MOTD2 highlighted his runs into the box for his goals. I agree, my example was made in the defence of Tadic and all wingers when they're accused of drifting out of games. It's just the nature of the position that you can go through large spells without any serious possession and yesterday saints were having such great joy down the right with Soares and Mane that poor Tadic had to settle for tapping in the goals instead of being involved in the build up.
Here are my observations and I've exist read through pages of this thread: Mystic Nutmeg - if you read your posts in isolation from the moment a day before the game (or morning of) when you said "can't see us scoring" to the end, they are hilarious. I'd keep the Samaritans number close to hand This thread has a distinct number of negative posters missing compared to the last few days. This just tells me that some people aren't happy unless there is something to moan about. Some of our players are now being described as bargains and great value rather than cheaper/poorer alternatives. The crowd yesterday had some murmurs in the first half an hour, but just about held it together support wise and you could see the team grow and grow in confidence and then the paper was well and truly lit with that first goal. Tadic, Romeu, Mane, Pelle, JWP, Cedric all very good with several other good performances too. Most pleasing of all was the style of play. A few long balls early on, but less and less as the confidence grew and the passing got better (quite a few stray ones early on). It was great to see us trying to play in that manner again. As someone said earlier, one swallow doesn't make a summer, but it certainly tells you it's on its way.
This sounds like you're not impressed with Jay? I think he is showing glimpses and that's encouraging me to think he is getting there. Not there yet, but definitely progressing well.
No idea. I was busy with the in-laws so didn't see the game. I was really replying to TSS's comment in his long post about him looking hesitant but didn't want to quote the whole long post. Generally I think some people are expecting too much from the guy. It's unlikely he's going to find his best form quickly.
And Koeman knows it will take time. JRod started off in preseason saying he was fine and people thought it was odd that Ron contradicted him. He will contribute a lot this season, but he will be nurtured.
Ah I see - I missed TSS's post. Yes you're right, people may expect too much too soon. I'm liking the progress I'm seeing though. Edit: Just read that post. I don't think its hesitancy from Jay, just a little off in terms of match sharpness and game play reading. His little keepy-up and volley moment showed no signs of hesitancy.
No he was just scared that Tadic would throw a hissy fit. Does anyone think we are witnessing the birth of a running joke?
It's the old match fitness. Before his injury Jay was a whippet playing every minute of every game under Pochettino. I think it's fair to say that level of fitness is still a few months away and although I have no doubts he feels fine, I'm sure he knows he is still a little way away from feeling at peak fitness. What was encouraging was how desperate he was to score yesterday and the good positions he got himself in and his willingness to shoot. A good save from Ruddy, that curling shot which dipped over. The delightful volley after a couple of keepy ups. Then he was free in the six yard box and Juanmi's cross went inches above his head and I thought he was going to headbutt the post in frustration.
Some people don't seem to grasp that bionic implants take longer to bed in than normal reconstructive surgery.
And if you're a man over a certain age, isn't it nice to get up in the middle of the night for a piss and remember Saints won yesterday.
It's a funny old thing about negative posts, there are relatively few on this site compared to say SaintsWeb. I'm a miserable old bugger and tend not to post at all if really down after a game. I admire those who do so after a loss and still make some sort of sense, keeping a realistic view in the process. My old SaintsFan persona was "we're all doomed, relegation certainties" etc but constant ridicule from others and the Phoenix like rise from L1 has mostly cured me. The best bit of supporting Saints is just before a game. Anticipation, hope and beer, can't beat it. By the by, I thought Redmond was a bit pants. He's been linked to us for 2 seasons now but I'd take a Jay 'dodgy knee' Rodriguez over him any day.
I am a ridiculous fan as I can't bear watching matches....weird as I was a long time season ticket holder. I started watching yesterday....turned off after 10 mins, turned back on and caught Pelle's goal, watched 5 mins of second half, then turned back on when the 3-0 reassured me. I went to the Espanyol match (ok, as not important) then the Everton match (not a good one to choose). I think it's partly my heart as I do feel actually ill when worried....perhaps I didn't choose the best team to support.
My desire to get up always intrudes into my dreams. Last night I was in China (no idea why) and was helping to load a coach when I had to look round the bus depot for the Ladies. Then I woke up. Dreams are funny things.
You have to watch those looking for somewhere to piss dreams, they're ok as long as you don't actually get there. If you do then ...
