Saints 3-0 Leicester - Match Thread

[Wade Garrett]

Oliver Skipp has been taken to hospital after having his blood twisted by Tom Fellows.

Brilliant performance.  Oddly, what really impressed me was our shape when we didn’t have the ball.  Didn’t give Leicester any time or space.  The team looks extremely well coached.  Can’t see anyone but Eckert getting the job now.  He has certainly convinced me after tonight.

Great to walk home with a smile on my face.  Been a long time coming.

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, BotleySaint said:

No second half goal for two games running. Alarm bells! 

Talked to a Leicester fan after the game who couldn't understand why we went easier on them and didn't go for it as they expected to fall apart 

[macca155]

Just home and having been at Charlton, it really has been a good 4 days. What a difference to the misery of previous years.

What I liked about today was that Saints faced a team that had every intention of taking the game to them , and expected to win. First 10 minutes Quarshie was really nervous and Leicester put pressure on him. He pulled himself together after that.

Then gradually Saints took control. Leicester were beaten well before the sending off. They were too vulnerable at the back and had lost the all important midfield battle. Jander and Azaz were everywhere.

They had no answer to Scienza or Fellows, and their frustration with both led to the sending off.

2nd half Leicester were in survival mode, essentially refusing to play. Saints simply conserved energy. Lots of games coming up.

Downes had to work hard for his yellow, that was clearly planned.

THB had another very good game but Wood is totally the boss of that defence. He really is important to us.

Might as well give it to Tonda now, I can't see a scenario where they don't.

[die Mannyschaft]

Great win. We only need one half, one half we only need one half...

[Football Special]

Just 6 points off 2nd place, that's crazy after start we had 

[SW11_Saint]

1 hour ago, saintant said:

Scienza and Fellows will rightly take the plaudits because they are eye catching players. However, for me the most important member of this side is Capar Jander. He gets better every game and sets the tone and the tempo with his intelligence - what a football brain this guy has got. He rarely gives the ball away and is always available keeping things ticking over so that the flair players can work their magic. Fast becoming my favourite player and he was immense tonight.

Agree, I thought he was brilliant tonight. He was everywhere and is so composed on the ball. Scorers always (lazily) get MOTM, but he was our best player by a long way tonight imho. 

[Midfield_General]

22 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Loose lips, sink ships 💋 

 

21 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Oliver Skipp has been taken to hospital after having his blood twisted by Tom Fellows.

Tom's hips sink Skipp 

[Dry Toast]

Not worried about not scoring in the second half at all. Destroy the opposition in the first half and then aggressively manage the second half. Beats trying for a 90+ min winner all day.

Really enjoyed this past week, a long time since that's happened.

[RedArmy]

8 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Just 6 points off 2nd place, that's crazy after start we had 

Said it multiple times during the game but if we’d binned off Still when Stephens went to the board and made it clear the players didn’t like him we’d already be 2nd and not looking back. 
 

I know you’ve had your question marks over the quality of the squad but for me this week it has shown itself to be up there again with one of the best in the league. 

[S-Clarke]

What on earth is going on? The upturn in form is unexpected to say the least. We've come from a base of zero to where we are now, which is with a proper foundation behind us. I don't even remember us winning 3 consecutive games as comfortably as that under Martin.

Fellows/Azaz/Armstrong/Leo are dangerous at this level, they always were. Will Still just couldn't seem to find a way to get all 4 on the pitch at once, and that was the problem. What you're seeing now is benefit of prolonged game time for Fellows and Azaz - they can now build relationships on the pitch, no more chopping and changing.

Armstrong, whilst playing as the 9, is more intelligent with his game than he was. He drops deep and has runners beyond him, rather than him being the 'runner' in behind himself all alone. The difference is stark in that sense.

The second goal was a case in point really - Armstrong was so deep, but he had runners behind him and flicked the ball around to Leo - and they were away. It was the same against Charlton for Janders goal, picking it up and having runners beyond. That's been a tweak in Armstrong's game that I've seen, which is really benefiting everyone else. 

I somewhat felt sorry for Still, but I don't think he ever really knew how to get the best out of the tools he had - there was too much chop and change through the spine, and nothing ever felt settled and there were no real patterns.

Tonda has been surprising, I still think we need to bide our time though. I'd like to see how he deals with adversity when we have a couple of iffy games back to back, so I wouldn't jump to give him the job tonight. I just think we need a bigger sample.

