West Brom 1-1 Saints - Match Thread

[Chez]

8 hours ago, Saint86 said:

It was called by numerous people at half time. 4-4-2, Stewart and Larin, 2 wingers, get the crosses in. He waited till basically the last minutes of the game to essentially do that with Archer, Larin, Edozie, and Fellows. Its too late (obviously). He's done well lately, but his naivety/inexperience cost us tonight (won't be the last time, and it is what it is with him 🤷‍♂️) - but the people who can't see this and won't countenance any criticism of Eckert are just burying their heads in the sand and lacking all balance when it comes to our performances. Its perfectly reasonable to say when he's done well at times, and when he does badly at others - particularly as most of the forum telegraphed this game midway through the first half yet the manager waited until the 83rd minute... 😄

Stewart had to go off. So I assume you would have brought Archer on at half time to play 442? 

 

 

[Fabrice29]

1 hour ago, tdmickey3 said:

Stop it, you are not allowed to point out the managers tactical failures, it upsets people

You’re not upsetting anyone. Everyone’s laughing at you. 

Manager criticism is fine, although I would point out that the idea that the thing he didn’t do was the guaranteed way to success is absurd. Players playing badly and the opposition defending well are allowed to happen at and seemingly influence the game much more than tactical plans imo.

But anyway, just to reiterate that when it comes to you specifically nobody is upset and everybody thinks you’re a laughable grifter. HTH.

Edited 14 hours ago by Fabrice29

[Hopper]

You’re not going to play well in every match. The baggies are fighting for their lives at home. In another moment this would have been the perfect recipe for a Saints collapse but to Tonda’s credit he made good changes and we rescued a big point.

 

As others have said, on to the next!

[SNSUN]

Well I had to go to bed on 60 minutes which I was happy about at the time as we were bang off form so I'm delighted to have woken up to us scoring an injury time equaliser. Of the 60 minutes I saw, we didn't deserve it. Azaz, Fellows, Matsuki, Charles, Ross -  all poor last night. Downes was one of our best players and he was subbed. We have to be better in an attacking sense but with Scienza now out, we could struggle there. Fellows looks devoid of confidence. Azaz as we know can have a banging game one minute and a poor game the next. I like Matsuki but not only was he poor on the right last night, when he went left he was completely invisible. My only qualm with Tonda is that Edozie should have been the natural Scienza sub. 

I thought Peretz was probably our MOTM. The back 4 did OK apart from their goal and Downes was decent too. I think Larin looked good when he came on - I'd be starting him over Ross. He's strong and quick. 

We need to play better, but I'd take wins and shit performances over pretty football with no reward. 3 points behind Wrexham with a better goal difference and we have to play them. It's in our hands. But I think Hull are probably now out of our sights. It's 6th or nothing. 

[Barton Saint]

Wallace’s Bruising Animals

That stupid Sky commentator ‘likes the Championship because you can put your foot in’ and the referees are more lenient!!

Shame we had to play them 2 days before we play the top team.

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, Hopper said:

You’re not going to play well in every match. The baggies are fighting for their lives at home. In another moment this would have been the perfect recipe for a Saints collapse but to Tonda’s credit he made good changes and we rescued a big point.

 

As others have said, on to the next!

Baggies are home to Hull on Saturday so let's hope they keep that going,  I think Hull are a bit more streetwise than us when it comes to playing these sort of teams though 

[saintant]

3 hours ago, Baird of the land said:

There was no way to shepherd that ball out for a goal kick. His mistake was initially trying to, rather than putting it out for a throw.

Have to agree to disagree. Just block their guy and there's nothing he can do - see it in most games I watch and I was just waiting for Charles to do his job but he went into panic mode. Very poor decision making which ultimately cost us a goal just before half time.

[VectisSaint]

3 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

It wasn't a challenge that caused his injury though. He was running back and his groin just went. No other player involved.

Think you need to rewind a few seconds, he tumbled over a couple of times following a coming together with their defender, got up and tried to run on but clearly felt something. 

[S-Clarke]

I think the biggest takeaway from last night is how important a capable goalkeeper actually is. It gives you an opportunity to still scrap a point or 3 in games you have no right to do so, we didn't have that before - but Peretz was the biggest positive for me.

It was an absolute smash and grab point, it was horrible viewing. Nothing went right, our passing was all over the place, some of the free kicks were wtf. There was no real pace or energy in the game and it was horrible to watch - but these games happen, it's just how football and form goes sometimes. 

I do worry about Downes and Charles in CM. I don't like them as a pair and I don't think it's ever worked right from the off. Jander has been off form in recent weeks, but he's certainly more progressive and less passive in his game. Charles wants a lot of time on the ball, if he has time he's a good footballer for sure - but when you've got Downes and Charles in CM I think the game has a tendency to pass them by if the opposition are pressing harder. 

A point from that is remarkable though, so take that, get the fuck out of west brom and take it to Coventry. Totally different test and we'll see how we fare against a side, if we're totally honest, shouldn't be as far ahead of us as they are based on our starting positions (squads/transfers/finances). 

