Liverpool 2-1 Saints - Match Thread

[AlexLaw76]

Will be incredibly disappointing if we go back to Stephens and THB after their horror show on Sat.

Wood was very good tonight (and has been most of the season). Edwards no drama, Quarshie decent. 

[tdmickey3]

Things we have learnt
Macarthy is far better ther Baz, not difficult 

The 3 centre halves are better that Stephens and THB

the forward play had so much more intent 

The biggest take is that Downs is a fucking awful player.

So Baz, Stephens, THB and Downs will start against Boro

 

[6ft8saint]

Why wasn't he offside. The angle on tv looked like it was and I think var would have called

[The Kraken]

Positives

Wood is good.

Quarshie looked ok.

Jelert looks likely.

Flynn Downes played well particularly first half.

Scienza looks a real addition.

Shea Charles is solid.

Overall, we looked busy and particularly first half had a style about us that was attractive and threatening.

 

Negatives

Damion Downs.

AMc is a liability.

Damion Downs.

Cam Archer is muck.

Damion Downs.

Jander got injured, hopefully not serious.

Damion Downs.

Loch Ness Drogba can’t get a game ahead of Damion Downs.

[bogwoppit]

My in depth analysis of Downs is…..he’s the biggest pile of shit we’ve had for some time. Yes, and we have had some shit recently.

[Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd]

 

Just now, beatlesaint said:

Decent effort that.

I wouldn’t be putting Capt Jack and Harwood-Ballsup back in Saturday but I bet Still fkin does !! 

That's exactly my concern. 

[obelisk]

Slightly disappointed. Obvious that the ref didn't fancy penalties towards the end. That back line deserves to play on Saturday. Certainly can't see how THB steps back into the side.

[imadirtyurchin]

At one point saints were attacking. A pass was played with medium pace to downs’ feet at the edge of the box. His touch was SO bad the ball went out of play by the halfway line. 
 

he needs to be binned off. Even limited players can run hard, be physical and put themselves about. He doesn’t even do that. 

[hypochondriac]

McCarthy 

Jelert Wood Edwards Quarshie Manning 

Downes Charles 

Armstrong Scienza 

Archer 

Would be my team for Saturday I think until we work out a way of playing well with four at the back. Bring on Fellows and Robinson.

None of 

Bazunu 

Mads 

THB 

Stephens 

Wee man 

Downs 

Should be in the team but you know the majority will play. If Stephens keeps getting picked instead of Wood then it wouldn't surprise me if some people go all Jermaine Wright over him and start booing when his name is announced.

Edited 2 hours ago by hypochondriac

[egg]

Very pleasing was that. Much better performance all round. 

The back 3 is, it pains me to say it, is the way to go.

I like the RB and Quarshie was decent on the whole. 

Charles is a class act, and whatever Downes has been eating this week, keep on eating it. 

Hopefully that gives Still and the players some confidence. 

[Patches O Houlihan]

2 minutes ago, SambaMaverick said:

Nowt to get excited about and definitely not a new dawn.

Liverpool kept us at arms length like we were a toddler.

It must suck being you

[notnowcato]

Significant improvement in performance, there was an obvious plan and it worked until Archer went off. 
 

You’d hope this is the start of our season from here - we’ll see. 

[OneMrsWallace]

Fair play to the defence, pretty decent performance that. But still don't know where the goals are coming from. We look shot of any confidence in the box. 

[West end Saints]

2 minutes ago, Wsaint said:

@West end Saints what are you confused about? 😂

No way is it miles onside. Hard to see from that camera angle, and as they didn't debate it I accept it was probably on, but he was clearly in front of defenders, and from TV angle it looks like pass is marginally forward which would suggest in front of ball as well so off side.

Unless you have seen a different angle that shows miles on????

[John Boy Saint]

Hey - we were expecting to get battered there were some good performances from “fringe” players - let’s hope Stil has the minerals to shake the tree.
 

We need to find a player with the mentality of Chiesa - he can’t get in the starting 11 in the league but he is a proper hard working intelligent player when he comes on. 

