Saints 1-1 Brighton - Reaction Thread

[Jimmy_D]

Meh.

[Micky]

Aaah well chance to climb league missed

[Monk]

Much better second half.

 

My god PEH & Che Adams aren’t very good are they? I think we’d be laughing if we can get £10m and KWP for PEH

[CB Fry]

Puel points with two games to spare.

[Whitey Grandad]

1 minute ago, Mr X said:

Wow hojberg is like having ten men 

Worse than that. It’s as though he’s playing for the opposition.

[Manuel]

Ings really is a class above.  Where would we be without him?

[S-Clarke]

2 minutes ago, Manuel said:

Ings really is a class above.  Where would we be without him?

Relegated.

[striker]

Good 2nd half. Hoj was poor. I think whoever said it is right, sit him down before the potential suitors change their minds

[Harry_SFC]

Great second half display. Shame about the first half but it was a pretty makeshift back 4. Hojbjerg just gets worse and worse. I also think we need another striker next season.

[iansums]

Got to be happy with a point at home

[davefizzy14]

Ings is just on another level completely

[Saint_clark]

Vestergard and Hojberg sold to find our transfers in the summer please, with Adams bumped down to fourth choice striker. 

Really impressed with Vokins. 

Smallbone did absolutely nothing, not actually sure what his strengths are supposed to be he seems bang average at best in every department.

[Teddeer]

Don't like to be critical of Ralph but he got the team selection wrong tonight. Now, it feels like all that effort to take points away at Everton and Man Utd in great displays has almost been wasted. We got three points from the three games and I would have expected at least that from tonight's game. Suddenly we are the draw specialists again.

[obelisk]

First half performance showed us just how thin the squad is. Second half better but still carrying some dead wood.

[igsey]

Just now, Saint_clark said:

Vestergard and Hojberg sold to find our transfers in the summer please, with Adams bumped down to fourth choice striker. 

Really impressed with Vokins. 

Smallbone did absolutely nothing, not actually sure what his strengths are supposed to be he seems bang average at best in every department.

"Bang average" makes him about our 5th best player tonight.

[Didcot Saint]

If we’d had the same 11 in the first half that we had in the second, we would have won. Brighton are good at defending. They are a poor team to watch  but did their jobs well. Hoj better second half but Spurs/Everton are welcome to him.

Edited 16 July, 2020 by Didcot Saint
Missed part of a sentence

[gammon cheeks]

I think we will have to pay Spurs money to take PEH off our hands for KWP!

[S-Clarke]

First half was one to forget, but if a game summed up PEH's home career at Southampton then that was it.

He is the one constant of our utterly dreadful home form for 3 years, I cannot wait to get shot of him.

Vestertard can toss off too - what an aberration of a football player. He can shoot, but his game is to defend and he cannot defend against anyone. Hopefully he's out of the door ASAP.

Positives were KWP, really good impact when he came on - interesting use of him, coming in side - but he uses the ball so well, commits players and seems to make things happen. He has a low centre of gravity which means he can wiggle out of most challenges. I'm becoming sold, I'll be honest. Still wouldn't pay any more than 11m though.

If anything, this game highlighted that both Adams and Obafemi are not able substitutes for Ings - we really, really need actual competition for Ings in the summer. If he gets injured then we are dead.

[Micky]

9 minutes ago, Manuel said:

Ings really is a class above.  Where would we be without him?

 

6 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Relegated.

Ain't that the truth. 

[Hawkswood]

PEH makes me want to punch myself in the face.

Annoyed cos 

A) We were awful first half, and 

B) We were so superior in the second half we should easily have won that.

 

Oh well.

[Teddeer]

That is the trouble when you put donkeys like Hojbjerg and Vestergaard in the shop window. Far better to leave them sitting on the bench where they can't demonstrate how poor they are.

[CWD]

Should have won based on that second half, and would have done but for a wonder save and a couple of good blocks/poor finishes.

One thing the dramatic improvement in the second half proves is how important solid, fit, attacking fullbacks are to our game. KWP made a huge difference, even just with his energy and ability to win and keep hold of the ball.

Argument to say even if KWP does sign permanently, we still need two more fullbacks.

Also Adams? Decent link up play sometimes, but doesn't have the pace or energy of MO or Long, and for someone who got 22 goals last season, he doesn't seem to be a natural finisher at all. Still hope it works out for him but not sold.

Ings is King.