Edited 11 hours ago by S-Clarke

[Turkish]

17 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I think the biggest takeaway from last night is how important a capable goalkeeper actually is. It gives you an opportunity to still scrap a point or 3 in games you have no right to do so, we didn't have that before - but Peretz was the biggest positive for me.

It was an absolute smash and grab point, it was horrible viewing. Nothing went right, our passing was all over the place, some of the free kicks were wtf. There was no real pace or energy in the game and it was horrible to watch - but these games happen, it's just how football and form goes sometimes. 

I do worry about Downes and Charles in CM. I don't like them as a pair and I don't think it's ever worked right from the off. Jander has been off form in recent weeks, but he's certainly more progressive and less passive in his game. Charles wants a lot of time on the ball, if he has time he's a good footballer for sure - but when you've got Downes and Charles in CM I think the game has a tendency to pass them by if the opposition are pressing harder. 

A point from that is remarkable though, so take that, get the fuck out of west brom and take it to Coventry. Totally different test and we'll see how we fare against a side, if we're totally honest, shouldn't be as far ahead of us as they are based on our starting positions (squads/transfers/finances). 

Surely, surely the Baz experiment is now over. Even a semi competent keeper who has barely played a first team game for two years has been a huge upgrade. The fact they stuck with him for so long when it was clear to everyone he was miles off it is criminal. 

[Oldandtired]

2 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Surely, surely the Baz experiment is now over. Even a semi competent keeper who has barely played a first team game for two years has been a huge upgrade. The fact they stuck with him for so long when it was clear to everyone he was miles off it is criminal. 

I think the problem is going to be if Peretz doesn't want to stay beyond his loan period.. then what, back to he whose name must not be mentioned?

[Turkish]

2 minutes ago, Oldandtired said:

I think the problem is going to be if Peretz doesn't want to stay beyond his loan period.. then what, back to he whose name must not be mentioned?

Doesn’t he have a year left on his deal? I guess some other desperate mugs might take him on loan. Then we can wash our hands of him. No way will anyone be stupid enough to buy him unless we can find some other “eyes are deceiving you” clown who doesn’t bother watching players as they already know they  are good like our jokers 

[malcolm waldron]

10 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Surely, surely the Baz experiment is now over. Even a semi competent keeper who has barely played a first team game for two years has been a huge upgrade. The fact they stuck with him for so long when it was clear to everyone he was miles off it is criminal. 

I get your point but didn't we realise that the Baz experiment should have been consigned to the bin in May 2023?  I guess that's what you're saying in your last comment above.  I can't remember what Spors said back in August at the fans forum - was he asked about it and said GK not a priority, or words to that effect?  Perhaps I'm making it up.  I certainly remember Russ being very supportive in summer '23 and thinking - really??! 

[Saint Pete]

On reflection, I'm not too despondent about coming away with a point last night. It always had the look of the kind of game that we struggle with and I hope it will be a timely reminder to the players and manager that they need to be on it in every game in the run-in irrespective of the apparent merits of the opposition. There are literally no easy games in this league unless you earn the right. I'm pretty confident we will see a much improved display at the weekend against a team that will look to dominate us, although of course Coventry are flying so will be a difficult challenge. 

[Turkish]

15 minutes ago, malcolm waldron said:

I get your point but didn't we realise that the Baz experiment should have been consigned to the bin in May 2023?  I guess that's what you're saying in your last comment above.  I can't remember what Spors said back in August at the fans forum - was he asked about it and said GK not a priority, or words to that effect?  Perhaps I'm making it up.  I certainly remember Russ being very supportive in summer '23 and thinking - really??! 

100%. He should never even have been put in that position in the first place. It was beyond ridiculous to throw a young keeper who had never played above league one level as first choice in a premier league team. In some ways I feel sorry for Baz, get an offer like that you’re going to take it, the fact he was put in that position if a joke it wasn’t his fault. Quite a few said as much at the time although the club cheerleaders applauded it quoting his clean sheets for Ireland as why he was good enough. Funny how they’re not quoting that now. 

[Saint Pete]

Anyone know any more about why Stewart came off at half time? The OS mentions that both Scienza and Ross will need to be assessed in the coming days, but doesn't say anything further about nature of any injury?

[Jack]

1 hour ago, Turkish said:

Surely, surely the Baz experiment is now over. Even a semi competent keeper who has barely played a first team game for two years has been a huge upgrade. The fact they stuck with him for so long when it was clear to everyone he was miles off it is criminal. 

It was absolutely negligent to persist with him for so long, even over McCarthy who at least has some of the basic attributes required to be a goalkeeper, such as saving shots and collecting crosses. Madness that so many managers saw value in Bazunu just because he could pass with his feet. Must’ve been coming from above, there’s no other logical reasoning 

[Jack]

20 minutes ago, Saint Pete said:

Anyone know any more about why Stewart came off at half time? The OS mentions that both Scienza and Ross will need to be assessed in the coming days, but doesn't say anything further about nature of any injury?

