I think that the only person I was really disappointed with was Tadic, although Ron played him on the right again. Why does he not listen to us ? Interestingly, when he replaced Tadic with Long, he played on the left! Where's the logic? Its too early to comment on Clasie but one thing is that if he is out for a couple of games then bring on Reed. He always seems to get involved and make his mark. I've got no problem with him being in the side. Talking of Long, you could see that he was annoyed with himself for missing the first chance he had (despite scoring). Brilliant composure and skill from Juamni though. Regarding Pelle, sometimes I find myself agreeing with FLT, his flicks can get annoying especially when he is in the middle of the pitch and in space, but then he'll go chest the ball down and lay it off in text book style and I forget all about it. He'll never be a Lambert in terms of his hold-up play (or even his finishing) but on balance he does a good job for us. If Rodriguez comes back fully fit and Long continues to play well, then Pelle might have to get used to being substituted occasionally.
Great fun in the city centre yesterday. I saw no unpleasentness, well one vomit episode, just Saints and Vitesse fans having a rowdy old time of it. The two Saints and Vitesse fans next to me in the Spitfire were hilarious, unable to speak each others language the swift consumption of 5 pints of stella each made that immaterial. Thought the police did well not to overreact yesterday as well. But **** me what idiot decides to shut the M27 and A31 at a time when 31000 people are dispersing? Wimborne via Romsey? crazy.
It's about the percentages and decision making with Pelle. It's not ALWAYS wrong to try the flick, but he needs to work out when is the time to do it, and when to use his strength, hold up and bring in an oncoming player. I think in his mind he's worried about slowing down play, and believes that a quick release/flick, when it works, is the best way of confusing a defence and creating a chance. And yes, in a lot of ways, he's right, but he needs to choose those times a lot more carefully.
Several times he made a flick that failed when it would have been safer to hold onto the ball. Pelle is sometimes too ambitious.
Vic's best performance? Won the midfield battle on his own. Truly superb. Mane is going to be huge for us this season...unplayable at his best. Thought Davis had a very shaky first 15 but then had an excellent 75mins after that. Otherwise, generally solid. Big fan of Stekkers' distribution too!
And a word for the Ref....resisted blowing up for every tackle, but got important decisions (like the penalty) right. The greatest compliment that can be made is that I forgot he was there most of the time.
I agree with all this. Was having an almost word for word similar discussion with the chap next to me last night regarding Pelle v Rickie as CF. Love Pelle's passion and his relationship with the fans and he does score a reasonable amount of goals for the team BUT he is so bloody frustrating with his inability to win the ball and hold it up. He is often hopeless in the air up against a determined CB which is surprising for a a big chap. But he does not come near Rickie as an all round decent centre forward. Did bury that shot well last night though.
Everything has been covered pretty much about the game and individual performances, however for me, the main issue is with Shane Long. It can't be long before he is a nailed-on starter. His unpredictability is a constant danger, compared to Tadic, who often seems to be worked out before the game has even started. I know many will argue that Shane is an ideal 'super-sub', but the Villa game showed us that a confident Shane Long can be as deadly as Mane. With both of them on the pitch, defences will have a torrid time. I've always said Mane should play no.10, but now I feel if Long and Mane were to play either side of our no.10 (Tadic/Juanmi), this could be sex on toast. With whipped cream and a flake.
Hallelujah! It is entirely his decision making for sure. This is why I still love him despite my critique, because he so desperately wants to do well and I love that about him. It does however affect his decision making. I truly believe if he kept things simple more often, he would improve massively, yet it is as if he thinks he is the Italian Zlatan (ps. any news LTL on your vision?)
Vision? Am confused!? Re Pelle - the air-fall was the perfect example - he was attempting a round the corner virtually impossible, mid-air nudge that would have released a player (I think Targett) on a run. The other option was the very easy control ball, hold, release. Option two was so, so, so much the better option at that point, but as ever he chose option one, which would work perhaps one time in a hundred...and ended up on his arse looking silly.
Saints fans are always willing to love...I love Pelle for his character and passion and want him desperately to score (mainly for the team, but also because of his dramatic happiness when he does), but....Rickie, he ain't.
I can see your point but we are going to have to rotate our squad players quite a bit once we start playing two games a week. For example Shane might start one game with Pelle starting the other or vice versa? We cant have our best players playing every game! Specially if we plan on pressing teams like we usually do!
