Wrexham 1-5 Saints - Match Thread

[Willo of Whiteley]

Excellent result, proper Hollywood stuff!

I thought Edozie and Larin looked a bit out of it in the first half, second was much better.

Nice to see even our smaller players like Matsuki getting shirty and stuck in.

The referee was awful, couldn’t wait to rip off his kit to reveal the full Wrexham shirt underneath when they scored their winner - fortunately they didn’t!

The commentary team on Sky Sports Plus sounded the most miserable and dejected pair I have heard for a long time, the sheer disappointment when Southampton scored was funny to listen to.

I think second place is very much on, teams are starting to look over their shoulders at us, and some will panic.

Decent performance for the most part, super result, and amazing support by the fans - didn’t hear Wrexham once.
Was it compulsory for all Wrexham fans to sit in the stand with their arms folded, motionless like their manager? That was them to a tee.

On to the next one!

Give Tonda a new deal.

[swedish dave]

This above all shows the strength we have in the squad.   Wrexham were the club to beat...and so

we started with 6 changes from the Arsenal-beating side.  We scored 5 times, and still hit the

woodwork 3 times.  The first 2 goals were scored by players who didn't get on the pitch for Saturday

and Larin's goal was a great individual effort from a man with incredible speed for someone his size.

Ross Stewart had few chances in his 25 minute sub. app but still showed how a real CF can score.

Finn Azaz rightfully got his goal after hitting the bar twice.   What more could one ask. 

[malcolm waldron]

18 minutes ago, swedish dave said:

This above all shows the strength we have in the squad.   Wrexham were the club to beat...and so

we started with 6 changes from the Arsenal-beating side.  We scored 5 times, and still hit the

woodwork 3 times.  The first 2 goals were scored by players who didn't get on the pitch for Saturday

and Larin's goal was a great individual effort from a man with incredible speed for someone his size.

Ross Stewart had few chances in his 25 minute sub. app but still showed how a real CF can score.

Finn Azaz rightfully got his goal after hitting the bar twice.   What more could one ask. 

Couldn't agree more with this.  I first noticed it in the QPR game (I think) when he sprinted forward as Leo ran from the halfway line to score in the second half - as I'd had him down as a lumbering plodder before that (based on no real evidence it has to be said). So for someone of his size and physicality he can certainly move quickly - and what a signing he's proved to be.  Don't get me started on the player he was brought in to replace.....

[LGTL]

I’m sure it’s been said, but the referee 😂 proper little Sargent Major he was. 

[saint-ross]

11 hours ago, whelk said:

Larin you beauty

Yeah, that's right. Slag him off all game, then call him a beauty when he scores. #saintsy.

[Tom & Gerry]

4 minutes ago, saint-ross said:

Yeah, that's right. Slag him off all game, then call him a beauty when he scores. #saintsy.

He's an interesting player. He can look clumsy and awkward and then show great skill and pace. He's always a handful though and just what we needed.

[whelk]

10 minutes ago, saint-ross said:

Yeah, that's right. Slag him off all game, then call him a beauty when he scores. #saintsy.

I didn’t slag him off - moaning about some touches is not the same. New to football?

[VectisSaint]

4 hours ago, Vancouver Saint said:

Amazing game - love it that we were so up for it from the outset and never took our foot off the pedal.
Thought their goal should have been disallowed for a blatant foul on Harwood-Bellis - the commentators didn't even mention it - am I the only one?

Now for Derby, who are going to be a tough team to beat - let's keep it going Saints.

Sky commentators mentioned it, and we got replays. In the end it didn't matter thanks to Larin.

[DT]

Brilliant performance and what a goal from Larin for the crucial third!

Edozie was a bit loose at times but so nice to stuff the Hollywood bullshit up everyone's faces. So sick of the media love in.

Only Azaz made the Champ team of the week. I'd have put them all in...

Hard to believe we had Will Still this same season.

Up the Saints.

 

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

Couple of observations from the evening.

Excellent stadium for getting there by train. Even better than most he fans left before FT so it wasn't too busy .

