And the cup is actually relevant to Utd this season. They have little reason not to go all-out for it, even against lowly opposition. I have no problems with what Martin did today.
Not seen any of the game, just the result Sounds like we were a bit naff, but we are still in the Fa cup and the unbeaten run continues. Not the worst afternoon's work
Good thing Watford are ****, we were awful first half and they didn't really offer anything going forward.
Quite. Doesn't matter what they do together etc on the training ground, playing in the cauldron of a full game atmosphere is the real test. Today is a good start for some of our lesser known and/or inexperienced players. No harm in trying this idea out at SMS either.
Sounds like it didn’t click today. Rothwell and Charly in midfield was thought to be risky for the balance of the team. I don’t think we necessary need to still keep five or six core players for these games, but replacements should at least play in their preferred position.
All's well that ends well, I'm quite happy with this. It might be another game to fit in but I think most people on here were hoping for a positive result beforehand. And I think being unbeaten carries the players confidence along nicely. When the end of the run does come, I worry that it may lead to some more indifferent results. Not for any rational reason, I just worry a lot. Hopefully, if we do get through the replay we don't get annihilated at Anfield which we could well do if the same team starts but I can worry about that one later . I think Mrs Game will want to go to the replay and this season we have a 100% record.
Has to be said that Sam Amo caused their left back more concern, in the short time he was on the pitch, than Dibling did in his hour or so. He needs to be given priority over the other youngsters, for bench time/minutes. It’s not just his ability on the ball but his awareness as to where his team mates are and, iirc, it was his pass back to Holgate to get a shot away when he could easily have tried to get a shot off himself.
I may be wrong, but I think Dibling isn't a RM, but more of a CAM. When Amo came on, he was in his natural position, so he looked better there than Dibling...he is probably better suited to play where Charlie played.
Yeah, the whole team for the first hour had a feel of players that Russ felt needed a chance jammed into unnatural positions on the pitch and it was painful to watch a bit like "experimental" September again. I'm certainly not going to write Dibling off after this one opportunity out of position.
SAA came on to a team with more regulars in it, playing better football and going for equaliser/winner. So much easier for a youngster to come in and do well in that scenario than what Dibling had to work with. Even seasoned professionals like Rothwell struggled. It’s why I don’t like it when we completely change the team AND give youngsters a chance because it’s just not really giving them fair chance to show what they can do. Youngsters are typically so hot and cold with their performances anyway. Introduce them into a settled and confident team and it gives them the best chance to flourish.
Love the way RM is in interviews His talk about youth emphasises that even though there may have been issues with the starting 11, if we aren’t viewed as the club that gives youth opportunities then we harm our long term strategy and promotion is pointless without that as part of our USP https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/video/martin-pleased-to-repay-bumper-away-following
Indeed, Shame Doyle got Inured. He would have played a few games and wouldnt of had the excuse of not playing enough, despite his injury.
