forward to help the attackers and incisive passing not the easy option. We simply don't have or cannot afford players who look up and play the ball forward more often than not. More realistic perhaps is a player who can run with the ball at speed from more central positions and get beyond the attackers. Also a bit more movement between Tadic, Pelle and Mané wouldn't go amiss. But by definition, less talented players take more touches, have a more limited passing range and need more time on the ball to see things develop. As for Davis, he's not meant to be a no.10: Koeman would rather a utility player who can track back and link midfield and attack than a truly offensive-minded AM. That's Koeman's trade-off -as it indeed was MP's. Unless you can find a no.10 who takes his defensive responsibilities seriously or is extremely consistent, that will continue to be the case as long as compact, pragmatic football is the order of the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 We simply don't have or cannot afford players who look up and play the ball forward more often than not. More realistic perhaps is a player who can run with the ball at speed from more central positions and get beyond the attackers. Also a bit more movement between Tadic, Pelle and Mané wouldn't go amiss. But by definition, less talented players take more touches, have a more limited passing range and need more time on the ball to see things develop. As for Davis, he's not meant to be a no.10: Koeman would rather a utility player who can track back and link midfield and attack than a truly offensive-minded AM. That's Koeman's trade-off -as it indeed was MP's. Unless you can find a no.10 who takes his defensive responsibilities seriously or is extremely consistent, that will continue to be the case as long as compact, pragmatic football is the order of the day. Koeman has to find an answer and can't afford this safety first negative thinking or we will be in a relegation scrap before we know it. We need to be more positive, raise the tempo and put teams under pressure if we don't we aren't going to win very often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Stekelenburg fit and available again. Imagine he will come straight in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simo Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Stekelenburg fit and available again. Imagine he will come straight in. I'd be happy keeping Gazza in while he's playing well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simo Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Ff resumed full training today talking of keepers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baird of the land Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Good news that stek is fit again. Gazzaniga's performance vs Spurs hardly filled me with confidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefoggy Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Good news that stek is fit again. Gazzaniga's performance vs Spurs hardly filled me with confidence. What exactly did he do wrong then? Were u even at St Marys?? Could do nothing with the goals. Blame the muppets in front of him, Cedric mainly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hasper57saint Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 Apart from a wild clearance into the Itchen Gazza didn't do much wrong.It was the people in front of him that didn't appear to have a clue.Kane should have been clattered before he even got the ball near the 18 yard box.You can't blame the keeper for defensive incompetence.We gifted a very poor Spuds team two simple goals and then couldn't respond.Lets see what sort of squad RK selects for Saturday.My hopes are not high for this one but knowing football we could even win!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baird of the land Posted 22 December, 2015 Share Posted 22 December, 2015 What exactly did he do wrong then? Were u even at St Marys?? Could do nothing with the goals. Blame the muppets in front of him, Cedric mainly Technically I still think he's suspect. Couple that with moment where he barely got away with delaying far too long coming out to sweep up what should have been a simple through ball. So yeah while he's shown signs of improvement and wasn't to blame for the goals he's not the level of the keepers we signed to be first choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redder freak Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 I think he's getting better but I'm still not convinced he exerts the necessary authority to dominate his penalty area and martial the defence in front of him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevy777_x Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 I see Jack Stephens is back. Wonder if ge will be part of the match day squad? Also in the arsenal preview, Koeman indicated he let his emotions go a little bit after the spurs game. He doesn t think there are a lot of physical options in the squad so expect a similar side to the spurs game. Not sure this is the right way to go, we need to refresh the team a little. Drop Wanyama, get harry reed and Gaston involved even if it is from the bench. I would also start Juanmi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ally_uk Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 Can see us getting smashed 4-0 I currently have no faith in Koeman or some of the dross in this team. Wanyama benched? Forget that sell him pronto lets have more youth in the team aswell and give Gaston a run out! One of our most creative players and doesnt get a look in.... Where is the logic in that?........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanRG Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 But we kicked out of the slump before Christmas last year although it's true that we lost 4 on the trot, both Manchester clubs at home, Arsenal away and surprisingly Burnley, we were also far better placed before the slump started. This season we've lost 4 out of our last 5 in the league, with a miserable home draw in the other game and have suffered that ignominious defeat at home by Liverpool in the league cup, a defeat which seems to have totally demoralised many a fan. We're having a worse season than last year, don't get me wrong, but the inability to see form as temporary remains the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 Got a weird feeling that we'll win this one. Out of the blue excellent performance to get our season back on track. 2-1 Saints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Munster Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 Got a weird feeling that we'll win this one. Out of the blue excellent performance to get our season back on track. 2-1 Saints. That's what I thought before the Liverpool cup game. So I am squashing any of my green shoots of optimism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 Got a weird feeling that we'll win this one. Out of the blue excellent performance to get our season back on track. 2-1 Saints. This. And I don't know why. Ron needs a win, it's not a likely scenario but it could happen. I've got a good feeling about this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc R Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 I see Jack Stephens is back. Wonder if ge will be part of the match day squad? Where have you seen that, don't see it anywhere online? Wouldn't have thought he could be selected until January anyway within the terms of his loan agreement, even if it has been terminated? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shroppie Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 This. And I don't know why. Ron needs a win, it's not a likely scenario but it could happen. I've got a good feeling about this one. Here's hoping. Strange results happen at Christmas. