Agree that so far Armstrong doesn't look up to much, though only saw him for a few minutes at Leicester other than last night. My only additions to that are: 8. The Saints fans were brilliant all night 9. Is there a less direct team than Saints in the division? Brighton when they attacked got it up there fast, mainly through Bissouma. We seemed to spend most of the game passing it sideways and backwards for a nice slow build up and pretty poor final balls into the box. Much better once Redmond was on, and thought Sam was decent.
As l am + 3BST l could not stay up to watch this game, so l appreciate the succinct comments, can l ask what the issue is with Armstrong? I have noted that MH is not starting with him, which l take to be a less than positive endorsement. What leads you to make that comment. I am not disagreeing with you, but ask because l did not watch any of the friendlies so have seen little of him. On current league performance, with Bertie at LB, l prefer this CB pairing over what we put out last Saturday, so would like Maya there to provide stability. Not convinced but Vesty or Hoedt. RB is an issue for me with Cedric being challenged on high balls, so Stephens for me or MT.
Well first off, me not being convinced is only across a couple of games, and really doesn’t mean anything. I think he’s okay. I think he was being played out of position last night (on the left in the main) but he looks like a marginally better Steve Davis, certainly not the visionary 10 type player we really need. I just think he’s okay. He’ll have good games, and he’ll be good to have in the squad. I’ve just seen nothing in him for me to think we have a special player there.
I thought Stephens was very average at RB last night. The majority of attacks from Brighton in the first half came down the left as they’d clearly marked him out as a weak spot. He got caught out of position by their young, marauding LB (Gyorkey or something) a few times, and caught out for pace. RB is a bit of a problem right now. Totally agree I’d be starting Maya over Wes all day long.
Yeah I've never bought into Stephens at RB for the sole reason that he lacks pace. In todays football speed is almost essential for a full back with the way they are supposed to attack and defend. It is also the reason I don't think Targett will ever make it as a top flight fullback for a good side.
Targett looked okay last night. Difference between him and Stephens there was, unsurprisingly, that he looked like he knew how to play that position. Stephens was guessing.
It might difficult for Target but maybe we could put him at right back? We just need someone who can defend that flank!
What else did you make of the game - obviously we were at different angles - I was sitting up on half way line, you were behind the goal. Be interesting to see if you agreed with my thoughts? I know you guys weren't sitting down much, but man, I LOVE the seats at the AMEX!
Armstrong being played out of position was something that Merrington was very unhappy with, last night. As he said, why play him out wide when he spent the majority of his time at Celtic playing behind the striker. He also commented about the lack of runs beyond Gabbiadini, which is something that Armstrong will do if played in the middle. I find it a little concerning that MH is choosing to play him in the wrong position, especially as we have been crying out for someone to do what he did at Celtic.
It’s a fair point, that. I think MH was keen to give Davis a run in that slot to see what he could do. (Answer, not much).
Wouldn't be suprised to see SD move on in January he is just clogging up the squad at present as we have better options than him. He has been a very good servant to the Saints but his best days are behind him now.
Yeah from a brief look I agreed with most of what you wrote, haven't had a chance yet to go into any detail with getting back late and up again at 6 etc. Just finished n picked my boy up so will respond properly later once he's in bed