‘Tightness’. 
 

Sadly he’s a crock and we’ll never be able to rely on him to play regularly, occasional involvement at best 

[Fabrice29]

1 hour ago, Jack said:

‘Tightness’. 
 

Sadly he’s a crock and we’ll never be able to rely on him to play regularly, occasional involvement at best 

Are we ruling out the ‘tightness’ is a polite and easy way to describe hauling off an ineffective attacker at half time? Not denying the second part though.

[Chez]

5 hours ago, Hopper said:

You’re not going to play well in every match. The baggies are fighting for their lives at home. In another moment this would have been the perfect recipe for a Saints collapse but to Tonda’s credit he made good changes and we rescued a big point.

 

As others have said, on to the next!

The bottom teams do get results against the better sides, the skates stuffed Millwall at their place. Leicester just beat Bristol City, Oxford drew at Boro etc. These teams are no mugs. Go a goal in front and you have something to hold on to and you can loo to catch teams on the break. If you are losing, your play can often be a little desperate. Teams drop deep and there is no space to play in. Even the absolute best teams (like Man City were) at breaking down sides that are parking the bus can come up short. So, its not surprising middle of the road teams like us struggle. 
 

[S-Clarke]

2 hours ago, Turkish said:

Surely, surely the Baz experiment is now over. Even a semi competent keeper who has barely played a first team game for two years has been a huge upgrade. The fact they stuck with him for so long when it was clear to everyone he was miles off it is criminal. 

My fear is that we'll not be able to trigger the Peretz deal early on, due to Ramsdales likely 'temporary' return - the club will very likely need to shift Ramsdale before we can sign another number 1 goalie. Newcastle not taking up their option complicates things a bit for us, if it drags on I'd say Peretz has probably flagged up on enough scouts radars to have a few interested parties if we dawdle around.

Hopefully we have a plan..

Edited 9 hours ago by S-Clarke

[Chez]

18 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

My fear is that we'll not be able to trigger the Peretz deal early on, due to Ramsdales likely 'temporary' return - the club will very likely need to shift Ramsdale before we can sign another number 1 goalie. Newcastle not taking up their option complicates things a bit for us, if it drags on I'd say Peretz has probably flagged up on enough scouts radars to have a few interested parties if we dawdle around.

Hopefully we have a plan..

I imagine Newcastle will keep us hanging on all summer. We get to pay him £50k (or thereabouts) a week for 3 months and then they'll low ball us. We need a second club to come in and force their hand. Not sure who that would be.

[Turkish]

40 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

My fear is that we'll not be able to trigger the Peretz deal early on, due to Ramsdales likely 'temporary' return - the club will very likely need to shift Ramsdale before we can sign another number 1 goalie. Newcastle not taking up their option complicates things a bit for us, if it drags on I'd say Peretz has probably flagged up on enough scouts radars to have a few interested parties if we dawdle around.

Hopefully we have a plan..

That will depend what division we’re in of course however assuming we’re not going up then hopefully we’re working now to find Ramsdale a new club, much as he’d be “very fine” in the championship having him on the payroll would be a disaster 

[SouthWalesSaints]

5 hours ago, saintant said:

Have to agree to disagree. Just block their guy and there's nothing he can do - see it in most games I watch and I was just waiting for Charles to do his job but he went into panic mode. Very poor decision making which ultimately cost us a goal just before half time.

We avoided giving away throws all night, because it was a threat.  

It would have been an instruction. 

[SouthWalesSaints]

It's counter productive.  Just stop moaning and encourage, players like Azaz will make sloppy passes because they try and make things happen. 

Watch all top 10s ( not many left in the game ) they take risks and give the ball away, but also make key contributions.  Bruno being one. 

Azaz didn't have a stinker imo, he was just nullified by a team who defended excellently. We have no right to win every game.

 

[Convict Colony]

4 hours ago, Jack said:

‘Tightness’. 
 

Sadly he’s a crock and we’ll never be able to rely on him to play regularly, occasional involvement at best 

He's a jock so maybe there was some money incentive behind it

[davefizzy14]

We battled hard to get back into the game last night and get a point to continue the unbeaten run 😊 Lovely cross from Edozie and a brilliant header from Larin 😊

[Turkish]

5 hours ago, SouthWalesSaints said:

It's counter productive.  Just stop moaning and encourage, players like Azaz will make sloppy passes because they try and make things happen. 

Watch all top 10s ( not many left in the game ) they take risks and give the ball away, but also make key contributions.  Bruno being one. 

Azaz didn't have a stinker imo, he was just nullified by a team who defended excellently. We have no right to win every game.

 

Absolutely. He’s got that bit of quality to unlock defences. He’s not going to be sliding passes through or curling them into the top corner every time he gets it like people seem to expect but his contribution to the team means he has to play and fans need to stop being dicks and expecting him to carve defences open every time he touches the ball