I have got to say that I cannot see any improvement in today's performance than those we put in under Pellegrini. It was abject. We hardly tested their goal keeper and whilst we picked an aggressive looking formation, other than Ings, the rest of the forwards had little involvement in the game. Other than the first 15 minutes, we seemed to have accepted that this was a game we could not win. The second half was a complete non-performance, a token gesture of a display. I would have to say that the defence continued to be woeful but we expect that. I felt that PEH and JWP also deserved a lot of criticism today, They were both really poor. Over the last six months there have been a number of posters on here suggesting that Ralph was on a par with Koeman. I am beginning to think that any improvement has only been cosmetic. I have been reluctant to totally dismiss him because he had worked wonders with players like Redmond and JWP as well as developing the likes of Valery who had been impressive beforehand. This season we are seeing some of the negative aspects of his appointment. The central defensive issue was never addressed when it was due for a complete overhaul. I think that this was the close-season priority but somehow we have ended up with no change other than Hoedt loaned out again and a youngster brought in who Ralph has chosen to play out of position! As a fan it is frustrating. Everyone can see what needs to be addressed. What we have seen a St Mary's so far this season has barely been acceptable. I accept that the likes of Djnenpo has been absent and Obafemi suffering from another injury. There are reasons why this season has been disappointing so far and these go beyond Che Adams continually misfiring. Unfortunately, these problems are ones I would squarely level at Ralph. I have a funny feeling that he will not be at the club by the close of the season even though it is clear that our problems are more fundamental than our coach's ability and largely stem from the need to expend the resources necessary to compete at this level.
I'm sorry to hear that. Was hoping he'd have helped keep it more settled, but too early to judge on his first outing this term I suppose. Norwich and ourselves are in direct competition for worst defence with no-one else even close. Very frustrating.
I did say at the top, I think he screwed up big time today. It has been odd, so not absolving him from blame at all. I just think there’s lots of factors at play here, not least losing Rohl.
Virgil is a stand out cb but there are many other cb at bednareks level which I believe is pretty good.
I definitely wouldn't go as far as to say the midfield has been worse than the defence. But there is no doubt the PEH and JWP are under-performing. But I did say back in the summer, that if we weren't going to sign any competition for them, then don't be surprised if they take their feet off the gas. Regardless of the circumstances, and how people rate them as players, we let four CMs leave in the summer (Lemina, Davis, Reed and Clasie) and signed zero.
Three at the back and we're okay. Don't need to be playing two strikers. Ings with Redmond and Boufal/Djenepo on the wings would be fine. It's this 4-2-2-2 that the players can't seem to handle.
Call me crazy, but I still think he’s a better manager than Koeman. I don’t think Koeman is a particularly good manager. Just he’s struggling for whatever reasons right now.
Koeman was a perfect storm. No expectations, quality acquisitions, and it all just came together. His tactics and man management were questioned at stages, but not his finishing positions.
In the second half it felt like we needed someone who could retain possession and get in behind Chelsea which is why I was amazed Obefami and not Boufal came on . Not panicking but we have been very disappointing at times this season.
Koeman had a much better squad at his disposal. I think he installed a lack of fear in that team which meant they felt inspired to take on anyone. I would have to categorically disagree with this statement. I have followed Saints since Lawrie Mac around 74/75 and would have to say that only Poch and Koeman have been on a par with matching Lawrie's finest. Ralph is average at best even if he is an improvement on Hughes and Pellegrini. I don't think we can justify whether he is better than this until he gets a decent defence to work with but "average" is the best we can hope for with the defenders we have available at the moment. Strengthen the squad and my perception of Ralph might improve but there has been a lot of purple prose about him in this site which , in my opinion, is only rarely justified. Since Claude Puel it has been going steadily down hill. I don't think we will end up firing Ralph but I would be very surprised if his contract was renewed.
So... Looks like deciding we had **** all chance today and enjoying the sun instead was a good move. I may have to start making that choice as often as I did under MP2!
I blame the decision to stick that ridiculous 4-0 on every thread title for this. We beat a crappy league 1 team, not Barca! No more cheese, please!
Not expecting mate, just hoping. And it still hurts when your hopes are dashed. I am a long way from giving up hope, that's the worst thing.
And despite this day of football gloom, I’ll be buying tickets for the Everton match for the two grandsons on their annual visit to us. They’ll be dressed up and ready to cheer until the last whistle for their beloved Saints! I just hope Saints just might do something better that day!!
Is she trying to correct her error of selling to Gao, because she does care a little bit for the club?
