If Che (or an upgrade on A Armstrong) had started, I don’t think many people would have the concerns about creativity as they do after last night. We’d have won by more than 2-1. I like Armstrong, but if he’s playing it should only be out wide or up top in a two, not as a lone striker. As the first game you need to look at is as essentially a pre-season friendly given Martin’s not been here that long. First half we were dominant, and we’ll improve. Getting a win gives us great momentum and a feel good factor for the squad and fans, which will be important. Manning played well. Didn’t really notice Smallbone but maybe that’s a positive.
Were people honestly expecting us to win by 2 or 3 goals away from home in a new manager's first competitive game employing a completely new style of play? From what I witnessed there is plenty to be positive about moving forward with the main negative being conceding a goal from a set piece. A dominant first half but less so in the second half, 2 goals from open play and the way we closed out the game was very impressive, none of the panicky giving the ball away and sitting back of recent seasons. I said that fans will need to be patient but maybe we are further forward in our development and winning can only boost the mentality and confidence of the squad.
Just shows how poor Armstrong was last night, literally never dropped in to good positions to receive the ball.. felt like he wanted to be spoon fed against a low block. Even Mara would of offered more I reckon. That was my only criticism of the game last night, we were brilliant I feel. Shame we didn't see SAA either as j feel he would of definitely unlocked them late on too.
To be fair we need to get the ball to the strikers quicker in the future. Whether that was because of slow build up or Armstrong's poor movement. The link up with the striker needs improvement. But the win is confidence building and the most important thing.
This. I think you were making perfectly valid points and we had a good debate about it last night. I don't think there's much doubt that we didn't create enough good chances with 80% possession. BUT I thought we were purposeful in possession and did get into dangerous areas and did deserve to win.
I think it's also worth bearing in mind the vast majority of the players are coming off a season where we were losing week in week out. It will take some time to completely shake off that "fear of losing" mentality. Last night would have helped a lot with winning it late on.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned - anyone else absolutely crap themselves when it looked like Charly had done his knee in the first half?
Yeah for me the biggest positive last night was the reaction to their goal and the crowd getting up and behind them. We've seen these players fold in that situation so many times (against far better opposition admittedly) so it was nice to see a bit of steel in the team. Think Smallbone helped with this as he was very calm on the ball and always showing for it too.
Just woke up after getting back from the game at 3am this morning. Thought we were excellent most of the game. Taking in that we were playing a newly promoted team away from home, we totally dominated the game for 70 - 75 minutes. Yes we didn’t create chance after chance, but for the first game of the season thought we were very good. Only way we were going to concede was a set play, which we did. We wobbled for a few minutes after the goal which is understandable as the team are not used to winning let alone re grouping after conceding, and the fans there went quiet for that period as well. The way we controlled the 9 minutes of added time was amazing, how many times would you have seen us drop back and let the opposing team just dominate play and create chances? My man of the match was Smallbone. Controlled the game, mopped up a few situations that could have given Sheff Wed chances, and set the tempo all night. Any way, WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE. Oh and just watched RM interview after the game on Sky. What a difference it is to have a intelligent, calm, articulate and praising manager after the game. I can’t even bring myself to name that top European manager we had from Wales.
Just seen there was 8 yellow cards? Seems a bit overkill for the match. Might have a few bets on booking points in next week or two.
https://www.efl.com/news/2023/july/28/-match-officials-adopt-new-approach-for-2023-24-season/ The new approach is the reason for the extra cards, it was to be expected, our game was the first "experiment". It will only get worse, watch this space.
Or even TWO His assaults on our players didn't waste any time, we were lucky to not be carded for rolling around in pain when he kicked us ... Just joshing
Personally, I'm delighted about the clampdown on timewasting and dissent. The FA finally seem to have worked out that this sort of behaviour works its way down to grassroots level and are telling referees to caution players at the top level.
I'm quite surprised by the amount of negativity and criticism there is on here. Firstly, what a breath of fresh air it is to see a starting 11 that most of us were happy to see. It's so good that Ely isn't here anymore! Secondly, Saints are playing an attractive style of football again. Even if we concede goals and lose some games, it won't be boring; that in itself makes me excited for this season. Martin comes across well and is likeable. I know it's a forum, everyone's entitled to their opinion but until there's genuine reason for concern can we please stay optimistic. Personally, I think the new manager has worked wonders: considering how depressing it has been to watch saints play over the last season, especially. We're off to the perfect start and the team should only gel more, etc. We're only one game in, but I'm looking forward to this season!
Exactly this! Great work to all that travelled. Hell of a trip. After two years of utter dross, it’s an amazing feeling to finally have something to be positive about. Really like Martin. Really impressed with him & the drastic improvement
He must have made about 100 odd passes(admittedly most were over half a yard) I suspect you glaze over during the procession possession bits