[Lord Duckhunter]

Classic game of 2 halves. Poor first, good second.
 

PEH embarrassing, Prowse average. Walker-Peters & Ings the best players by a mile tonight. Ings a class above the rest, but we won’t get anywhere near top 6/7 without someone of similar quality in midfield. Too many safe passes week in week out, we need some real vision in midfield. 

[Saint_clark]

3 minutes ago, igsey said:

"Bang average" makes him about our 5th best player tonight.

I'm not even trying to criticise the lad, I just genuinely don't know what it is about his game that's supposed to stand out. Can anyone tell me? Is his passing supposed to be top drawer? Can he beat a man? Is he tough in the tackle? Can he finish? Because I haven't seen him stand out at anything so far. 

[Shroppie]

What this showed is that we have a number of players - Vokins, Vestergaard, Obafemi, Smallbone, who maybe can slot in alongside the rest of the normal first choice team but together simply aren't good enough.

Hojbjerg was less awful in midfield, but still woeful. Obafemi did little. Smallbone was anonymous but improved with better players around him. Walker-Peters made a massive difference.

[S-Clarke]

Just now, Saint_clark said:

I'm not even trying to criticise the lad, I just genuinely don't know what it is about his game that's supposed to stand out. Can anyone tell me? Is his passing supposed to be top drawer? Can he beat a man? Is he tough in the tackle? Can he finish? Because I haven't seen him stand out at anything so far. 

He's being played in an interesting role, I'm not sure it's his position. He was the straight replacement for Armstrong in squad place and actual position.

I think he's a central midfielder, not a wide player what so ever and I'm not sure he will ever adjust to that role. This is why we need a bit more competition in the area on the right, I don't think Armstrong is a winger either but he has a bit more about him. If we get KWP, he may relax our need for right sided wingers.

[S-Clarke]

1 minute ago, Shroppie said:

What this showed is that we have a number of players - Vokins, Vestergaard, Obafemi, Smallbone, who maybe can slot in alongside the rest of the normal first choice team but together simply aren't good enough.

Hojbjerg was less awful in midfield, but still woeful. Obafemi did little. Smallbone was anonymous but improved with better players around him. Walker-Peters made a massive difference.

Harsh on Vokins, I thought he held himself really well and gave us genuine balance down the left. Looks to have a bit of pace about him and certainly didn't look out of place, it was just a shame he had Vesterturd next to him.

[The Cat]

Terrible first half, above average second half. Should have won. 

Thought Vokins was ok especially as it's just his second game. Smallbone looked a bit lost although he had no assistance from an utterly useless Hojbjerg for most of the first half. Obafemi was not good at all.

We should be signing Walker-Peters. 

[obelisk]

What on earth was Smallbone doing when Brighton had that good chance with about 15 minutes to go? He was either asleep or knackered and was lucky that the chance was missed. Hope he learns something from that.

[Shroppie]

3 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Harsh on Vokins, I thought he held himself really well and gave us genuine balance down the left. Looks to have a bit of pace about him and certainly didn't look out of place, it was just a shame he had Vesterturd next to him.

Accepted. My point is he would be fine alongside mist of the normal first choices, but isn't good enough to make up for the way Vestergaard and Hojbjerg were tonight.

[S-Clarke]

2 minutes ago, obelisk said:

What on earth was Smallbone doing when Brighton had that good chance with about 15 minutes to go? He was either asleep or knackered and was lucky that the chance was missed. Hope he learns something from that.

The Bissouma shot from the penalty spot?

He just fell asleep I think, he's got a lot of learning to do. He's certainly not good enough to step in and be a regular next year, but I think he has something about him.

[kyle04]

Can't blame RH for making a few changes, but worrying lack of depth in the squad at the moment.

KWP looked good, full of energy and ideas, Vokins did OK. Smallbone average as was Obi and Adams, and Hoj was just woeful as usual : 2 fluffed chances, poor passing, he really is not a very good player and needs to go ASAP. If a "big" club are willing to spunk away £30M or whatever it is thanks very much.

Still we dominated the game and deserved to win against a very poor BHA side.

[woodsaint1]

11 minutes ago, CWD said:

Should have won based on that second half, and would have done but for a wonder save and a couple of good blocks/poor finishes.

One thing the dramatic improvement in the second half proves is how important solid, fit, attacking fullbacks are to our game. KWP made a huge difference, even just with his energy and ability to win and keep hold of the ball.

Argument to say even if KWP does sign permanently, we still need two more fullbacks.

