Agreed. We are weak in that position. Redmond did well today but over the past 2 season Djenepo, Redmond & Elyounoussi have all shown themselves to not quite be good enough. Although they are probably good squad players, I think we need an upgrade to start.
But then one of them needs moving on? Unfortunately not Walcott as for some reason we have only just brought him in
100% agree with this. It’s so frustrating as well, because Redmond on his day like today is an absolutely amazing player. He just doesn’t seem to do it consistently. He has to have confidence before he can be at his best. The 8-0 def fired him up - otherwise he just doesn’t get on the ball enough. Between them and stu Armstrong there is def enough creativity though. Overall though, a lot of positives. If we can improve our crossing and Djenepos finishing, I think we should stay up which honestly is the biggest thing this season.
Interesting looking at their forums. Not only do they think they absolutely stole a point there, they are actually gutted they did as it means a little longer for them with Bruce in charge. They were actually seeming gutted each time they scored.
Ugh. That was Newcastle playing football at its absolute worst. 10 goalkeepers and kick it out to St Maximan is not a game plan and they deserved to be booed off by their own fans. We played brilliantly in the first two thirds and if Djenepo hadn't managed to somehow miss from the goal line that game becomes a different story and a better ending for us I think. They absolutely stole a point and once again we need to be calmer and more controlled in defence. Getting caught 3v2 shouldnt happen with 2 CDMs out there and both CBs were guilty of panicking at times against ASMaximan which is understandable, he's outstanding. In the end, the pen was deserved and a point is a useful but frustrating result. Can't wait to see how we develop over the season as we looked like a champions league team compared to Newcastle. Great pressing, passing, movement down both sides, just couldn't find the space in the box. Maybe Broja's height would have been more useful earlier. Another good point. March on boys.
The shadow had nothing to do with the picture quality, imo. The match was played in that rarest of things, a sunny day in Newcastle. The design and position of the stadium roof at St James Park meant that the whole of one side of the pitch looked like it had been marked out in light and dark squares. This made following the match on TV, when one team had black and white striped shirts, about as difficult as a predator trying to pick out an individual in a herd of zebras.
How about drawing up a rota, so that we can take it in turns (two at a time?) to stand next to Ralph on the training ground, pointing out what the players aren't doing, and providing ideas about how to improve things? I'm sure Ralph would appreciate our input. The only problem is that Ralph is probably too polite to tell us to get the **** off his training ground
<ahem> Comment #92 from yours truly, just after kick off yesterday ….. “Crafty of the Toon to have camouflage with the shadows across half the pitch!”
I think that has been a terrific week for Saints fans. The result against Man Utd was impressive but the manner in which we dispatched Newport county was thorough and ruthless. Scrapping back and getting the well-desrved draw yesterday was an amazing show of character. In my opinion I feel that Ralph is now starting to impose his charcter on a squad that he himself has largely assembled. Most right-thinking Saints fans will be pleased to see this and, hopefully with fans back in the stadium, it will be possible to watch his Saints' side fulfil his potentional. Just think we have come out of the transfer window far stronger.
To be fair, the players that have improved under Ralph is quite long. Still room for further improvement though. I think what we are witnessing this season is a step up in overall squad depth and quality. For example, Adams, Tino and Salisu are significantly better players than the improved Redmond, Djenepo and Stephens. Existing players will benefit from having better players around them in training and I can only see more improvements being evident over the course of the season. Patience - Ralph thinks longer term than most of us and his ultimate plan is beginning to materialise.
Caught up with my recording of MOTD just now, I can't really explain why but it feels like we've turned a bit of a corner. Last year a last minute winner for the opposition would have been it. Yes we should have won with the chances we created but staring in the face of a smash and grab we still were mentally driven enough not to quit. The bench is a 1000x stronger, we're playing nice football and I think the international break is only going to help the players gel. Now just to introduce the gorilla into the team and I'll be happy! COYR
Very early I know, but I’m feeling hopeful for the season. But then, that’s how they get you, isn’t it?
To be fair, that’s exactly what predators do, very successfully ... How about “as difficult as trying to play football on a pitch designed by Escher”?