The beer kiosk/queue was ridiculous. Sort it out Rob/Ryan.

For such a Hollywood club, the pre-match/ half time entertainment was nonexistent. The ball in a cup game which came up every 10 mins or so pre-kick off, was particularly pathetic.

Away fans were brilliant. Noisy with a great repotoir of songs.

Cyle took his goal brilliantly. Moments after I had called for him to to subbed. No need to thank me.

Finn Azaz never stops.

Saints are, generally, quite good at football. Long may it continue.

[saint-ross]

1 hour ago, whelk said:

I didn’t slag him off - moaning about some touches is not the same. New to football?

I'm happy to go and pull out the quotes mate. No, not at all. Been on this forum in the background for 20 years. I've seen it all, lol.

[Hawkswood]

12 hours ago, Convict Colony said:

thing I like about azaz is his endurance, guy strikes me as have James Millner levels of engine, hes always running hard without any noticable drop off during the games.

Convict, if you log on to the Wrexham fans site, one person commented about trying to find a kraut manager asap. You should log on and tell them about that Gruber fella you mentioned a few months back.

[Hawkswood]

17 minutes ago, saint-ross said:

I'm happy to go and pull out the quotes mate. No, not at all. Been on this forum in the background for 20 years. I've seen it all, lol.

Come on dude, people get emotional during the matches, theres no need to pull people up on it. We're football fans and therefore allowed to be a little fickle 😉

[warsash saint]

Few observations from last night

I feared a huge come down after Saturday from both the team & the supporters - both proved me me wrong.  The 1.2k fans were in superb voice all game.

Azaz what a player - was absolutely everywhere

Would be nice to actually drive home & have every motorway actually open 😡

I know they were a non league team up to a few years a go, but their ground was a dump - my view from the back of the upper stand 😀

 

[whelk]

25 minutes ago, saint-ross said:

I'm happy to go and pull out the quotes mate. No, not at all. Been on this forum in the background for 20 years. I've seen it all, lol.

Fill your boots pal I couldn’t give a fuck. The thought that I would have some pretence about posting on a game is funny. 

Next time when someone says ‘FFS Leo’ when he puts in a weak shot or similar you can be smug and berate them and tell them stop slagging them off

Edited 13 hours ago by whelk

[Totton Saint]

What a boost beating Arsenal has proved to be. Keep surfing the crest of the wave lads.

[saint-ross]

1 hour ago, whelk said:

Fill your boots pal I couldn’t give a fuck. The thought that I would have some pretence about posting on a game is funny. 

Next time when someone says ‘FFS Leo’ when he puts in a weak shot or similar you can be smug and berate them and tell them stop slagging them off

But they won't slag Leo off, everyone loves him. Cyle has copped so much shit from our so called fans since he walked in the building. I've noticed this season in particular just how fickle our fans are/have become, and just how much grief we give our own players. Pretty embarrassing tbh. I'm just starting to call more people out on it. If they get pissy about it, good. 

[whelk]

34 minutes ago, saint-ross said:

But they won't slag Leo off, everyone loves him. Cyle has copped so much shit from our so called fans since he walked in the building. I've noticed this season in particular just how fickle our fans are/have become, and just how much grief we give our own players. Pretty embarrassing tbh. I'm just starting to call more people out on it. If they get pissy about it, good. 

I think you are taking this place too seriously. I actually like Larin and already feels like a cult player.

Guess what, loads of posters were slagging off Tonda and now marvelling that he is a tactical genius. Go figure

[tdmickey3]

53 minutes ago, saint-ross said:

But they won't slag Leo off, everyone loves him. Cyle has copped so much shit from our so called fans since he walked in the building. I've noticed this season in particular just how fickle our fans are/have become, and just how much grief we give our own players. Pretty embarrassing tbh. I'm just starting to call more people out on it. If they get pissy about it, good. 

We should all be so thankful on here that we have supa fans like you who never, ever, ever criticise a player

[sadoldgit]

1 hour ago, saint-ross said:

But they won't slag Leo off, everyone loves him. Cyle has copped so much shit from our so called fans since he walked in the building. I've noticed this season in particular just how fickle our fans are/have become, and just how much grief we give our own players. Pretty embarrassing tbh. I'm just starting to call more people out on it. If they get pissy about it, good. 