[Chris cooper]

2 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

Things we have learnt
Macarthy is far better ther Baz, not difficult 

The 3 centre halves are better that Stephens and THB

the forward play had so much more intent 

The biggest take is that Downs is a fucking awful player.

So Baz, Stephens, THB and Downs will start against Boro

 

💯 🤣

[tdmickey3]

3 minutes ago, SambaMaverick said:

Nowt to get excited about and definitely not a new dawn.

Liverpool kept us at arms length like we were a toddler.

Absolute rubbish, you are clueless 

[Thripp87]

Wood is by far our best centre back.

Damian Downs is the worst player I have seen in a Saints shirt in some time.

Ekitike is thick as shit.

[UpweySaint]

21 minutes ago, Saint Scott said:

He's the main reason why we haven't seen them ball. Archer was the trigger for our press and it worked well.

Downs is lazy and as a result Liverpool have much more time on the ball to pick passes.

Hopefully Still has seen this too

He certainly harries less than Archer. Give him some credit he had a good flick down to Arma (I think) later on in the half but we looked much more mobile and aggressive with a three of Archer, Scienza and Armstrong. Shout to Armstrong for some really clever movement and showing a bit of experience- simple things like stopping a quick goal kick when we were overcommitted. 

Overall some positives today but more questions than answers really - also need to caveat it all with a much changed Liverpool side in a midweek cup game. Are we better as a five? If so, what’s the back three and what does it mean for Azaz? Did Jelert offer a bit more than Mads? Is there a place for Armstrong in the side? 

I think Still has got some tricky calls to make over the next few weeks. You never know - we might master more than one system/style of play and be able to adjust to opponents…
 

 

 

[SW11_Saint]

What have we learned?

Both goalies are imperfect.

Jelert has to start (why hasn’t he been?)

All three CBs tonight were better than our two ‘first choices’ 

Jander looks decent (let’s hope his injury isn’t bad)

Downs is sadly way out of his depth. 

We haven’t sorted out striking problems, but it’s now a choice from two. 

[Wade Garrett]

Just now, West end Saints said:

No way is it miles onside. Hard to see from that camera angle, and as they didn't debate it I accept it was probably on, but he was clearly in front of defenders, and from TV angle it looks like pass is marginally forward which would suggest in front of ball as well so off side.

Unless you have seen a different angle that shows miles on????

2 yards onside

[Zorba]

Downes, Downs, you bring me down

[SWLondon Saint]

Hilarious sending off, you could see Frimpong is having a go and literally all the Liverpool players know what's coming.

Annoying we conceded a stupid goal but the back 3 looked solid to me against a front line worth more than the entire Championship. Their 2nd goal was all about Chiesa's movement, that spot between the wide CB and the full back is the weak point and he exploited it. Won't get that + the ball over the top the rest of this season anyway.

[Saint NL]

Just saw the replay of the second goal, definitely not offside.

[saintant]

That's more like it! Excellent performance and we made them fight all the way for the win. The 3 centre backs were all way better than Capt Jack and THB. Midfield played well and it's a shame about McCarthy's brain fart because other than that he played very well. I will just say that Stewart must be hopeless if he can't get on in front of Downs who was very poor and has no touch whatsoever. Was there a hint of offside for their winning goal? - he looked slightly ahead of the guy making the pass. Lots to be pleased about and I hope Will Still picks the next side on merit which means no Stephens or THB. Overall tonight was a big step in the right direction and we should take a lot of confidence from it. Bring on Boro.

Edited 2 hours ago by saintant

[macca155]

Considering I was anticipating a heavy and embarrassing defeat, that was a relief in the end. 

Wood Jelart to start on Sat.

I'd keep McCarthy in goal just to make a point.

If Jander is crocked  then it will be Downes and Charles.

I'm reasonably sure Downs won't start .... or finish. How much was he £10 million?

Anyway always the Hampshire Senior Cup. Won 9 -8 on penalties

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, West end Saints said:

No way is it miles onside. Hard to see from that camera angle, and as they didn't debate it I accept it was probably on, but he was clearly in front of defenders, and from TV angle it looks like pass is marginally forward which would suggest in front of ball as well so off side.

