Agreed. Have been a big critic but was really impressed when he came on both with his play and his attitude. As Qwerty says, that's likely the best way to play him now.
The lack of Cork/Wanyama serving as the third option for Boruc really hurt in that regard. Cork can maneuver his way out of those dangerous spots, while Wanyama can simply stand on the ball and watch as players bounce off him. JWP is a different proposition as that outlet...not his fault, it's a difficult role for a slight eighteen year old, and the CBs were uncharacteristically shaky themselves.
They showed him coming off the pitch and then sitting down. I didn't see any later shots of him on the sideline. I didn't think it was a big deal. He looked a little frustrated and annoyed maybe, but no different than most players. I don't think anyone particularly likes being subbed when they feel they are playing well. I was surprised he left the game myself, unless it was just to keep him fresh/prevent injury. Rickie on, yes. But I would have done it for Rodriguez or JWP.
Fair enough but when we're up against team that's pressing high a certain amount of observation before the play would surely be welcome, if the pass has a genuine chance of being intercepted just kick it long before you end up on the highlight reel for all the wrong reasons again.
Let's face it Norwich were poor. The only time they looked dangerous was when our defence had the ball!
I don't disagree. I've never been too happy with our attempts to play from the back even with Cork and Wanyama. They both get put in bad positions too often, but they get out of it. I'm not sure it's wildly successfully in terms of starting attacks either but we do always win possession in large part because of it. Boruc was kicking it long the first half, but without much accuracy. You could see he was frustrated, I think in part because of what Schad noted-- there wasn't an outlet for him. I stated at that time that I'd rather see him do that than play it short because I didn't care if we gave up possession at midfield. I think that MP told him to not punt it at half, so he stopped. The other thing is, Boruc looked a bit gimpy to me in the second half. If his hamstring or groin or something was giving him issues that may have been another reason. TBF while Boruc played a large number of TACTICALLY awful passes that were way too risky, I thought it was the midfielders and defenders who were playing too many lazy passes. Boruc's just a bit of a nut, can't really expect him to draw a good line between risk and reward. But Fonte, Lovren, JWP, Davis, and Do Prado should know better. It wasn't so much poor decision making from them as inexcusably lazy and passing without looking or scuffing balls due to carelessness.
Thanks for being so gracious. I think you'll find a lot of our supporters thought we were a lot worse than that.
True he didnt cause either of the oppositions goals but it was one of the few things that gave me palpitations prior to the 85th minute, It's just a matter of of common sense. I'm sure everyone would prefer a throw in to the opposition on the halfway line to a risky ball to the general area of a CB. On the flip side we had a good game on the whole and im happy to see Gaston making a positive impact on top of the goalscorers getting a sound pat on the back.
Poor doesn't even begin to describe it - totally inept but gifted two goals. On another day, those two goals may have papered over the cracks but not today. Saints were miles ahead and a wider margin would not have been too flattering.
Weird game, at times felt both good and poor... and on reflection, it felt good and also poor. Norwich were shocking. Didn't they spend more than us in the summer? Bad, bad spending Norwich, bad.
On the way down to the game I was alongside a very decent pair of Norwich fans - good chat, then as we parted, I promised them, at worst, an exciting game. From about 15 minutes to 55, I was wondering why I'd said it; the game was dire. Then, after a few minutes of ecstasy, very suddenly I was watching the game from hell. It's never dull supporting Saints is it? Vin
I was confused by Norwich today. Even when they were losing it was like they were playing a tactic of damage limitation, rather than trying to win the game.
Personally I thought you were a decent side. The truth is we made you look very poor, as we have done with many teams this season. How many times have the papers reported such and such a team having an off day when we beat them? Strange substitutions by you though.....
HIGHLIGHTS: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1h8n9f_southampton-4-2-norwich-city-all-goals_sport?search_algo=2 That pass from Gastón and the finish from Morgan... class.
4-2 was an incredible scoreline really. First half was dull as dishwater. Second was very entertaining, and we were so in control of the game, but fancied making everyone worried and gifted them 2 goals. It painted over the cracks for Norwich really, as they were absolutely dreadful I felt.