The signs are positive, somewhat unexpected, and we'll see where December takes us - this is the month which will make our season.

[SW11_Saint]

18 minutes ago, Dry Toast said:

Not worried about not scoring in the second half at all. Destroy the opposition in the first half and then aggressively manage the second half. Beats trying for a 90+ min winner all day.

Really enjoyed this past week, a long time since that's happened.

Said to my mate tonight “gets a bit boring these games being over by half-time doesn’t it?” 😆

[goodymatt]

Melt.

[goodymatt]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRf0t2WDDH1/?igsh=MXBnd3lkNGxqNDl4OQ==

Good banter this!

[Saint Fan CaM]

Didn’t manage to watch the game sadly, but I did say that I was convinced Eckhert was capable of getting a win or draw. It was pretty clear to me from after his 2nd win that he knew how to get the best from the players, so I’m not surprised by the score. Delighted we got a clean sheet. Spors has to give the job to Eckhert now - what more can the guy do to convince anyone that he’s the real deal?! It would be sheer lunacy not to give it to him FFS!

[leeham_69]

Guys it’s official 👨🏻‍🍳

[SaintBobby]

I'm liking the concept of winning the game quickly and then just killing it off.

You get a 10 minute warm up, then 30-40 minutes of exhilaration, followed by a half time pint and then 45 minutes of relaxation.

Very pleasant way to spend an evening.

[benjii]

6 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

 

Great to walk home with a smile on my face.  Been a long time coming.

Bumped into Morse's wife on the bridge?

[benjii]

5 hours ago, goodymatt said:

Melt.

To be fair, the first goal was offside. Not sure about the second, haven't seen a side angle.

The red ended the game. I felt sorry for that nipper, but they were both yellow card fouls.

From a Leicester perspective it's just one of those days where everything goes wrong. It happens. We'll get one at some point!

Edited 9 hours ago by benjii

[Nolan]

6 hours ago, Football Special said:

Talked to a Leicester fan after the game who couldn't understand why we went easier on them and didn't go for it as they expected to fall apart 

I know it would be great to score more. But if you've got the opportunity to conserve a little energy by effectively winning the game in the first half, then you're already potentially in a better position than your next opponent.

Edited 9 hours ago by Nolan

[StrangelyBrown]

Tonda has convinced me.

It's not just the results but the manner in which were playing - front foot attacking football; attacking players taking people on and creating havoc and the speed at which we move the ball is sublime.

A long time since I remember watching us and thinking we look like the real deal (I didn't ever have this feeling under Martin).

Give him the job... He's earned it!

The only thing he hasn't done is make Damion Downs look like a footballer, but he isn't a miracle worker

Edited 8 hours ago by StrangelyBrown

[St. Ciervo]

How could you give it to anyone else at this point? That person would have to come out of the gate winning big to compare.

[Sheaf Saint]

So Jack Stephens doesn't play, and we get a rare clean sheet.

Coincidence? 🤔

[Crab Lungs]

What sums up our new found ooomph for me was that after just kicking off the 2nd half, two of our first attacks we had 7-8 players in and around the penalty area. We are no longer passengers in a game, we’re going for the jugular.

The desire and levels these players are showing now is incredible. 
 

I don’t think I’ve enjoyed two back to back games as much in recent memory as these last two.

Thank you, Tonda

[Thereisonlyonemickychannon]

9 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

With Tonda and his death stares, and Oriol as his enforcer... I would be bucking my ideas up!

It's the German efficency stare!

[Thereisonlyonemickychannon]

Give Tonda the job now.

He has those eyes.

A winner.

[tdmickey3]

12 hours ago, SNSUN said:

Could be a bore draw. But with the likes of Scienza, Fellows, Azaz, AA, Fatawu and Mavididi on the pitch I'd be amazed if there aren't goals goals goals

Thankfully it was just goals from us

[Convict Colony]

Jander is elite and chasing a man down and recovering the ball from behind him and then using his body to shield the ball as he gets up and gets us going forward again 

[StrangelyBrown]

10 hours ago, NewYorkSaint said:

By my count Downs had exactly one touch in that game? I'm genuinely looking forward to his first goal ... but if no one ever aims a ball at him?

He had a perfect cross aimed at him and he got no where near it. He also fell over his own feet off the ball with no one anywhere near him. He's simply not a footballer and it's time we gave up on him.

