Not exactly a disaster either. Bilbao were a step up from the teams we've played so far and it showed. Second half we showed some good stuff.
Just got back. The first goal was very much against the run of play and McCarthy should probably not have come for the ball. The second resulted from an Armstrong mistake. It amazes me how the whole team switched off after that. Great start to second half but another mistake- this time from Obafemi - on the edge of their box resulted in a breakaway that Bedders converted into his own net. Overall (ignoring the score line) it was a pretty even game and lots of pluses to take away. Most notably the performances of Tino, Salisu, Valery and Walcott. Djenepo dished out some quite nasty tackles in the first half and was justifiably targetted in the second. I’d have taken him off for the dive alone. Long has been a great servant but is not a starter. Obi needs to go out on loan. We need TWO strikers before the season starts.
In other news, we need a victim volunteer for the Everton thread, unless we count Libby as still being unbeaten except for the penalties.
RB, with Valery ahead of him. I reckon he might play Tino in a RM role ahead of KWP or vice versa. I would not be shocked if he started at Goodison next week.
It was strange because Valery had an excellent first half although better offensively than defensively. Moving him forward was clearly the right move but he was not as effective second half. Overall though, Ralph’ subs were very effective
Went to the game today, not a lot of exciting stuff but hey, it's a friendly. Can't really judge bugger all from those sort of games. Most interesting today was snippets of conversation at half time from other groups of fans (as a side note I thought they were going to sort out the staffing issues? Still a 15 minute queue to buy a pint and it wasn't even busy!) Ear wigging as I was, people seem really really pissed off with the club for not having an Ings replacement in before he left. We've got a tricky start to the season and without a replacement and some poor results I reckon there's little patience left from a growing number of the fan base. Also today was the first time I took the youngest one, who is physically and developmentally disabled to see how she would get on and if she'd like it. I emailed the club and the liaison officer phoned me back within minutes offering solutions to problems and getting the stewards to assist. Could not be more grateful for their help, it was absolutely brilliant to see them do that. Feeling very proud to be a Saints fan tonight. Yeah the football side of things might be a bit **** but the club itself is bloody fantastic
We changed to a back 3 at half time surely? Was quite clear this was a meaningless match and was treated as such. Djenepo got fouled a hell of a lot, which is probably encouraging! Dont like Stu in the middle though. Mostly disappeared in the second half and caused us issues when losing the ball.
Forster KWP Bedders Salisu Perraud JWP Romeu/Diallo Armstrong....Walcott/ Redmond/Djenepo/Mo El Adams Tella This would be the team i'd like to see moving forward with possibly a new forward coming in
I’m not convinced KWP and Livramento will be as effective as you hope. KWP is so effective down the right because of the space created by Armstrong playing narrow, and Armstrong has always looked better on the right than the heft
Maybe, maybe not. I'd to see it tried though. Livramento looked so assured in attacking positions I feel he could adapt to that role.
She absolutely loved it mate, clapped along with everyone at the appropriate times and was determined to stand up when a chorus of "stand up if you love the Saints" rang out, with a little help from her big brother telling her what to do and helping her up. She was absolutely beaming. I wasn't, because if the benefits people see that we're sure to lose her DLA Anyhow, Mrs Lincoln is beside herself because she sees this as a ticket to child free Saturdays from here on in, when I'm not at work! Very proud dad and Saints fan tonight
Not bad. But JWP won't be ready next week so put Armstrong there and Walcott in Armstrong's place. Tella is good to partner Che. Ely only just misses out in my book. Really good preseason, Getting better every game so I want to see him on the bench.
