First thing to say was I can't remember the last time I've felt this way about Saints, so excited for every game and absolutely loving the buzz around the club. Yesterday ( particularly 1st half) due to where the away fans were sat we had a great view of the defence and also had the same at Barnsley on Sat (sat with home fans). Now I know Seaborne got into the Team of the week (in midfield?!) on Sat and appeared to do ok last night especially against Emmanuel-Thomas 2nd half but there are problems there. The gap between the 2 centre backs was sometimes far too big, Scotland spent the whole 1st half camped between them and Chopra also found this space too often. The same began to happen at Barnsley when they put 2 upfront. We're not used to playing against 4-4-2 as most teams play more defensively so it's something to work on at the back. Fonte for all his class is not a great communicator and needs a real enforcer next to him. For anyone at the Leeeds game you'll know Martin is a big talker, which is vital. We need a centre back to keep us where we are. Someone big, pacey and a communicator. The problem is that all clubs (eg Ipswich) are looking for the same. My suggestion is a potential loan offer for somebody like Boyata but I udnerstand that doesn't fit in with the long term plan. This is NOT a rant but merely my observations from the 1st games of the season. I am as delighted as everyone else but can see where our downfall could potentially be. Thoughts? COYR!!
I had checked that thread but thought this was a separate point tbh. Personal observations form the 1st 3 games as much as anything...
This is a point I was going to make on a separate thread. As good as we were yesterday, especially offensively, there are a few frailties in the defence. I feel that our striking force and link up play with the midfield is so coherent, varied and clinical that it is sugar coating a few issues in our defence. Don't get me wrong we have a good defensive line up with decent full-backs which IMO are enough to keep things tight at home and away - against the weaker teams, but we have seen dodgy spells against Barnsley and Ipswich. If we are striving for perfection and re-evaluating our aims for this year (now thinking top six) then we will need to sign ONE centre back, proven at this level. This is not a criticism overall as I am very much enjoying the ride so far - last night's performance at times was simply scintillating! As for strikers, I'm going back on what I've said, apart from needing cover for the risk of a Connolly injury, we're looking good. COYRs!!
Agree with everything you've said theyre Letiss, thought Richardson was outstanding last night as well.
Saintjoey I think Dedryck Boyata on loan is a great shout if it was possible - at only 20 his physical side of the game belies his age. I think he would be a good partner for Fonte, but just as you say, doesn't fit into the long term plan. However I don't think that would be a problem in this case, it's not like we have a team of people on loan, so getting one or two in could just supplememnt what we have already - without shelling out loads of wonga!
