That Leicester performance has turned out to be one of our best results of the season for us. It hurt us at the time and more importantly hurt the players. We were sleepwalking into relegation. In addition, Ralph is not known to stay at clubs for long periods. Credit to the board for backing him and he has repaid that loyalty by signing a new contract.. Yes we are not perfect, but we play some exciting football these days. And we have one of the best goal scorers in the league. Just wish we could be at the games to give the lads our support
I think that today's performance was a predictable reaction to the Arsenal match. A fantastic performance which makes relegation impossible and allows Ralph the chance to experiment. Pressure off. Does anyone else think that the away game at Bournemouth will result in a Saint's goal-fest? I think we will destroy them.
A Bompey mate just texted me thank you and then said "We play you in 5 games and are 13 points behind, so we'll be playing for position by then" Deluded.
I don't know about that but I'm a bit soft on Bournemouth Anyway today, we were superb, clinical and very professional. Not sure what was going on re Arsenal but that's gone and we have most definitely moved on! There's a part of me that thinks we can get something from Citeh, really hope so. Fed up with all the media hype re them and Liverhampton so cannot hope for anythinge else if we draw or win, yes win, that the punters will only comment on MC and just mention in passing who scored for us.
The only mark I made against Oliver was not giving Dawson a second yellow. But given that JWP scored the resultant FK, I didn't in the end mind.
We were magnificent today, looked really solid. Im sure its been mentioned, but i was really glad to see Che play so well. He was SO unlucky with that big chance. KWP was good again, and Ings Redders and JWP were different gravy.
Just watched the game which I had recorded, and then caught up with this thread. What a fantastic performance! I actually thought that was possibly the best first half we have played this season, we were so totally in control. Vestergaard got skinned by Saar just once but nothing came of it, and apart from that he didn’t put a foot wrong. KWP a complete breath of fresh air, always looking to go forward but a proper defender as well. Watford obviously started strong after the break but we just absorbed everything they threw at us. Danny’s second was actually a more difficult shot than his first but he’s so cool! Jan’s og was unfortunate, can’t complain because most of his blocks go in the right direction. And then JWP with the sugar dusting on the cherry on the icing on the cake. What more can you say? As has been said, a true captain’s performance. So many candidates for MOTM but I’m going to give Oriol a shout. The contrast between him and Pierre’s last few games was stark. 26 points away from home, only 2 behind the club record, and 8 away wins, which is a top-flight club record, with 3 away games left!
Che. That kid has real potential. Strong, direct, good movement. He needs the opportunity to develop a partnership with Ings. Its quite possible he's been marked for a move however so wouldnt be surprised to see him kept to a subs role for the remainder.
That was a sweet performance. So much better in the midfield. I think its fair to say the Hoj has done his dash for the season, probably for good but at least we know he wont be missed. I really like Smallbone, he's going to develop into a capable mid and enable Ralph to rest Armstrong without any worries. Romeu had an excellent game and seemed to free Prowse to play a more commanding role whereas Hoj sucked everything back. Really disappointed in Hoj, his ego seems to be far more influential than his ability and I thought he was a decent grounded type. The squad changes were excellent across the board, really stepped up for the gaffer. KWP does seem to be an upgrade on Vallery so although my first reaction was to say say nah to a Spurs cast off I think we'd struggle to bring in a better option. Provided they don't want 20 mil for him, I'd be okay with him staying and Hoj going. I dont have words for Danny Ings only thanks. What a player he has turned out to be. We are so lucky to have him.
Interesting about Romeu, player of the season then a pretty poor season last season and a bit part player this one. However he really looked back to his best yesterday both defending and moving the ball out quickly to the more attacking players. This last point was his weak point and why PEH was ahead of him but this season Pierre has slowed the game down so much plus his usual error/caught in possession has been a major problem For me PEH stays on the bench/at home for the rest of the season and would like Smallbone and J..... given the experience
The Watford centric pundits (remember when they liked us) were talking up their penalty claim in the 1st half, glad VAR didn't have a brainfart about that. While I agree it was a decent game to ref I think we all know of occasions when an attack of the drama queens has created strife in a game rather than let the football flow. We always have a pop at refs in those situations so only fair to applaud a decent job.
I always liked Bournemouth too but the attitude of their fans seemed to suggest that any affection was not reciprocated. Eddie Howe has done a brilliant job but his luck has run out. With Ryan Fraser refusing to play, this seems to have been the straw that broke the camel's back following the catalogue of injuries they have had throughout the season. Seeing them against Palace last week, they did not seem to have a clue and I am not convinced they are going to pick up many more points. I think they will end up on low thirties and go down with Villa. I would not be surprised if we finished more than ten points above them by the end.
Decent coverage on MOTD....obviously a good idea to be the only PL game played that day. Great performance...hard to believe how we have recovered from being in the relegation zone earlier, whereas Watford is still in the mire. On a side note, disgraceful behaviour from the three Watford players who attended a party and put themselves out of contention for selection...perhaps that is an indicator of why we are doing better...professionalism and loyalty.