[StrangelyBrown]

10 hours ago, NewYorkSaint said:

By my count Downs had exactly one touch in that game? I'm genuinely looking forward to his first goal ... but if no one ever aims a ball at him?

He had a perfect cross aimed at him and he got no where near it. He also fell over his own feet off the ball with no one anywhere near him. He's simply not a footballer and it's time we gave up on him.

[whelk]

3 minutes ago, StrangelyBrown said:

He had a perfect cross aimed at him and he got no where near it. He also fell over his own feet off the ball with no one anywhere near him. He's simply not a footballer and it's time we gave up on him.

Looks that way but Tonda keeps bringing him on so he must believe there is something there

[Fabrice29]

5 minutes ago, StrangelyBrown said:

He had a perfect cross aimed at him and he got no where near it. He also fell over his own feet off the ball with no one anywhere near him. He's simply not a footballer and it's time we gave up on him.

Had people talking like this around me at the ground last night and I had to point out that football outside of our team does actually exist and Downs has a pretty provable record of being a reasonable footballer.

Edited 6 hours ago by Fabrice29

[whelk]

Btw what sort of cunt sings If Damion scores we’re on the pitch? Probably same sort of twat that sings about the Charlton manager when we are playing Leicester 

Edited 6 hours ago by whelk

[tdmickey3]

14 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Had people talking like this around me at the ground last night and I had to point out that football outside of our team does actually exist and Downs has a pretty provable record of being a reasonable footballer.

Its a good job you are around, putting everyone right.

Every club needs a patronising, know it all 👏 

[lambtiss]

18 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Had people talking like this around me at the ground last night and I had to point out that football outside of our team does actually exist and Downs has a pretty provable record of being a reasonable footballer.

You must be really popular.

[Fabrice29]

12 hours ago, tdmickey3 said:

Is this where we kick on and get a good result against a good team

or

Is it where we a brought back down to earth with a bump ??

Dont feel too confident if I am honest because the defence is still suspect.

Big test for the team and the coach 

 

3 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

Its a good job you are around, putting everyone right.

Every club needs a patronising, know it all 👏 

Agreed. 

[trousers]

19 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Had people talking like this around me at the ground last night and I had to point out that football outside of our team does actually exist and Downs has a pretty provable record of being a reasonable footballer.

Which nicely tees up your "told you so" if he ever gets on the score sheet... #textbook 

[Charlie Wayman]

25 minutes ago, StrangelyBrown said:

He had a perfect cross aimed at him and he got no where near it. He also fell over his own feet off the ball with no one anywhere near him. He's simply not a footballer and it's time we gave up on him.

One suspects he and Aribo are in the last chance saloon before the New Year transfer window. Neither justified their places in the team even as subs last night.

[Fabrice29]

3 minutes ago, lambtiss said:

You must be really popular.

More popular than the people berating and mocking Downs over and over again at a really loud volume just so everyone around them can hear how funny they are. I would hope so yeah.

[Fabrice29]

3 minutes ago, trousers said:

Which nicely tees up your "told you so" if he ever gets on the score sheet... #textbook 

Not my first rodeo. It’ll be a lovely moment. 

[tdmickey3]

4 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

 

Agreed. 

🤡

[Fabrice29]

On 22/11/2025 at 14:22, tdmickey3 said:

Stick to bigging the club up, the rest of you're stuff is pathetic and laughable 

 

1 minute ago, tdmickey3 said:

🤡

 

[lambtiss]

After last night, I can see some huge factors that Still got wrong. 

- How on earth was Scienza not our first choice left winger from Match 1? He was playing Fraser for gawd sake.

- Similarly, abundantly clear that you need Fellows on the other wing.

- Still did play both after a few matches, but he kept rotating, rarely played them together and then took one or both of them off after 45-60 minutes.

- TE has shown that you can play our flair players (FA, LS & TF) on the pitch together if they have clear roles and that playing them consistently has led to better understanding on the pitch.

- WS set up far too defensively. TE is still playing 3 CBs but we are playing the ball forwards far more often and hitting the wings early and more regularly.

[trousers]

4 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Not my first rodeo. It’ll be a lovely moment. 

Medal duly poised...

 

[BARCELONASAINT]

I cannot remember the last time i felt so good about watching Saints. The last 2 games of attacking football invoked memories of bygone Saints sides, the teams of the 80's that attacked with flair. At last for me their is a player that i would happily pay to watch and that is Leo Scienza, he is an absolute joy to watch and i don't think I have smiled so much watching him since MLT graced our team.

