Match Day Thread Saints v West Ham - K.O. 3pm Saturday 19th August

Just a thought regarding the second penalty. It would have been harsh in the extreme but shouldn't Zabaleta been sent off? It was a deliberate foul and it was to deny a clear goal scoring opportunity. Actually glad he wasn't as there might have been a riot.

 

Agree with that. But JWP for penalties please. Someone start up one of those petitions.

 

Was about to mention Mane when I read back and found your comment. If you consider how much Liverpool miss Mane, it is easy to see that we must. It's a shame we didn't have him longer once he got his feet under the table....we break players in and then they are gone. Sometimes teams just fall together...we had a solid defence with Wanyama in front of it, Clyne opposite Bertrand, Tadic was on song, Long and Mane provided speed and the scare factor (and Mane could finish), and Pelle up front. And I've probably forgotten a few others.

Our team is now a good side...I can't point a finger and say anyone is poor...but pzazz is missing. Gabbi puts in so much work and stands out...we must keep him (Les, are you listening). A fit Austin (not always a given) will also contribute. JWP has obvious attributes. Stephens will be a star...he must be given opportunities....even the opportunity to make mistakes...if he is to progress. Redmond (I know he gets criticised)...but he is one of the few players who can suddenly create something....going to keep my eye on him...there is a lot there. I see our team as a painting created by apprentices...jut waiting for the master to add the all important strokes.

We need a manager (hopefully MP2) to stay around for a while and be given time to create a team. The tools are there...just need tweaks and adjustments.

 

The funny thing with Tadic is that he can take a penalty properly. The penalty he scored against Leicester last season was blasted straight into the top corner, Lambert-esque. I don't know why he doesn't do that every time.

 

So...we seemed to give a lot of chances away for a team winning v 10 men. Were West Ham good? Or did we get something wrong? Nice to win a game which we maybe deserved to draw for a change. It is funny how a goal changes the whole mood, and that's not a dig. On to next week.

 

We absolutely need Gabbiadini to catch fire and start lighting up the place, because he is the one player in our squad who - just maybe - could turn out to be that rarest of things; a world class forward.

 

Perhaps because he has missed some. He was sweating and stressed when he took that penalty yesterday...Austin looked calm by comparison and you could say his was more critical.

 

I know it, you know it, but it is a secret remember

 

Our defence as it stands just isn't quite good enough. Plus West Ham have Hernandez, who better sides than us will struggle to contain.

 

I honestly won't mind that much if Tadic blasted a penalty and missed, because at least he has put some conviction into his shot. If you hit a penalty with power and it's on target, chances are it goes in because the keeper has next to no time to react.

 

Just seen the Tadic thing. Yellow card. Noble was clearly red and I'm surprised he missed it, those 50/50s are a major focus that the refs should get right if they are in a good position.

 

Couldn't agree with you more. He doesn't fill me with confidence.

 

But the point is that Tadic has missed a few...can you imagine the crowd reaction if he blasted it over the top. He must feel the weight of the crowd's expectation and that has to affect his performance when doubt has entered his mind. I think he needs a break if anyone else is on the pitch who can take them....like Austin this time.

 

Perhaps he needs feeling lessons

 

I couldn't understand how Gabbi didn't take the pen yesterday. I know Tadic scored, but he instills no confidence.

In my opinion in order (and if they are on the pitch)

JWP
Austin
Gabbi
Tadic

 

Austin's was fine - Hart dived about half an hour before he took the shot so he just needed to roll it the other way, which he comfortably did.

Tadic's was dreadful.

 

Or
JWP
Austin
Gabbi
Random fan
Tadic

Sorry, Dusan

 

We actually just need everyone around him to understand what he does/is doing. I don't think he personally needs to do anything different.

It's a case of "I'm normal, it's everyone else that's the problem"!

 

That is my motto and will be on my epitaph

 

With the opponents down to 10 men, we gave them the chance to get back into the game. We dithered around their penalty box and weren't quick enough in attack. Our crossing was pretty poor, but we didn't really have anyone in the box to header it anyway, I don't think Gabbi is renowned for scoring with his head