Unless you have seen a different angle that shows miles on????

He was clearly onside, and was onside. 

[Wiggles31]

It was great to see a clear game plan being implemented from Still. The defending was on point, the transitions very aggressive. 
 

My word Downs was shocking. Like having Harvey Price up front. 

[Football Special]

3 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

Things we have learnt
Macarthy is far better ther Baz, not difficult 

The 3 centre halves are better that Stephens and THB

the forward play had so much more intent 

The biggest take is that Downs is a fucking awful player.

So Baz, Stephens, THB and Downs will start against Boro

 

Was about to type same thing. 

Enough positives overall to take from that, shouldn't have lost 

[23rdSaint]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

McCarthy 

Jelert Wood Edwards Quarshie Manning 

Downes Charles 

Armstrong Scienza 

Archer 

Would be my team for Saturday I think until we work out a way of playing well with four at the back.

None of 

Bazunu 

Mads 

THB 

Stephens 

Wee man 

Downs 

Should be in the team but you know the majority will play. If Stephens keeps getting picked instead of Wood then it wouldn't surprise me if some people go all Jermaine Wright over him and start booing when his name is announced.

"Today's starting lineup on Saturday" would've saved you some typing there.

And Fraser's been our best player of the season...

[HarvSFC]

Gave a good account of ourselves after some dire performances in the league. There should be some selection decisions to be made now.

Quarshie played well tonight. Wood looked fine too. We've been struggling aerially massively at the back and both of those correct that weakness. Stephens and THB need to earn their place back in the squad now. But, the former probably gets in by default due to the stupid decision to retain him as captain.

Flynn Downes played well tonight. I've been very critical of Armstrong as well lately, but he took his goal well at the weekend and looked lively tonight, possibly would have scored tonight against a weaker goalkeeper than Mamardashvili.

A similar team on Saturday, replacing Edwards with a more attacking player wouldn't be a bad thing.

But, we've all seen this plenty of times over the last few years. A good performance against a big six team and then a poor performance the following game. Don't let this be another.

Edited 2 hours ago by HarvSFC

[egg]

4 minutes ago, whelk said:

He’s an international 

Indeed, but he doesn't play like one. 

[ErwinK1961]

Wood has been our best defender this season by far (not a high bar tbf), he deserves to play. Stephens will no doubt be back but I’d love to see Quarshie back in instead of THB.

[Wsaint]

Just now, West end Saints said:

No way is it miles onside. Hard to see from that camera angle, and as they didn't debate it I accept it was probably on, but he was clearly in front of defenders, and from TV angle it looks like pass is marginally forward which would suggest in front of ball as well so off side.

Unless you have seen a different angle that shows miles on????

Watch the itv coverage they literally just played a replay of the goal side on and in today's offside calls you could park a bus in that gap. He was onside.

The first pass was much closer but was still clearly onside.

 

I'm exaggerating, don't try and park a bus on the pitch.

[notnowcato]

3 minutes ago, West end Saints said:

No way is it miles onside. Hard to see from that camera angle, and as they didn't debate it I accept it was probably on, but he was clearly in front of defenders, and from TV angle it looks like pass is marginally forward which would suggest in front of ball as well so off side.

Unless you have seen a different angle that shows miles on????

He was behind the ball. 

[JohnS]

That performance has lifted my spirits & thrown some much needed light onto the Saints darkness.  
Some very good performances out there which should give Still some tough decisions for the weekend.  Defence looked pretty decent , Jander & Scienza full of energy & fight.  Archer & Downs both really disappointing.  McCarthy never looks comfortable with his feet

Hoping this can be our turning point 

 

 

[AlexLaw76]

Still, post match........

Please with how organised we were but did not deserve anything as we again have given away a stupid goal. We shot ourselves in the foot and meant we were chasing the game. It was really frustrating, but we did see lots of good things, and we will keep hammering it, but sums up the season so far.

Edited 2 hours ago by AlexLaw76

[whelk]

Just now, egg said:

Indeed, but he doesn't play like one. 

