Hate to say this, but Jones has made things worse somehow. At a time of the season where, if we kept Ralph, we more than likely would've picked up some points. Grass isn't always greener. Can't see how Jones can turn things around. Long ball is not the Southampton way. If this is his favoured method, then we should bite the bullet already. We'll forget about it if we bring someone in who can change things. It won't happen I doubt, Saints are penny pinching. There'll be better days again. Let's hope soon! (I hope I eat my words)
Nah he was a broken man by the end and wasn't turning it around with this squad. We only ever looked good under Ralph when we had a great striker in form and we didn't but any in the Summer. Probably would have been better to do it in the Summer in hindsight tbh.
Mara, a slight teenager, is largely being asked to receive the ball with his back to goal, or to win static headers. Not really putting our players in position to succeed.
The trouble is, the same arrogance that led to SR and Ankersen appointing NJ, is the same arrogance that will stop them admitting that they've made a horrible mistake.
Not really a CM's job to be overlapping. This highlights the problem with 3 CBs and 2 wing backs for width. There is no RB/RW overlap, as there is only 1 wide player on each flank. Unless the strikers make runs into the channel (they aren't) then it is purely down to the full back to either get a good cross in or beat his man, both of which are tough without the overlapping run to occupy a defender.