JWP's tackling and defending is atrocious, so maybe this is a blessing in disguise if it forces him to focus on that part of his game. It really shouldn't have been a red, but it was clearly a foul (and thus a penalty) and a rather silly one. It's hard because JWP is outsized which makes defending tough. But he can still at least slow things down and nick some balls. He's clearly intelligent and I don't doubt he works hard to improve, but it takes time and experience and making mistakes and learning from them to improve. I remember Schneiderlin wasn't a great tackler when he started and now he might be the best in the league.
Think I chose the right day to be driving back from Catterick. Just wish I hadn't turned the radio on and the ruined the journey.
Strewth just read through some of your comments. Saints did not play so well seems to be the verdict. Some of the other comments seem to be total doom and gloom. Come on guys and gals we lost a bloody football match some players made a bit of a hash of it today. We will bounce back! Lets not forget our injured players which has not helped the situation. As someone else said all teams at sometime go through a bad period especially if there is injuries to key players, during a season. Also I would like to point out every one is entitled to an opinion. You have a right to it no matter how others see it. Can we please respect that principle and cut out the name calling because you don't agree. Saints forums at times get some good debates and is recognised for that, then you get the name callers that bring the debate down into fractious exchanges. We are better than that, come on guys and gals respect each others views.
Hi Chilco, with three of our favoured back seven out in the last few games we have been conceding an average of two a match. Therefore if we could at least make our defence our first choice back four then I would. I understand rewarding players for their performances but if you are losing, and it is fine margins at this level. then you have to go back to what has worked so well for much of the season. I think Sunderland playing three up front a la Leicester fooled us. Perhaps as Brendy says a 5-3-2 could be most effective.
Agreed, that's what I would do against Leicester. Not sure how I would handle Benteke when we play Villa though!
Next game, I'd be tempted to drop Toby into back 4 and play Reed alongside Wanyama. Toby is a decent player but you can't just get him to play out of position and expect him to be as good as Morgan. As a centre back I think he is better than Yoshida, thereby strengthening the defence. As a midfielder I think Reed is just better than Toby, thereby strengthening the midfield as well.
A lot of people are routing for Reed to take Spiders spot while he is injured. Do you really think Reed is as good as spider? He is not bad for a youngster but in truth I don't see him as any where near as good as Spider. He has so much to learn.....although he is a trier!
0TE="Beddytare, post: 7888161, member: 1000684"]Strewth just read through some of your comments. Saints did not play so well seems to be the verdict. Some of the other comments seem to be total doom and gloom. Come on guys and gals we lost a bloody football match some players made a bit of a hash of it today. We will bounce back! Lets not forget our injured players which has not helped the situation. As someone else said all teams at sometime go through a bad period especially if there is injuries to key players, during a season. Also I would like to point out every one is entitled to an opinion. You have a right to it no matter how others see it. Can we please respect that principle and cut out the name calling because you don't agree. Saints forums at times get some good debates and is recognised for that, then you get the name callers that bring the debate down into fractious exchanges. We are better than that, come on guys and gals respect each others views.[/QUOTE] Well said
He's not as good as Schneiderlin, but who is in our squad? Reed's the next best option alongside Wanyama imo (Toby being better in defence, and Davis/JWP playing further up) It's more about playing people in their best positions I think (DF looking weaker without Toby)
It is beginning to show our weakness in the depth of the squad.....mind you that in its self is not easy to over come. Lately, we seem to be in the position of strengthening our squad at the end of a season, when in fact we are having to buy 5/6 players to replace the leavers. I agree with the opinion that we need to increase the numbers of our squad as well as replace the leavers. Not many teams increase their squad by as much as 7/8 players. Not many lose 4/5 though and somehow we have to move with the times and learn how to keep them!
We should have kept Cork and not have to worry about Schneiderlin missing. Cork slotted right in the Swansea first eleven and after his arrival they are playing in some serious form.
Yes, well........ you won't find me disagreeing with that. At least we did try to keep him. He wanted to have guaranteed game time which it was impossible to offer.
Reed isn't as good as Spider yet. He never will get better if he isn't given the opportunity to play.
Couldn't agree more, selling cork (especially knowing Morgan is off) was a massive mistake in my eyes.
What! Better than Cork!!!!! I'm sure there is someone out there, of course, but he just fitted our system so well.