Also Adams? Decent link up play sometimes, but doesn't have the pace or energy of MO or Long, and for someone who got 22 goals last season, he doesn't seem to be a natural finisher at all. Still hope it works out for him but not sold.

Ings is King.

Obafemi was dreadful, just got bullied. Adams comes on wins a good header and Ings is through to score. Should have scored too

[trousers]

16 minutes ago, LeG said:

On the whole i think the youth players / first half team let Ralph down massivly tonight....but what do we expect when they are looking up to the likes of Hojbjerg. 

Players like Ferry and Jankewitz are being kept out of the limelight. Theyre a much better standard than some of our seniors.

KWP was unreal. At points he was playing LB, CM and LM. He is key to winning home games next season. 

Ings is just incredible.

Redmond needs to look at what ings does off the ball and actually make a decision when hes on it. He has the talent...but does he have the decision making?

Bit frustrated with that. We need to be putting teams like that away. Tiredness granted.

 

 

Saved me typing out most of my thoughts - cheers

Defo had enough changes to put the game away in the second half. How on earth did their keeper get to Vestergaard's effort? Gotta be save of the season, surely?

P.s. sadly, looks like Adams is destined to be a one goal wonder. Dreadful tonight in and around the 6 yard box

Edited 16 July, 2020 by trousers

[Whitey Grandad]

Too many newbies all at once. Unstable at the back and no confidence going forward. Understandable that a Ralph wanted to give them a try especially after getting back at 2 in the morning from Manchester United.

[bpsaint]

Hopefully that was the last we’ve seen of Hojbjerg in a Saints kit. 

Adams was his usual Adams self, and Vestergaard is simply not Premier League standard.

Understood Ralph wanted to rest some players, however I will criticise him for the way the team set up. Slow, ponderous, pass it backwards rubbish. We set up like the away team against City last week and were brilliant on the counter, however when we try and control the game we just look so bloody ordinary.

Its not the curse of St Mary’s, it’s negative tactics with a bang average squad that is killing us at home. Thank god for Danny Ings, we’d already be down but for him.

[woodsaint1]

Vestergaard getting alot of grief for the goal and rightly so, but Bednarek was equally as bad. Too far off Maupay and gets done for the extra yard when Maupay lets it run across him. Looks terrified of playing a forward ball too, everythings sidewards or backwards to McCarthy. Least Stephens makes use of the space he gets and drives into it. All the more reason why we need two CBs this window

[verlaine1979]

Hoj terrible. That no-pressure pass in injury time straight to a defender with the whole team ahead of him sums up his level. Just not reliable enough on the ball to interest possession-based teams. Will be very lucky if Spurs take him off us for decent money.

Adams - again, his technique just isn't there, and on the evidence of the past few games, neither is the anticipation. Would gladly sell for a small loss and recruit someone else. 

Obafemi - first touch in the first half was as bad as I've seen. Similarly to Adams he doesn't have great technique, but he's quicker on the run and a bit sharper in the box. Fine to keep him as a sub.

Smallbone - went missing first half, but actually played some decent intricate stuff from the right in the second once he had KWP getting closer to him. Can thread a pass pretty accurately with either foot and puts in a very good cross, but he's not a right winger.

Vokins wasn't particularly adventurous first half, but he's clearly got decent technique.

Edited 16 July, 2020 by verlaine1979

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

Dreadful first half; excellent second. Not sure why we can't play two halves of decent football regularly. First half hindered by the team selection. Hojbjerg at right back was a disaster and wasn't much better in the midfield. KWP showed what a decent full back can do. Ingsy fantastic as always. If only he had a worthwhile partner up front to share the load. Adams was better than Obafemi though.

Edited 16 July, 2020 by Ivan Katalinic's 'tache

[sadoldgit]

Sign KWP. 

[Saint_clark]

Was the first half possibly Ralph exposing the weaknesses in the squad when our first teamers are out, i.e right back, centreback and right midfield, to prove to the men in control of the money that our current reserves aren't good enough? 

[suewhistle]

Well, if it was it certainly made the point. I thought Vokins did ok, good pace, technique and always showed for the ball. Smallbone was slightly anonymous but he doesn't worry me in possession like PEH does. Vestergard has his moments, but they aren't generally defensive ones: some decent passing occasionally and that shot deserved a goal.

As for the rest, I think you should make some allowances  for the intensity and frequency of our games recently. But no disputing our thin squad although having Djenepo or Boufal against a tiring Brighton might have been interesting.

