Yeah but I’d argue our squad was poor last year and whilst we admittedly have depth in most positions now, the 2 key ones (centre mid and striker) we still don’t
We need a system to play to, week in, week out. I thought the club had allowed Ralph to shape that system from kids through to the first team. Has that been scrapped with the new owners, because we don’t have a formation or style of play, anymore. What makes today’s loss worse is that when we turned up, after 70+ minutes we caused them enough problems and created enough chances to have won. There were some poor performances out there, today, but I am going to give the players a break because I maintain that the fault lies with whatever system Ralph is trying to get them to play in. I think the first half was 4-2-2-2, without the press, which just allowed Everton to dominate the middle and double up on our FBs, especially on crosses. Right now I would prefer to go with a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, with everyone knowing WTF they should be doing.
We already are. Ralph may struggle to get to Christmas at this rate, and I'm not in the 'out' camp, but .......
Manchester City have put in a request to borrow the scoreboard from Old Trafford. Lancashire County Cricket Club are considering their request.
May seem an odd game for it, but sorry Ralph that’s it for me. Very clear that none of his tactical approaches are going to work with these players and we can’t survive on one worldy performance against a big 6 team every 4-6 weeks if we are going to struggle against everyone else. I hold no malice towards the man I think he has done well with some absolute dross over the years, but I no longer believe he has it in him to advance this club, a new approach is required.
The first half was a **** show but I honestly think that the second half (bar the two atrocious bits of team defending) showed some promise. I applaud Ralph for his courageous team selection but he has to send them onto the pitch with a clear attacking plan and I hope that this result doesn't see the reintroduction of Mo El and Diallo to the starting XI. I'm sure if we can attack like we did in the second half with this team then the performances and results will come.
Managers job is to put a team out with tactics to put in a performance & get a result. I’ve written the next line about 5 times & it’s never enough. I’m totally exasperated. We won’t get anything next week; regardless of “it’s what Saints do”. This ****e is much worse than last season. The last 3 games have told us a very sad story of a manager & HIS players. Yes I include Wolves very much so deliberately.
Villa and Everton played like two of the worst pl sides I have ever seen. And they were still better than us. He has to go now before we are completely out of sight
I think Mo El and Diallo will be back next week, in a 5-4-1 lineup. I know Aribo scored but his tracking back today ranged from non existent to a gentle jog. If he doesn’t get highlighted for that, in MOTD’s after match chat, it will be probably because they don’t have time. I think the midfield will be Mo El, Diallo, JWP and Adarma, with Che up front. Back 5 would be Perraud for Larios (not that Larios was bad today) and Salisu making the 3rd CB. We have to restrict them from hitting double figures. not saying it will work but if we play as open as we did today then it will be a record score.
We are easily in the bottom 3 in terms of how we are playing though. Your defence of Ralph is admirable. But everyone can see now it’s time for him to go.