He has been shocking - hard to believe he can’t play better. Although no idea how he gets his confidence up

[Saint NL]

Still says he's learned nothing tonight and we shot ourselves in the foot.

Right miserable bollox he is

[Holmes_and_Watson]

We set up solidly. Not looking to attack much, and ready to close down spaces.

After a shaky first couple of mins, we got more of things than we expected as Liverpool gave up possession a few times.

Archer never reached his header; Armstrong hit the bar and Scienza fluffed the follow up.

Chiesa's pass for the winner was the moment of quality in the game. At the other end of the scale was McCarthy's blunder to pass to their player for their opener.

With the way things go for us, I half expected our equaliser to be ruled out. It was nice to have a chance that late on. 

A mixed bunch of performances. Archer was poor, and Downs and AA got in each other's way. That said, having two capable through the middle made a difference, with even Downes looking to play forward. Quarshie asca physical defender helped ( and got an assist) while Wood did fine. Manning had lots of plusses, and a few minuses, but overall a good performance from him.

It's another defeat, but we looked more of a unit tonight. Still can spend a day checking out the list of free agent keepers. 

[saintant]

2 minutes ago, macca155 said:

Considering I was anticipating a heavy and embarrassing defeat, that was a relief in the end. 

Wood Jelart to start on Sat.

I'd keep McCarthy in goal just to make a point.

If Jander is crocked  then it will be Downes and Charles.

I'm reasonably sure Downs won't start .... or finish. How much was he £10 million?

Anyway always the Hampshire Senior Cup. Won 9 -8 on penalties

So presumably you'd keep Capt Jack in? Astonishing.

[hypochondriac]

2 minutes ago, 23rdSaint said:

"Today's starting lineup on Saturday" would've saved you some typing there.

And Fraser's been our best player of the season...

Fraser slows us down and it's about the team not individuals. He shouldn't be in the starting 11 for me despite his usefulness in his adaptability.

[egg]

Just now, whelk said:

He has been shocking - hard to believe he can’t play better. Although no idea how he gets his confidence up

Confidence is the issue throughout the team. A win is desperately needed. 

[die Mannyschaft]

9 minutes ago, egg said:

He belongs in non league. I've never seen a worse first touch from a professional footballer. Appalling. 

We played with 10 , when are we going to buy another striker, get someone on loan or even from Winchester City. 

[maysie]

9 minutes ago, trousers said:

Full time

Decent performance 

Is Still strong enough to stick with those that played well tonight? I doubt it. Stephens and THB should start on the bench vs Middlesbrough, for example, but Stephens guaranteed to come back in at least....

P.s. £9m down the pan on Downs. Textbook Sports Republic. 

I don't think Stephens has been that bad to be honest, but yes THB for one of the others.

Do we stick with 3 at the back? Seems to me the patterns of play are better with it.

[Harry_SFC]

How poor was our press after Archer went off? Ok he's not a world beater but off the ball he offers way more than Downs who just looked lazy. Absolutely no excuse for that. 

[Killers Knee]

Damian Downs is a poor man’s Tall Paul, start fining Macca for playing out from the back, hopefully this performance isn’t another instance of playing for a move, with normal service being resumed on Saturday.  This could be the catalyst of our season.

[skintsaint]

Just now, Wiggles31 said:

My word Downs was shocking. Like having Harvey Price up front. 

If anyone after any pro paint tips just message.

[egg]

1 minute ago, Saint NL said:

Still says he's learned nothing tonight and we shot ourselves in the foot.

Right miserable bollox he is

Yep. He really surprised me. There were loads of positives to take from that, but he looked and sounded utterly forlorn. I'm not sure what message the players will got from that, or from him. 

[Colinjb]

7 minutes ago, Saint NL said:

Still says he's learned nothing tonight and we shot ourselves in the foot.

Right miserable bollox he is

Essentially he's right though. More refreshing to hear the managers frustration at that rather then the hipster wankfest dolled out towards us when we lost heavily at Anfield with Lego in charge in the FA Cup two years ago.

Edited 2 hours ago by Colinjb