 

[Hodgey]

Our best player today isn’t our player!. We have to sort out full back positions - I’d sign KWP using whatever cash Everton give us for Hojbjerg. We have no squad depth and the youngsters are a marked step down (someone mentioned you can get away with one of them filling in, but any more and it is a big issue). Of course to get a better squad we’re going to have to get rid of some of our £100m flops Forster / Carrillo / Moi/ Lemina / Boufal / Hoet / Vestigaard. Sadly cant see any buyers so can only do the essentials of Right back (KWP) and centre back. Yes we need a powerful cm as a critical buy too but for me we try Reed.

tired of getting little at home against poor but well organised teams.

their goal was an utter joke btw. I played park football and we’d be having a word with ourselves conceeding like that. Astonishingly Stephens is fast becoming our best centre back - and for me he should be 3rd choice behind two new cbs - I’m unconvinced about Bednerak.

good second half showing, but concerning that it took a player we don’t even own to inspire us.

[OttawaSaint]

36 minutes ago, verlaine1979 said:

Hoj terrible. That no-pressure pass in injury time straight to a defender with the whole team ahead of him sums up his level. Just not reliable enough on the ball to interest possession-based teams. Will be very lucky if Spurs take him off us for decent money.

Embarrassingly bad wasn’t it? Just shocking from a pro, but it pretty much sums up his Saints career. All huff and puff no end product. If medals were given out for arm waving...

Needs to sit out the last 2 just In case his suitors actually see him play.

[Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd]

I'd rather see Reed in the team over Hoj. 

[cloggy saint]

Four draws after 33 games and then three in three, all very strange.

[Hamilton Saint]

First half was horrendous. Too many changes in defence. Hojbjerg at RB was a disaster. If Ralph didn't want to play the regular RBs, then put in JWP, who has shown he can play there. Hojbjerg was marginally better in the second half and he had a couple of pretty good shots on target. But that time, near the end, when he passed straight to a Brighton player, and broke up a promising attack, was typical of how poor he was today.

Vestergaard was a disaster waiting to happen. He seemed to think he was playing LB or left midfielder. He loped around in first gear, trying to show the nonchalance of a Van Dijk. As if. Then he had that screamer of a shot that hit the post, and later he "raced" back to stop a breakaway with a last-minute sliding tackle. Talk about a Jekyll & Hyde performance.

Armstrong and Walker-Peters made a huge difference when they came on. Walker-Peters always seems to wriggle away from tackles; he gets down the wing effectively; and puts some good crosses into the box.

Redmond was as frustrating as ever. While Ings seems to weave his way through a pack of players all the time, Redmond often runs around until he has two or three players blocking his path and has to pass backwards or loses the ball.

And Ward-Prowse reverted to the constant sideways and backwards passing, instead of looking for an initiative to get forward.

I hope we can get back to our best XI for the last two games and pick up a minimum of four points.

 

Edited 16 July, 2020 by Hamilton Saint

[washsaint]

As others have said, game of 2 halves.

We always struggle with Vestegaard and Hojberg in the side.  Both are far too slow of thought (both slow our possession game down with their dawdling and give the opposition chance to regroup) and Hojberg's distribution is beyond awful.  Cannot wait for him to leave.

Vokins had a good PL debut, Adams is not going to make it: dreadful player and KWP changed the game although his crossing is poor.

Unlucky not to win but clearly shows the need for at least 3 new players (striker, CM, CB) in addition to KWP.  With that we could have a good season next time round.

[Appy]

People moaning about Hojbjerg, but he’s still a far better player for our team than Romeu. He was so clumsy with that early challenge. 

[macca155]

PEH had a poor first half but when he moved to his normal position we improved. He had a number of scoring opportunities, whilst he didn't score he did get into those positions which is half the job. On another day one would have gone in. He was part of the reason Brighton were pushed back in the 2nd half, he did his job but I agree it is time for a good servant to move on. Vesty is not prem standard, take the hit and offload, easy to slate him but he is young and centre halves develop later. His confidence is shot at Saints, he needs to reboot elsewhere.

I thought Vokins played well and Smallbone needs time to develop, as fans we need to be patient with the youngsters. They aren't all Bale or Walcott, they need time to develop their game.

I thought Adams did ok, seemed to be involved in a lot of link up play. Ings sets the bar high for strikers, sadly I suspect the vultures will be circling.