Match Day Thread Crystal Palace v Southampton, 12th September, 3pm, BT Sport

Well, that was disappointing.

 

Nothing like an over exaggeration from one game eh?

 

One down plenty left.

 

Not angry or upset, but disappointed.

But that is a good thing. If I sat back and thought "oh we narrowly lost 1-0 away, not bad" then there would be a long season ahead. I'm disappointed as I know the real Saints are better than this (note not saying we are too good for this or to go down). We have 37 games to sort it out, and Ralph will.

This, like that game that never happened, but got mentioned on 36 seconds in today, may be a good thing long term and a wake up.

The fact that we are disappointed that we lost our opening game 1-0 away from home is encouraging.

God it's tough being permanently positive

 

I think you’re right. Our killer has always been slow build up play through our midfield. For the past three seasons at least.

Without Armstrong that often gets painfully exposed. I actually think we need someone more akin to him than Hojbjerg. We have a few of those already. We actually need two midfielders, or a bigger Smallbone (and ain’t that the perennial truth!)

 

Two things about me, I am permanently positive. And usually right

 

Agreed,
. I mentioned during the match how much we missed Armstrong; he is the one player who can link together midfield and attack. Today we saw so many examples of the back 4 and MCs passing between themselves before someone eventually sent it long to the front 4 and inevitably we lost the ball.

I personally think the closest we have to Armstrong when he's out is Sims (and Smallbone is more like JWP's backup).


But it was the perfect game for Palace, wait for us to mess up, snatch a goal, defend defend defend.

 

Dare I read any of this?

Not the end of the world, but a wake up call for some.

 

Anyone know how long Armstrong is out?

 

So when do we think relegation will be confirmed? I'm going late March.

 

Rather depends on the Pandemic not taking us all out...

 

It's one game that we by tradition lose. Deep down we expected it and therefore shouldn't be disappointed. We'll be ok, in Ralph we trust!

 

At this particular time in my life the last thing that I care about is whether Saints win or lose.

 

We need a volunteer for the next match thread (not me I am bad luck).

 

I think we need someone to really lift our spirits, get us on the edge of our seats, and demonstrate total leadership.

Someone who, quite frankly, when the chips are down, will lay it straight on the line, with total clarity, so that everyone understands, what each component part, brings to the party, and then, with a steely gaze, deliver upon those requirements.

That’s why, in our considered approach for the next match thread contributor, there can be really only one, obvious, and natural choice.

What we need to do, right now, is all come together, in the spirit of the UK, and make a choice for this leader, to identify oneself, to throw down the gauntlet and to beat this nasty Spurs thing.

What we do know, is that, it will take monumental effort, and there will be ups, and downs, along the way, and that if our JWP Service is on point, that victory is our to take.

 

Not disagreeing with you at all. But worth remembering that whilst we had one player on the injured list Palace had 7 or 8 including most of their first choice defenders.

 

Absolutely. Which is fine if you’re up against a team that doesn’t get the ball to the strikers quickly enough, because the midfield can all pack back there to help out.

 

What about the Brentford game?!

 

Romeu's limitations become evident & the absence of is Armstrong was really felt. Issues were compounded by a mad high line that let Palace in too easily. Ralph has work to do.

 

Oops, we playing them next?