What’s not to love about Leo? He is an exciting player to watch and seems like an all round good guy. His finishing on the other hand…I have seen plenty of criticism about his finishing and decision making when he has players free in the box but chooses to shoot. He is a permanent threat to the opposition though and keeps them on the back foot so gets cut some slack.

Granted I don’t read every post, but on the whole from what I have read most people have been positive about him.

If you want to comment on negativity towards certain players you need to look no further than Baz, Manning, Downs, Archer and Stephens.

[Hussar Saint]

5 hours ago, Tom & Gerry said:

He's an interesting player. He can look clumsy and awkward and then show great skill and pace. He's always a handful though and just what we needed.

Cyle Larin reminds me of Guly Do Prado, he could sometimes look awkward and clumsy, but he proved himself to be a important part of our promotion winning side. 

[davefizzy14]

Absolutely sensational performance from us last night 😊 we totally destroyed them.

The form and momentum that we are in, I believe we can chase down second.

Onto the game, Matsuki, Downes, Larin, Stewart and Azaz were all great finishes 😊 Larin's was special 😊 good to see Welington back and with a lovely assist for Ross's header 😊

Azaz was my MOTM, he was just imperious. He's so good 😊

We would have had a cleansheet if the ref had blown for a blatant foul on THB. 

COYR 😊

[Hussar Saint]

1 hour ago, saint-ross said:

But they won't slag Leo off, everyone loves him. Cyle has copped so much shit from our so called fans since he walked in the building. I've noticed this season in particular just how fickle our fans are/have become, and just how much grief we give our own players. Pretty embarrassing tbh. I'm just starting to call more people out on it. If they get pissy about it, good. 

Well at the beginning of the season, many of our players were utter dog shit weren't they?

Anyway, who are you to tell people how they should or shouldn't support their club on an internet forum? Stop being a massive helmet! 

[Gloucester Saint]

3 hours ago, warsash saint said:

Few observations from last night

I feared a huge come down after Saturday from both the team & the supporters - both proved me me wrong.  The 1.2k fans were in superb voice all game.

Azaz what a player - was absolutely everywhere

Would be nice to actually drive home & have every motorway actually open 😡

I know they were a non league team up to a few years a go, but their ground was a dump - my view from the back of the upper stand 😀

 

Flippin heck - could you actually see the goals properly?

Loftus Road can be like that as well.

[M271]

24 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Flippin heck - could you actually see the goals properly?

Loftus Road can be like that as well.

I was on the back row as well and could see most of the pitch including the goals. However couldn’t quite see the near side corner area to my left and only just not the far touch line, it was comical seeing us fans ducking down to get a better view for throw ins.

[Broccoli Man]

Played alright and all but did we win on xg?

 

on a serious note, sheesh I wish Ross Stewart wasn’t made of crystal, he is a very good footballer

[Holmes_and_Watson]

3 minutes ago, Broccoli Man said:

Played alright and all but did we win on xg?

 

on a serious note, sheesh I wish Ross Stewart wasn’t made of crystal, he is a very good footballer

Ross looking happy, going into training this morning...

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

7 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

didn’t hear Wrexham once

 

4 hours ago, Hawkswood said:

We're football fans and therefore allowed to be a little fickle

You must have heard their piped in drum music...though it did stop after the second goal.

Too right we're allowed to be fickle. That's what forums are for. Just look at the Tonda thread back in January and look at recent posts!

This team is actually becoming quite likeable and it's not just the winning. They have character; the way they came over to us yesterday shows they really care, and you can almost sense the unity in the squad. Certainly (for me) in the last ten years, this is as good as it's been watching Saints play.

[saintant]

2 hours ago, saint-ross said:

But they won't slag Leo off, everyone loves him. Cyle has copped so much shit from our so called fans since he walked in the building. I've noticed this season in particular just how fickle our fans are/have become, and just how much grief we give our own players. Pretty embarrassing tbh. I'm just starting to call more people out on it. If they get pissy about it, good. 