Last nights game was the real test for me to see if the players were 110% behind TE and they responded in such positive fashion that it is really difficult to see past Eckart getting the job. Please please just continue with this brand of football because it's a joy to watch and at last we have our club back! 

[lambtiss]

A shout-out to Jander and Fellows last night, both of whom could have earned MOM. Janders is improving with every match, he seems to be everywhere, wants the ball all the time and is ready to receive it, great attitude and runs all day .... he showed Downes up last night. 

Tom Fellows is such a joy to watch, when he receives the ball, he has one thing in mind, which is to turn and attack. He has pace to burn and has shown that he can turn inside or go on the outside, if he can add a better end product (it's pretty good already) and goals he will be unstoppable.

 

Edited 6 hours ago by lambtiss

[malcolm waldron]

6 minutes ago, lambtiss said:

After last night, I can see some huge factors that Still got wrong. 

- How on earth was Scienza not our first choice left winger from Match 1? He was playing Fraser for gawd sake.

- Similarly, abundantly clear that you need Fellows on the other wing.

- Still did play both after a few matches, but he kept rotating, rarely played them together and then took one or both of them off after 45-60 minutes.

- TE has shown that you can play our flair players (FA, LS & TF) on the pitch together if they have clear roles and that playing them consistently has led to better understanding on the pitch.

- WS set up far too defensively. TE is still playing 3 CBs but we are playing the ball forwards far more often and hitting the wings early and more regularly.

Agree with all of that - but I'd love to know what was really going on behind the scenes from pre-season through to the Preston game.  The signs were there when we got very lucky against Wrexham and then it got gradually worse from there.  The players look transformed - THB is starting to look like the 23/24 loan player we had, finally we've got Azaz and Fellows starting, and the players look like they are enjoying it and playing for each other.  The embrace between Leo and THB at the end of the match said a lot to me about team spirit.  What a great feeling this morning. 

[DellBlockH]

When the last couple of subs were waiting to come on, my friend said "Is that Cameron Archer?" And we both realised that we'd completely forgotten about him. I'm not sure how he's going to get back into the team - who,would you drop? But surely even he could score goals from the number of pullbacks Fellows is providing.

[suewhistle]

Well, that was satisfying and a good atmosphere on the train home for the first time in ages!

That was a comfortable win, even leaving aside the sending off. A well managed second half, often camped in their half and with subs getting minutes to rest tired legs in what is a really busy programme. The movement and support for the player on the ball is so much better and it's not just Jander who wants the ball: they are all quite happy to receive it. I anticipated that AA wouldn't get as much space as at Charlton but he continued to drop into space very effectively.

Quarshie grew in to the game and such a good player to have for potential breaks, but beyond the standard Saints' fan default assumption that the opposition will soon score there really wasn't much to worry about.

The Downs chant was mildly amusing the first time you hear it, but it can't help the player, and once was enough. There will be a great roar when he finally scores though!

[Sir Ralph]

48 minutes ago, Charlie Wayman said:

One suspects he and Aribo are in the last chance saloon before the New Year transfer window. Neither justified their places in the team even as subs last night.

The squads mentality is top notch at the moment, other than those two. I think they should both be dropped. Their energy was flat compared to the other subs like Bragg, Wellington and Robinson.

[gecko]

One thing I've noticed since Tonda took over, thinking mostly Charlton and Leicester games, is that we seem to make some really long passes along the floor through the middle. Maybe it's better positioning being coached into them, or that Arma has been dropping deep or wide players stretching the opposition to create the space. But it's been great to watch a single pass take us 50 yards up the pitch and immediately look like we're going to score.

I'm sure it'll be something future opposition will start taking note of, and it's kind of a risky strategy if the pass goes astray and turns over. But for now I'm very impressed with what Tonda has achieved in such a short space of time, absolutely remarkable that this is the same bunch of player who struggled so much in a very similar formation under Still.

Addendum to that, was that last night the wide guys were also excellent. Fellows absolutely ruined his man. And pretty much every man-to-man match up was won by us. Shout out to Jander as others have said, ran the midfield. Excellent save by Baz early on to stop what could have been a turning point - but otherwise, at no point was that result ever in doubt. Feels nice.

I've been very much on the fence with whether to offer him the permanent job yet. "[Four] swallows do not make a summer" etc etc, but this actually looks like a total transformation so far, and I would be happy enough to see him get the job.