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 23 December, 2015 Share Posted 23 December, 2015 Where have you seen that, don't see it anywhere online? Wouldn't have thought he could be selected until January anyway within the terms of his loan agreement, even if it has been terminated? He is in the Koeman pre-match interview training video. But you are almost certainly correct that he cannot play until 16. Thought this had probably happened as he has not been in a Boro squad recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durley Saint Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Hello All, I have a spare concession ticket (Over 65 / Under 21) for the Chapel stand for Arsenal game. Happy to sell to a Saints fan for face value only. regards Durley Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza50 Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 stupid bloo*y kick off time This. I think it's really antisocial to make this an evening game on Boxing Day. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 This. I think it's really antisocial to make this an evening game on Boxing Day. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Absolutely disgusted by this. I know several ST holders who can't go because of this. 11:00 in the morning or not at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shroppie Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Absolutely disgusted by this. I know several ST holders who can't go because of this. 11:00 in the morning or not at all. Totally agree. Call me old-fashioned but Boxing Day games should be no later than 3pm. The evening is family time. Travel home after the evening kick-off means driving and for long-distance fans that is unlikely to be the way they want to spend Boxing Night. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whelk Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 West Ham get 4 hrs more prep time as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whelk Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/how-southampton-can-burst-arsenals-bubble-and-keep-ozil-quiet?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social#:uFG5zLqy24-1LQ Wanyama to show his worth snuffing out Ozil? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BARCELONASAINT Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/how-southampton-can-burst-arsenals-bubble-and-keep-ozil-quiet?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social#:uFG5zLqy24-1LQ Wanyama to show his worth snuffing out Ozil? I'm fast starting to hate Wanyama and just want us to get rid of him as quickly as possible. He reminds me of Kenwyne Jones a sulking stomping his feet baby who believes he is better than he really is and deserves to move to a so called bigger club exactly when he wants. Personally i think Arsenal will destroy us and Wanyama will not up for for putting in a performance. I feel sorry for the fans that are going to waste their money going to this game and more importantly wasting precious family time at this time of year because of the ridiculous timing of this game!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/how-southampton-can-burst-arsenals-bubble-and-keep-ozil-quiet?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social#:uFG5zLqy24-1LQ Wanyama to show his worth snuffing out Ozil? bet we dont do that. Ozil not particularly quick but he does float around the final 3rd of the pitch have to play mane on mertasacker.....and not hoof the ball up to him or pelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Koeman saying the two day break between games on the 26th and the 28th is "ridiculous" is not a wise move. It gives the players an in-built excuse, in my opinion, knowing even the manager doesn't think they can perform 100%. Mistake made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Koeman saying the two day break between games on the 26th and the 28th is "ridiculous" is not a wise move. It gives the players an in-built excuse, in my opinion, knowing even the manager doesn't think they can perform 100%. Mistake made. Every manager moans about it at some time or another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lallana's Left Peg Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Koeman saying the two day break between games on the 26th and the 28th is "ridiculous" is not a wise move. It gives the players an in-built excuse, in my opinion, knowing even the manager doesn't think they can perform 100%. Mistake made. I understand where you are coming from but I think that is a little harsh - two games in such a short period is dangerous from a fitness and injury perspective. The chances for injury go up a massive amount - I saw a graph a while back on how the potential for injury in footballers goes up a massive amount if they play twice a week let alone twice in two days. That said, it's the same for West Ham as well. As for the players losing focus, it's been like that for well over a month now so I doubt this comment will do much harm. I think the first thing we can do is ensure we pick 11 men who are focussed and committed and the rest will sort itself out. Last season Koeman's relaxed approach reaped great rewards in the first half of the season and then he only got angry when we had those 5 losses in a row. There was an upturn in form and the rest of the season somewhat tailed off. I read he's got a bit angry again so lets hope for a reaction though with nothing to play for this season and at least two of our squad having eyes on their summer moves then there will need to be some good man management to keep the squad motivated for the rest of the season. If you consider that many transfer targets are eliminated not on the grounds of talent but on the grounds of their character then this slump and the rumours of discontent in the squad are concerning because in theory cliques and individuals putting themselves ahead of the team shouldn't happen in this 'black box' era. However, Koeman and the board have my full support but I expect a much better performance off the field this summer to allow us to head into next season with some optimism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Koeman saying the two day break between games on the 26th and the 28th is "ridiculous" is not a wise move. It gives the players an in-built excuse, in my opinion, knowing even the manager doesn't think they can perform 100%. Mistake made. He said something similar last year, didn't do us too much harm then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabrice29 Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Koeman saying the two day break between games on the 26th and the 28th is "ridiculous" is not a wise move. It gives the players an in-built excuse, in my opinion, knowing even the manager doesn't think they can perform 100%. Mistake made. You've over thought that but that wont stop you from thinking you're right if the results don't go our way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 That said, it's the same for West Ham as well. Actually it isn't. West Ham have an extra 4 hours and 45 minutes to recover, which in the context of 2 days is approx 10% extra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Every manager moans about it at some time or another. I am not disagreeing with his sentiments, just the timing of when he said it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 This is all very well but years ago amateur players at the highest levels because they could if they wanted often, played Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday for different clubs and the very best often played mid-week representative games as well as training Tuesday and Thursday and working full time. The Sunday teams were usually teams that comprised players from a couple of Saturday clubs playing in comparable leagues of similar strength. The days when pitches in the winter were very heavy, much more tiring than the pitches Saints have to play on. I can understand the concerns but I don't buy fatigued after one game especially with the effort some of our international superstars have been putting in lately seriously affecting them 48 hours later. Knocks and injury recovery in that time is a different matter altogether. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Formation not working. Let's go 4-4-2, we've got to try something different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 24 December, 2015 Share Posted 24 December, 2015 Made for us. Long, Clasie, Wanyama,(Romeu), Tadic, Pelle, Mane. Cedric at RM in front of Yoshida could be an alternative possibility. Koeman won't buy 4-4-2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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