Same as fans of every club in the world - always has been and always will be. Not an issue worth highlighting.

[Mboto Gorge]

16 minutes ago, saintant said:

Same as fans of every club in the world - always has been and always will be. Not an issue worth highlighting.

The thing is Cyle hasn’t from what I’ve seen “copped so much shit “ At all, certainly not on here. The fact he scored for us with his very first touch in a saints shirt means the vast majority of fans took to him immediately, so that comment is total bollocks in my opinion 

[Tom & Gerry]

Arguably the best back to back wins since winning at Pompey in 1976, 3 days after reaching the cup final. The manager made changes that day but not just for tiredness.

[hypochondriac]

23 minutes ago, Mboto Gorge said:

The thing is Cyle hasn’t from what I’ve seen “copped so much shit “ At all, certainly not on here. The fact he scored for us with his very first touch in a saints shirt means the vast majority of fans took to him immediately, so that comment is total bollocks in my opinion 

I said Cyle looked like a shit signing on paper when we signed him. That initial assessment was wrong clearly and I'm very pleased that it was. I sti think it's odd that some posters on here don't expect other posters to have initial reactions to signings before they have played for us. We've had plenty of signings I thought would be great who turned out to be shite and vice versa. Nothing wrong with that, it's a message board.

[Hawkswood]

1 hour ago, Broccoli Man said:

Played alright and all but did we win on xg?

 

on a serious note, sheesh I wish Ross Stewart wasn’t made of crystal, he is a very good footballer

I was going to mention this a couple of weeks ago. I genuinely didn't realise what a very good footballer he is. I just thought he was a target man but his touch and movement and finishing ability totally took me by surprise. 

[sadoldgit]

43 minutes ago, Mboto Gorge said:

The thing is Cyle hasn’t from what I’ve seen “copped so much shit “ At all, certainly not on here. The fact he scored for us with his very first touch in a saints shirt means the vast majority of fans took to him immediately, so that comment is total bollocks in my opinion 

The thing is a few people clearly wrote him off before he had kicked a ball for us which doesn’t say much about their judgement.

Let the player at least show what he has to offer before deciding whether he is rubbish/good.

Most of the players we have signed over the last few years I’ve never heard of before, let alone seen them play and know what they are like.

Edited 7 hours ago by sadoldgit

[Bobbyboy]

28 minutes ago, Hawkswood said:

I was going to mention this a couple of weeks ago. I genuinely didn't realise what a very good footballer he is. I just thought he was a target man but his touch and movement and finishing ability totally took me by surprise. 

Like a short Peter Crouch really

[suewhistle]

With Larin I think the feeling was 'never heard of him, here we go again..' compounded by the Feyenoord fans' reports. He put some of our worries to rest quite quickly, didn't he!

His touch may not be the best but he's just the physical handful we've been asking for, and he's done some delightful lay-offs with his back to goal in addition to his penalty area contributions.

As for Downs, you do wonder what was going on, both with the player and with the scouting. Paul Moody bought from Waterlooville back in the day had more idea how to play football.

[Barton Saint]

My Dutch friend in Amsterdam is a Feyenoord fan and said he was the worst player he had seen at the club; right now he is my hero just what we have needed for so long and I can forgive his lapses in control as I think his brain is ahead of his legs!

[trousers]

1 hour ago, sadoldgit said:

The thing is a few people clearly wrote him off before he had kicked a ball

I've highlighted the key words there... I know it's human nature for people to latch onto the vocal minority but it often gets twisted into being perceived as a prevailing viewpoint when most people are happy to give players a chance, regardless of any reputation that precedes them. 

Btw, being sceptical about a player's prospects and giving them a chance, aren't mutually exclusive viewpoints... 

Edited 6 hours ago by trousers

[hypochondriac]

9 minutes ago, trousers said:

I've highlighted the key words there... I know it's human nature for people to latch onto the vocal minority but it often gets twisted into being perceived as a prevailing viewpoint when most people are happy to give players a chance, regardless of any reputation that precedes them. 

