I've taken this from a thread on SaintsWeb, and have to say these stats make for interesting reading: This season: 1) 9 of our 10 wins have involved us keeping a clean sheet. 2) Our record in matches in which our opponents have scored at least once: 1-8-6 3) Our record in matches in which we've conceded the first goal: 0-5-5. 4) Our record in matches in which we've been behind at some point during the game: 0-6-8 To win games, it seems Saints need to keep a clean sheet, with the only game we have won with the opponents scoring being Hull at home (4-1). It does show that when we concede, we don't have a great record at coming back. Just thought I would share with you fine people on this forum.
I want Saints to start getting late goals, but we need options off the bench for a Plan B. We don't have that many goals in the team so to win we need to defend well, something we should start doing with Lovren and possibly Wanyama back in the team.
Being very interested in statistics and figures [unfortunately part of some of my jobs when I worked] I find this fascinating. Looking at it in the cold light of day it shows Saints in a very poor light but what does it highlight? 1. A poor attitude to adversity? 2. No alternate strategy to the behind? 3. No alternate strategy to a change in tactics by the opposition or introduction of alternate players? I'm guessing with all the game monitoring that goes on at big modern clubs these days that the management has a handle on this but apparently no cure. It needs to be sorted out before next season otherwise when Saints fans watch a game or monitor it when not attending they're gonna know the outcome as soon as the score goes a particular way. That's not good.
Lack of Plan B has been pointed out many a time. Although some of the options for a Plan B come from the strength of your bench, plus how effectively your manager deploys them (and timing too). No good having players on the bench who are exactly the same as what you are taking off (and no good if they are much worse either). Squad is crying out for some extra pace options on the bench. Not only to give the opposition something else to think about, but to up our tempo.
Was thinking this the other day, I miss coming back from a goal behind but it hasn't happened once this season.
Sorry yes I did mean win, I was at Old Trafford at the time and wouldn't forget, should of made myself clearer
Also 15 points dropped from winning positions. 2nd most in the league. Chelsea (A) 1-0, lost 3-1 Tottenham (H) 1-0, lost 3-2 Sunderland (A) 2-0, drew 2-2 Arsenal (H), 1-0, drew 2-2 Stoke (H) 1-0 and 2-1, drew 2-2 West Ham (A) 1-0, lost 3-1
Absolutely. We need a few 'Leeds away' type games, i.e have few chances, take one, defend well and get lucky.
Or just to win at all (having conceded). Yeah though most of those goals have been scored early. We seem to generally start strongly but then cave in under pressure. Defensive solidity is key as you suggest.
