Tadic played well in bits. But like you said didn't really do it for long enough. As soon as we changed Davis for Romeu we seemed to change to a 4-1-4-1 at times which didn't work.
We were pretty toothless in two of those draws, and in the other our luck was getting the draw on a night when we looked far too eager to gift chances to a Newcastle side who scored more against us than they have in their other five matches combined. We seem capable of fielding a lineup that can create chances, and one that can (most of the time) keep things solid. We're having great difficulty finding one that can do both, and that's a recipe that will produce a lot of 'unlucky' results.
The formation first half should be our default one. Stekelenburg Cedric Fonte Van Dijk Bertrand Wanyama Romeu Clasie (just infront of them) Mane Pelle Tadic If Wanyama or Romeu aren't working then get Reed on not Davis.
I agree. Having Clasie and two fullbacks capable of attacking should help matters greatly. It remains a problem that a couple injuries can leave us so struggling for balance, though.
If they'd dominated since minute 1 then I'd agree but we showed more than enough in those first 30 to suggest we could hold our own and then some. When we scored late it seemed like we realised Man U were mortal and could be beaten.
interesting the number of complaints about change of formation. Are these the same people complaining about having no plan b? Defeat was about personal mistakes - linesman, Yoshida, Fonte. We were done by a poor over achieving Utd team.
Not that bad but could do with a few more players. Stekelenburg Cedric: Martina Fonte: Caulker Van Dijk: Yoshida Bertrand: Targett Wanyama: Gape? Romeu: Reed Clasie (just infront of them): Prowse/ Davis Mane: Rodriguez/ Juanmi Pelle: Long/ Rodriguez Tadic: Rodriguez/ Juanmi Haven't really got another fast skillful winger or another dm.
can not wait for Bertrand's return, even Cedric's. We were playing so so deep (and with Romeu just having going off?), the nervousness and fear was palpable, almost virus like, effecting the players belief in themselves ability. I'm liking what Ronald is saying now, about belief.
It's a long way to go of course but I think people who are a bit worried are justified. Up untill today we've had pretty easy fixtures and we've got a combination of some of the best/in form teams coming up. It wouldn't be overly surprising to see us int the relegation zone after 10 games. I think we'll stay up but the reality is over half the teams in the division last season were in a relegation fight deep into the second half of the season. Edit: actually that last sentence isn't really true I remembered it wrong but certainly it's not unheard of for lots of teams to get dragged into it.
Haven't got another skillful wide player or DM, but we also don't have much quality depth at fullback...not a slight against Targett to say that he's not yet starting-quality most of the time given his age and experience level, and Martina is weak enough that we're still starting Yoshida at fullback, where he (understandably) provides no attacking threat whatsoever. We're also very much lacking in creative players in midfield; while he was dangerous today, matches in which JWP creates much from open play are few and far between, so it's Clasie or bust in that department.
Martina is only here as Debayo got injured. Targett will be fine. We need another winger (Sisto please) another dm.
If Ronald has overseen the signing of two right-backs and he thinks Yoshida is the best option, then there's a problem.
Debayo's left-sided, no? RB is the position that I was primarily concerned with, and beyond McCarthy (who is more of a CB, by all indications) we aren't overloaded with options in the Academy of which I am aware.
On a side note, do you think non regulars or priorities will be able to get a ticket to the Man City game on Apr 30th? My son's birthday the day after and my other son supports Man City. I mean can someone who hasn't been to see Saints for a few years hope to get tickets to a 'gold' game.
