I seem to remember Connelly coning into the side with not so many games left last season and scoring some hugely vital goals. Billy Sharp seems to have done something similar with a flurry of goals towards the seasons end. Anyone else think this fella could make the difference as despite what some openly slate, i mean state he is scoring and playing well, and with Lambert not completely comfortable - this could prove one of NA tactical masterstrokes... Enjoy the ride.
I did have a funny thought before Pompey game wanting him to get in double figures for saints this season and that was then 7 goals in 6, now 5 in 5 so possible!
I hoped Barnard would be a Connolly, coming back from injury, being a fans favourite and scoring vital goals. But I think your right, Connolly had critics when put into the team after a long injured spell, and a few weeks ago, so did Sharp.
I am thrilled that Sharp is scoring...I found it unbelievable how quickly people were criticising a player who had had to step up from Doncaster to a side that was flying. Adkins felt he wasn't Saints-fit and worked on it, now he is scoring when we are short of strikers. Sharp is not a Lambert...he is more of a goal poacher..and how often have we seen balls fly across the goalmouth and think 'if only someone was there.' From now on, Sharp will be there.
The difference is that Connolly has a lot more experience, now if he could pass on some of that to Sharpy before he goes......You can see why NA brought sharp in, he is what he has always been and that is a poacher. Same as a certain Alan shearer was at a young age. Once he is up to the Saints full fitness he will be a pain in the ass for most defences. He will develop the hold up style as he matures although he will never be a target man like Ricky is. Young Lee possibly could be but it is difficult to say that at this moment in time as he has yet to start and finish a game, although what I have seen has been pretty impressive.
Lets hope Sharp does keep clocking the goals - we need something working right up front because we certainly cannot stop leaking them at the moment; although I think thats more the case that the midfield is not doing its job so well at present - we are not bossing the game in this part of the pitch and its putting our back-four under too much pressure...
If he keeps scoring two a game i wont worry, but i still dont think he is playing well at the moment. His goals have been coming from set pieces and we havent been scoring many goals from open play lately. So hopefully he will start to link up better, so when he doesnt score he can still be useful
I have to disagree, his work rate and desire have been second to none recently. Saturday in particular held the ball up usefully and caused the defence all kinds of trouble. At the end of the day though he's paid to score goal's and score goal's he will.
Sharp is a poacher. Slippery little bugger who finds the space and puts the ball in the net. He'll get some more goals this season most definately.
Exactly. How many did van Nistelrooy used to score from outside of 10 yards from goal, not many.... Most of Sharps goals have been, and will be poacher goals. Like super Jos Hooiveld's
If we take away the difference in ages, and ability to last 90 minutes, on the whole, I think Connolly looks the more intelligent player, because his movement is better, and his overall contribution is better. However, there is no denying that Sharp is scoring goals now. I still think he could lose just a few pounds and be coached into a little better off-the-ball work, but apart from that he's coming along rather nicely now. Goals are game changers and he changes games.
Oh is it..? Sorry, I thought I'd been original. EDIT: Hang on, I'd better do this then... Goals are game changers and he changes games™.
Van Nistlerooy did that thing where he'd hang in an offside position and then miraculously be onside when he scored. Very difficult to pick up.
