Watford 2-1 Saints - Match Thread

[VectisSaint]

1 hour ago, tdmickey3 said:

He certainly isn't good enough for a team who is supposed to be pushing for promotion...

Strange really because he certainly was last season from the time we switched to a 4, all through the unbeaten run right up until he was injured in the 43rd match and was unavailable for the last 3 games. When we played 5/3 at the back he was like everyone else crap, and that includes THB. Manning was awful defensively and when replaced by a proper defender (Welington) we looked a different side. Welington's injury let Manning back in, and in an attacking side he was able to cover up his defensive inadequacies with his many contributions at the other end. We also benefitted from Bree's return, make no mistake we were woeful defensively before the switch to a back 5 or 3. All four of our defenders played well in a system they were comfortable in and with protection from Downes and Jander/Charles. Very noticeable to me that Jack has his first mare for a long time as soon as we are without Jander/Charles (or adequate replacement). We were awful first half yesterday, but so we were in a good many games last season even in the unbeaten run, we developed the tools/knack to come out fighting second half, and that was reflected yesterday as well. 

[Saint Pete]

Stephens has always been prone to blunders and poor decision making and we saw both yesterday. Unfortunately, I still think he's probably the best partner for THB that we currently have at the club, that was proved for the majority of the unbeaten run last season. We can bring Wood in for him but don't personally think that will improve things as he isn't great either, will be a matter of time before he messes up too and you are all howling for Stephens to come back in again. Quality, reliable centre backs are hard to come by, we have just one at the club, which is why it is vital we do our utmost to keep him here this season. 

[swedish dave]

5 hours ago, saintant said:

It was warm for both sides and the first game of the season.

You might want to watch the highlights of the 2nd goal - Stephens was available to backtrack but chose to hold his position in the middle despite us having enough cover there. He then decided to try to close the guy down when it was far too late. Horrific defending from an experienced player who should know better.

My opening comment was an historical observation. As memory serves we haven't won opening games more

than once or twice in the last decade...or two ?  I watched the match online here, hence my comments on the two

offenders.  With 60% possession and zero shots in the first half we handed them the game whilst they put most

of their other shots into the crowd.

THB has one foot out of the door and didn't look anything like the player we had last season.

Think (maybe) father-in-law has persuaded him to jump ship ASAP.  Puts him in the Defectors category, but

at the end of the day, we are better off without those who don't honour the badge. 

I was surprised that Capt. Jack turned in those good performances last season, as I had him down to leave

last August.  Maybe Plymouth need some experienced heads to get them back up out of L1 ?.

[Oh no Mick Mills]

41 minutes ago, Saint Pete said:

Stephens has always been prone to blunders and poor decision making and we saw both yesterday. Unfortunately, I still think he's probably the best partner for THB that we currently have at the club, that was proved for the majority of the unbeaten run last season. We can bring Wood in for him but don't personally think that will improve things as he isn't great either, will be a matter of time before he messes up too and you are all howling for Stephens to come back in again. Quality, reliable centre backs are hard to come by, we have just one at the club, which is why it is vital we do our utmost to keep him here this season. 

THB made alot of errors in the first half of last season . Remember Hull away games for example. 

 Stephens had a crap first half yesterday and he always has a section of the fan base ready to jump all over him whenever he has a poor game. 

Let's judge him after the Stoke game and if he's poor I'd bring in Wood but at least give him a chance to redeem himself . His passing through the lines means we create more goalscoring chances.