Match Day Thread Charlton Athletic vs Saints - Saturday, November 22 - 12:30 KO

That was a stand out moment for me, it summed up that team's attitude on the day.

 

Completely agree mate. Funny game football init, that in a 5-1 away win a tackle can be one of the most memorable moments.

 

Yep, Jander could reach double figures if we continue playing well. He missed a sitter yesterday and of course the open goal against Swansea, but at least he is getting into those positions. Downes only scored two goals in our promotion season, and Jander has that many already.

 

Got Cheer up Nathan Jones.... stuck in my head after yesterday.

 

I know other players were fantastic yesterday (Armstrong, Azaz, Fellows) but I thought the tempo of our play yesterday all started with Leo. No goals or assists (although he should have had one if Armstrong had controlled his pass before he eventually scored). But Leo's directness and skill got us on the front foot from the first minute. I thought he was outstanding yet again even if the stats don't show it.

 

https://twitter.com/chriswo30990144/status/1992217893879054776?s=46

 

Just watched the highlights again, I can't stop watching them.

Commentry calls us sensational saints - when was the last time anyone said that about us?

Apart from the excellent goals, a couple of other stand out moments from me

1. When Manning scored the first, Wood was on the half way line, yet was the first to hug him. I believe this is starting to mean something to the players with at last some pride and passion.
2. The smiles on the away supporters faces. What a change from some of the sorry, miserable performances you have had to endure.

Also have to say that whilst momentum was lost 2nd half, the job was done and sensible substitutions to rest key players for the Leicester game

 

Leo’s been the stand out MOTM for Tonda’s first 2 games and he certainly set the tempo at the start, but then the whole team came alive and did what there’d been hints of in those games and played as a proper team
The passing and movement going forward was something that Still rarely if ever achieved

Yesterday a bunch of acquaintances became a team

As a fan I was disappointed that we took our foot off the gas 2nd half, but I’m sure it was the sensible thing to do as conceding a 2nd might have got those jitters going again

MOTM was a closer run thing than for ages, but Adarma and Bragg stood out Azaz looked like the player I thought we’d bought and Jander is quality. Summer recruitment is looking good now

Wood was shakey at times and Downes and Aribo didn’t do much

As for Downs … ?????

EDIT: Can’t stop. Forgot Manning was good and Fellows showed that he can play LWB
Capt Jack was looking more vocal again and played well

 

We he ran at the opposition on the wing they could not cope at all, it was brilliant to behold.

 

Watching the highlights with Solent commentary, I notice Blackmore lost count of the score.

 

Is anyone else excited about what Archer could bring to the team when he's back from injury now we're playing to his strengths?

 

I’ve always believed Archer to be a natural finisher and hopefully he can now prosper. Starting to get a little excited now.

 

We all strive for improvements & unfortunately this issue is a massive hole in our armoury. It’s going to be a talking point. Yesterday, AA played brilliant but it was as a 10 rather than 9 & Charltons 1st half tactics played into our hands & especially AA as he orchestrated the central penetration with overlapping midfielders & wides. Opposition will see that I’m sure & that’s when a proper #9 will be required which we haven’t got. I think it’ll continue to be a thorn. Brilliant result y’day tho & long long overdue. Can’t wait for Tuesday & what TE can manage.

 

Quick accurate passing up the pitch.
WBs pushed up and running at opponents.
Midfielders supporting and running beyond the striker.

Im not a conspiracy theorist, but have the last 15 months of doing none of those things all been a ploy to lure and **** over Nathan Jones

 

Been reading a Charlton forum and they were all predicting that they would get battered when they saw the line ups. Said that it was far too attacking and would leave them really open, and they were right

not taking anything away from the performance as you still have to execute but sounds like that wasn’t the Charlton side who have such a good defensive record.

On to the Leicester game, if Tonda wins that he should get the keys to the city. We never beat Leicester

 

We never beat Leicester. Reverse psychology, I like it.

 

I'm really interesting to see how it goes on Tuesday, against Leicester with pacey (and quality) wingers on either side.

If their wingers push one or both of our WBs into playing FB, such that we have a back five, it again won't work. Alternatively, if our WBs stay high, then Leicester could really expose us - especially given that Fellows and Manning are both vulnerable defensively.

If anything, reverting to a back four on Tuesday would be the more defensive option than continuing with a back three.

Ultimately, it always comes down to the WBs. A back five is defensive and negative; a back three isn't. Yesterday we had a back three.

 

Thank you Saints for giving me a 5 star birthday!. That was by miles the best team performance for absolutely ages. I still think we need to give it time before an appointment but he obviously is doing something right.