Btw, being sceptical about a player's prospects and giving them a chance, aren't mutually exclusive viewpoints... 

Who wrote him off? Lots of people said he APPEARED to be a shit signing and it was underwhelming. It was an initial judgement based on the available evidence. That judgement changed once the evidence did. I'd be interested to see how many posters actually wrote him off by saying he was guaranteed to be shit for us. 

[S-Clarke]

That was truly exceptional, from the first minute of that game we were just 'on it', you could tell. I was somewhat bemused by Wrexham's desire to leave huge gaps in between their CB's and CM's, but it was very positive for Azaz who thrived better than anyone in that game. 

The tempo from the off was quick, sharp, purposeful - that's how I'd describe us these days, purposeful. Not passing for passing sake, not just launching it long for the sake of it - our approach to all aspects is based around a genuine purpose and everyone has bought into it. 

The goals were coming way before they did, but when they did it was never really in doubt. I'm a huge fan of Matsuki, I'd describe him as our 'Park Ji Sung' - not a spectacular player, not blessed with incredible pace or skill, but full of heart, energy and 100% reliable wherever he is on the pitch - a perfect player for the 'away' games at the tough grounds, as we've seen in the last few weeks. Downes has been a man reborn and that all stems from having a structure to operate within, rather than them just working it out themselves on the day - which it sometimes felt like over the last few years.

I'm not really counting the goal they scored as it was ridiculous - sure, a big man can win a flick on, but they're not supposed to bulldoze the defender in the neck before doing so. That goal did unsettle us a little up until half time, but previously we may have baulked at that point - even under Martin - but there seems a stronger mentality throughout the entire bunch now, they ride through the bad moments a lot more effectivley.

I thought the second half was excellent, I don't think Wrexham went all guns blazing as I thought they would - we still had really good control and could have gone 3-1 before we did, as Larin forced a good save from their GK. Larin did get his goal though and it was terrific, it rounded off a strong night for him - hold up play, running the channels, providing an effective pivot for the entire attack. The goal topped it off, he's deceptively quick - although Cleworth (I think it was him) looked slower than me. Great finish though, really clinical.

The last two goals were the cherry on top, and fully deserved on the balance of play. Azaz deserved that goal, he was the best player on the pitch for me. Somewhat aided by Wrexham's inability to fix the gap between CB and CM, but he took full advantage - his touch was exceptional all night, making 50/50 balls into clear opportunities. He's been everything we wanted from a number 10.

Going back to December this felt like a season to forget, not many memories or 'good wins' to put into the scrap book from this year - but since January we've been different class. Leicester away will still be the game of the season/century for me, but last night was a real statement of force and intent. If people weren't paying attention before I think they're all zoomed in on us now. We're not just lurking over their shoulders, we're hurtling towards them like an express train.

Isn't it nice to actually be talking about and enjoying football again? This is what we all love, not worrying about balance sheets, transfer fees - all we ever want is a team to get behind and grow with, and this is as strong as it's been for a long time - in such a short period too. I never saw myself saying that a few months ago.

Edited 6 hours ago by S-Clarke

[Appy]

Great trip that, reminded me of Bristol Rovers away in 2010, going to a playoff rival midweek, towards the end of the season and giving them a going over. 
 

Great atmosphere in the away end too, possibly the best away end of the season, bar Fratton. 

[BranfootsLoveChild]

 

*edit*

 

Edited 1 hour ago by BranfootsLoveChild

[Roo1976]

13 hours ago, malcolm waldron said:

Couldn't agree more with this.  I first noticed it in the QPR game (I think) when he sprinted forward as Leo ran from the halfway line to score in the second half - as I'd had him down as a lumbering plodder before that (based on no real evidence it has to be said). So for someone of his size and physicality he can certainly move quickly - and what a signing he's proved to be.  Don't get me started on the player he was brought in to replace.....

The player he was bought into to replace, still hasnt managed 90 mins in his time at Hamburg and.......wait for it still hasnt SCORED.

