I think we have improved in the sense of team confidence...there is a belief there. I know a draw can be seen as a goal away from a loss, but I think of it more as a goal away from a win. We just need the rub of the green. And Carrillo has made a difference....he's right in there being involved in the goals.
I'd just like to see us push the boat out offensively in the remaining matches, we do have decent attacking options with the introduction of Carrillo and Sims to the matchday squad and it's the formation and tactics that just need tweaking now.
I would definitely like to see Sims start against Stoke, if only for his pace to potentially drag a red card out of one of the Neanderthals that masquerade as defensive footballers in Stoke’s lineup. But on a serious note In his recent cameo appearances he has:- Skinned an international defender before setting up JWP with a clear opportunity to score. Worked three shooting opportunities, against Burnley, one needing a great save to prevent him from scoring. Picked out Carillo with a great cross in the build up to Gabbiadini’s goal. Start him MP2!!!!
I'm all for starting Sims, but where? Right midfield is JWP and without him we lose all ability from attacking set-pieces, which have become our go-to to score goals. In behind the Striker? On the left? Perhaps coming off the bench vs tired legs is the way forward as much as I hate to say.
The trouble with doing clever match threads is that the bar has been set high...Laces is probably tearing his hair out as we speak.
I guess only time will tell whether we need that run of form. If we go and put four or five results together in a row, including at least three wins, then we're almost certainly safe. We are where we are without even putting a run together at any point this season. If you ignore WBA, it's only really us, Newcastle and Stoke who can't say that we've put a run together to date. If we finally do put a run together, I strongly suspect that at least two sides will be unable to keep up. But as you allude to, will that run ever actually come? If it doesn't, then we're relying on a shed load of draws and at least two other sides having an even worse finish than us. Now that is possible, but in no way can be relied upon.
And the question there remains: do we have the mindset, beginning with the manager, to put together a run? I mean, we could easily fluke a couple wins, but do we approach games in a fashion that would allow us to translate an actual uptick in performance into 7-9 points over four matches, or will we continually fall back into a defensive shell when we aren't losing, leaving points on the board?
That's a tough one....I would suggest that we will be more attacking if we fall behind. If it gets seriously critical, it could be important to hold onto a point....especially if playing a relegation rival.....but playing for a draw can result in a loss. I think this will be a game by game thing....near the end of the season we may chase wins if we have fallen away, but desperately hold on for a draw if it is more important not to lose.
As we appear not to have a match thread this would be my team for Saturday ---------------McCarthy--------------- Cedric Stephens Hoedt Bertrand ----------------Romeu------------------ JWP------------------------------Tadic -----------------Lemina---------------- ------Gabbiadini-----Carrillo-------- Bench Sims, Boufal, Højbjerg , Redmond, Forster, McQueen and sadly Benarek. The manager would be me. I would not be **** scared of losing my job and therefore playing ultra cautiously for the draw at best.
We may look better but in terms of results we have not improved. That’s what will count at the end of the season.
Did you mean that or the other way around? Personally I see a significant improvement in performances and effort since VVD left though too many draws means the results have not been good enough to lift us away from the relegation zone. Only 1 defeat in 9.
See that Stoke are hoping to have three 'key players' back in contention for the Saints game - Indi, Shawcross & Crouch. Important that the backline keep their shape & nerve at at times particularly corners and set-pieces. A win, whilst crucial, it is equally important to KEEP A CLEAN SHEET
Sadly, mowgli, many posters on here will tell you that cup matches (and victories!) don't count. But a run, is a run, so I'm with you on that score. Even the loss was (almost) expected with the Merseymen flying high. Just need to keep our goal difference beneficial (i.e worth a point?) and pick up some positive results when playing the teams around us. Glass half-full...... and with Wigan to come, maybe Wembley two years running
That is, keep Crouchy away from the ball!! If he plays they almost have a goal start with his record against us. However, I sense that with even the results in the league just lately, there is now a more purposeful feel than pre-Christmas. The key factor v Stoke will be the crowd as much as the players as SMS can be intimidating for sure, but let’s make sure it’s not our boys feeling that side of it.
Your right about the crowd, for too long there has been a 'toxic atmosphere' pervading St. Marys. It's bad enough turning the stadium in to a bit of a mausoleum; but booing & jeering players, the team or manager at any time during the game is not what anyone needs. The strength of Saints support (being the 12th man, so to speak) got the team thru many a scrap in seasons gone by. Have said it before, and will keep on saying it til things change; but playing away IS a distinct advantage to the squad. I have seen far more positives from them (away from home) than in front of their (tetchy) home support (?)
