Really enjoyed the second half - we looked like a different team after the changes. If Ings stays fit, we'll have a good season; he seemed to be everywhere and Burnley couldn't deal with him at all. I also liked the cut of Armstrong's jib - being quick to counter always gets my juices flowing. Elyounoussi looked tricky and hardworking. Onionman Jr had Redmond as MOTM. I had Verstergaard. I'm going to use a phrase that I hate using, if only because for the past two seasons I've been using it to no avail, but if we play every game the way we played in the second half we'll be better than fine. And Mr Potato Head in front of me did terrifically well. It took him a whole eight minutes before he was shouting that we were utter f***ing s**t. The restraint was impressive. Vin
I just think he stood narrow at times, and didn’t run the channel for Stephens. I think he did it once. Also doesn’t help when you have Stephens as the right back.
All Burnley for 15 mins, but then we decided to join in. Burnley are a neat team....that's about all I can say about them. The second half was enjoyable and, although Burnley had their moments, Saints looked by far the more talented team. All our players did well, including our newbies. Hope Stuart isn't injured. Ings looked lively. Jack Stephens had a good game. McCarthy did a lot of good stuff, but kicking sometimes dodgy. Both keepers had saves to make. Promising.
I was sat in front of a man who was happy to swear the whole game in front of his young son. Slap in some casual homophobia and racism. And I drew the short straw where a rather big guy sat next to me and took up a bit of my seat.
Agreed with most. The formation change completely altered everything and Ings looked a cut above. Ely looks like a busy Tadic. Vestergaard got himself in the way of most things and improved Hoedt. Redmond is never a second striker but looks great as a right winger. Who would have thought? (Everyone). One last thought, as a 4-4-2 (please Mark), I would really prefer to see Ings and Gabbi up top. I think Gabbi will benefit from Ings’ ability to spot a pass, and sorry, but Charlie just isn’t mobile enough.
To be fair, you don't need to be very big to fill those seats. I don't go to many matches because I hate the lack of leg room and being elbowed constantly.
Well as a day out at the footy, I enjoyed it and had reasonable value for money, which is my primary concern this season. I understand why Sparky started with 3 CBs because that probably saved us last season but hopefully the first half performance today means R.I.P. to it as a starting formation moving forward (I think Vestergaard is dominant enough for it not to be required). We saw more fast passing, direct and purposeful attacking play in the second half than we did under the entire Pellegrino tenure and the balance of the team looked very good. Positives for me were Alex, Vestergaard, Redmond and Danny (he will be class for us) and the general vibe of the crowd in the second half. A bonus for me is Jack moving to RB, he would be my back up to Cedric as he has played there before and I like the way that he doesn't panic and just lob aimless ball in, he gets his head up and looks for runners. It's early days but I feel that we have greater depth and better options than last season a first day draw against Burnley is not a disaster and if the Assistant Ref had seen the blatent foul in the box on Danny at the end we might've had a winning start to the season.
I was told off for letting my son kick the seat in front.....wouldn't mind, but my son was at home on the Island and the little tyke wasn't with me.
And another thing....we should have been warned about the luminous red track in front of the Kingsland...if I'd known I'd have worn my sunglasses.
Agree with most of the comments have read. I came away in a thoroughly positive mood after a dodgy start to the game. Ings looked different class, really impressed with Ely and Armstrong and Vestergaard. Lemina played well considering some are questioning his commitment and Redmond was nice and direct and confident. I would go one further with the Cedric comments - I would play Stephens there instead - he’s so good on the ball and Cedric just isn’t contributing enough. Get him to earn his place back. Austin not mobile enough to play up top on his own. Think I would go with 4 at back and Gabby and Ings. Austin to come on and grab late goals against tiring sides. In some ways a similar opening day game as Swansea last year but in other ways I “think” we could be a whole lot better. Hughes actually made a difference with good changes - players and tactics. Depth of squad is improved - Long, Sims, Targett, Davis couldn’t make bench. COYR
I think that the change in the team's approach and the crowd reaction for the second half was down to the inspired introduction of 'The Woolston Ferry' song during half time. Of course, changing the formation and the introduction of Elyonoussi (my spelling attempt) plus Danny Ings may have made some difference, but I think that 'The Woolston Ferry' now needs to be played at every home game, preferably before kick off, so that Saints are inspired at the start.
It made me sick in my mouth a bit, but as I said to the guy next to me, Ings looked like someone who had really benefited from playing and training with the likes of Mane/Firmino/Salah.
I couldn't like this enough. I do want PEH into the XI, and I do wonder if a 4-4-2 without someone like Romeu (in my view, the obvious person to make way for PEH) could leave us too exposed, but I'll leave that to Mark.