[Badger]

11 hours ago, warsash saint said:

I know they were a non league team up to a few years a go, but their ground was a dump - my view from the back of the upper stand 😀

 

No worse than from towards the back of the away stand at Palace a couple of seasons ago. 
 

Out of interest were you standing when that photo was taken ? 

 

[LeG]

9 hours ago, whelk said:

I think you are taking this place too seriously. I actually like Larin and already feels like a cult player.

Guess what, loads of posters were slagging off Tonda and now marvelling that he is a tactical genius. Go figure

My brother slates players in our whatsapp group and they always end up scoring. It's a good laugh. At the end of the day, we all want our players to do well innit. 

[austsaint]

5 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

That was truly exceptional, from the first minute of that game we were just 'on it', you could tell. I was somewhat bemused by Wrexham's desire to leave huge gaps in between their CB's and CM's, but it was very positive for Azaz who thrived better than anyone in that game. 

The tempo from the off was quick, sharp, purposeful - that's how I'd describe us these days, purposeful. Not passing for passing sake, not just launching it long for the sake of it - our approach to all aspects is based around a genuine purpose and everyone has bought into it. 

The goals were coming way before they did, but when they did it was never really in doubt. I'm a huge fan of Matsuki, I'd describe him as our 'Park Ji Sung' - not a spectacular player, not blessed with incredible pace or skill, but full of heart, energy and 100% reliable wherever he is on the pitch - a perfect player for the 'away' games at the tough grounds, as we've seen in the last few weeks. Downes has been a man reborn and that all stems from having a structure to operate within, rather than them just working it out themselves on the day - which it sometimes felt like over the last few years.

I'm not really counting the goal they scored as it was ridiculous - sure, a big man can win a flick on, but they're not supposed to bulldoze the defender in the neck before doing so. That goal did unsettle us a little up until half time, but previously we may have baulked at that point - even under Martin - but there seems a stronger mentality throughout the entire bunch now, they ride through the bad moments a lot more effectivley.

I thought the second half was excellent, I don't think Wrexham went all guns blazing as I thought they would - we still had really good control and could have gone 3-1 before we did, as Larin forced a good save from their GK. Larin did get his goal though and it was terrific, it rounded off a strong night for him - hold up play, running the channels, providing an effective pivot for the entire attack. The goal topped it off, he's deceptively quick - although Cleworth (I think it was him) looked slower than me. Great finish though, really clinical.

The last two goals were the cherry on top, and fully deserved on the balance of play. Azaz deserved that goal, he was the best player on the pitch for me. Somewhat aided by Wrexham's inability to fix the gap between CB and CM, but he took full advantage - his touch was exceptional all night, making 50/50 balls into clear opportunities. He's been everything we wanted from a number 10.

Going back to December this felt like a season to forget, not many memories or 'good wins' to put into the scrap book from this year - but since January we've been different class. Leicester away will still be the game of the season/century for me, but last night was a real statement of force and intent. If people weren't paying attention before I think they're all zoomed in on us now. We're not just lurking over their shoulders, we're hurtling towards them like an express train.

Isn't it nice to actually be talking about and enjoying football again? This is what we all love, not worrying about balance sheets, transfer fees - all we ever want is a team to get behind and grow with, and this is as strong as it's been for a long time - in such a short period too. I never saw myself saying that a few months ago.

Great post, which not only summarises the win over Wrexham well, but speaks for a lot of people’s reaction to the transformation of the side since January.   One of the things I reflect on is just how many of us had written players, coaches, technical directors off as not good enough, out of their depth or not invested in the Club.   Collectively we’ve been proven wrong, and it’s a humbling experience.    In no particular order the following have been written off by many of us.   Downes, THB, Manning, Matsuki, Stewart, Edozie, Eckert and Spors.    Being a fan is partly about forming opinions of players and Managers; and often we’re right,  yet in the last three months I’d guess that every fan has been forced to upturn their strong belief about several players and certainly about Tonda.  And isn’t that a good thing.   You can follow a Club and a sport for a long time, make accurate assessments, analyse games, managers and players with a degree of success and then, get sat on your backside by what we’ve witnessed since January.