Match Day Thread Saints v Burnley - Saturday 4th November ko 15:00 - Goals galore thread.

Just managed to force myself to watch MOTD (was at the game Sat but interested in a TV perspective) & fast forwarded to SFC. Yep, we played ok, maybe even well but we're very dull going forward. I wanted to say slow but that's not quite right & dull describes much better. We don't have good pace, seem to lack real forward penetration & rarely cut the defence. So crying out for real height in attack (with the way we play) & I'm really afraid MP wont get it right with this bunch, as I just dont think they've got it in their lockers to produce. Thought the MOTD panel got their analysis of us perfect, as we weren't mentioned! Unfortunately, I sort of agree with them & understand, which makes it even worse.

 

Slow, dull, scared. I think the latter.

 

I genuinely can't recall that happening.



Fraser catching the ball, that is

On a serious note, I feel he should be dropped but only if the replacement is considered the better option. Also, regardless how much FF earns, it is nonetheless demoralising to be jeered and clearly isn't helping the team. Think that is a general reflection on society as well...

 

What would concern me if we do get into a relegation dogfight is I am not sure we have the dogged determined ethic to get us out of it

 

I rest my case your honour

 

http://www.southampton.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=510996

This is just a report on the postmatch comments....I'm sure you read them before, but I didn't as I tend to keep my head down....especially after such a huge disappointment. Anyway, I've read it now in the cool light of day....when the wound is partially healed and the scab is forming. I repeat what I said earlier that I think everyone tried and we deserved the win more than they did, but that's life. We may do better when against more ambitious sides. I can only imagine that someone at Saints ran over a black cat holding a mirror whilst running under a ladder.

Anyway....my point. There was one I'm sure. We controlled the game everywhere, but struggled to score when faced with 11 determined defenders. Perhaps we'd have done better at that point to abandon our delicate play where we try to find our players in the melee and just went for power low across the area....the lucky ping into goal seems to work for other teams. Alternatively get in there and hope for a penalty. I was just thinking we may try to be skilful when a simpler tactic is required....too pretty for our own good.

Not mind blowing or perhaps even worth posting, but I'm doing nothing and you can't be either.

 

I think we control a lot of games simply because our opponents are happy enough to let us play keep ball, in the knowledge that we aren’t very good at breaking through packed and well organised defences.
On the few occasions Burnley pressed us, we didn’t look as controlled, in possession.

 

Love that. Describes us a lot of the time.

 

I hate to say it, because it can lead to dull football, but I think our best chance is to work on our set-plays. We're not getting much from open play, but some well-rehearsed manoeuvres might give us a chance to take the lead, and we should have enough technical acumen in the squad to control the game thereafter and nick the odd goal when the opposition is pushing forward chasing the game.

 

Trouble is that we only really have one player who can take decent corners and free kicks and that is JWP who isn't being given a chance to actually play. MP would rather have Tadic who hasn't got an assist in 17 games or Redmand who is struggling to hit a barn door with a banjo

 

To paraphrase the late, great Muhammad Ali “We float like a bee and sting like a butterfly”.

 

I know what you mean and agree that you may be correct but also find it astounding that from a squad of experienced players who have played all their lives and receive daily training and practice, only one can deliver a ball into a critical area of the pitch from a dead ball situation.....frankly beggars belief.

 

I’m battering the board because they take little accountability when things aren’t going well, but Reed smashes out the interviews when we are doing well etc.

I feel for the manager at the moment.

 

At the moment he would struggle to hit a banjo with a barn door

 

Agreed, I'd prefer to see JWP replace Tadic, and rely on Boufal as creative playmaker.

 

Actually, Stevo takes a mean corner [if he's playing] and so does Bertie.

 

Just about the worst suggestion I have ever read.

The only problem with that is, he's the most likely player to react and score once the balls put in there.

 

Not react and miss then.?

 

Well, our Steve has scored 67% of our away goals this season, so I'll let you decide who misses.

 

Corners these days, with competent defenders are not the way to score goals, they're a great opportunity for a great breakaway goal!