As much as I love Ralph and really rate him as a manager, I find myself getting frustrated with his insistence of using this 4222. I'm no tactical expert, but the two in midfield just doesn't seem to cover enough ground and as soon as anybody bypasses the press everybody is out of position (which you have to sort of accept when pressing as a risk vs reward, but Doucoure did this time and again today). It's not even like we attack directly enough to fully utilise a front two either. Maybe the Vesty money could be spent on a CM so we can play a 3? let Armstrong play up top on his own, or even cutting in from the left with Adams up top? obviously not any sort of tactical expert.. just random musings following the game, I was actually pretty happy with the first half, but as soon as we were pressed harder in the second half we had precious few passing options, maybe the extra body in the middle could help that.
Its hardly defending Stephens, more using a little bit of common sense. To blame a goal on a corner given away is ludicrous when the resulting defending is so bad! You might notice I didn't dispute Stephens part in the other goals. I'd be the same if if was Salisu who gave away the corner and Stephens caught in the miscommunication, but cool, I'll keep my opinions to myself.
Agree with most of this. I mean, 4-2-2-2 can work sometimes, but it would be nice if Ralph learned another formation too. Definitely an extra mid is necessary against the top teams.
After seeing the Richarlison goal again I have no idea what McCarthy is doing. Salisu is probably worried he will head it into his own net, but McCarthy sees it the whole way and could come out an punch/catch that so easily.
5 o'clock on a Saturday and once again I have that very familiar feeling of being thoroughly pissed off and disappointed. Nothing changes.
I always thought 4222 was just our starting position and we change shape through the game as needs arise. That said, changes were needed fairly soon after their equaliser. Young team. First game. Give em a chance. But Bedders and Forster should start. Big season for Djenepo. Make or break. I fear the latter.
This is like Groundhog Day, sooner or later Ralph has to take notice of what happens virtually every game now
yeah obviously the Salisu/McCarthy mistake was really bad. (Promising debut at CB for Salisu though. Thought he looked really promising.) I just thought that it shouldn’t have been a corner in the first place. The small margins make a massive difference in the PL, and I don’t think Stephens is good enough. But maybe I’m being too harsh One thing is for sure, Vestergaard would have made zero difference today
I was talking more historically than today and of course you are allowed to express your views it's just something i've noticed.
The 1st half performance has given me great hope for the season. Yet again, indecision costs Saints again! Anyway up the Saints, roll on United.
