Very good in the first half at transitioning play but trailed off. Notice that we struggle to get the ball to whoever is playong central striker unless it is a lob over the top. Most crosses go to the wingers.
When in the box Mara seemed to be marked by 2-3 players, he had some moments of excellent control receiving the ball though.
That's probably the most impressive result of the season for many reasons and a real statement of intent. It was important to "put things right" as quickly as possible and the players were well up for it from the start tonight, ok WBA had a 10 minute spell before HT but on the whole we had control of most of the match at a very tough place to play at. Stuey was definitely MOTM but the whole team deserve plaudits for a brave and composed performance, Russell said it all in the post match interview, proud of them all...
He's looked good when playing against lower half opposition, but as soon as we play anyone that has a go, he's a massive liability.
Just got back to the hotel. Mini Lincoln is desperately pretending he's not tired while watching the wrestling on the telly. 3 times he's fallen asleep only to wake himself up in the last 5 minutes but apparently he's "fine" A simply amazing response from Russell and the lads tonight. Wasn't text book Saints but a real gritty win. Best save ever by Baz and an incredible atmosphere from the Saints fans. Subs made such a difference in particular Aribo. What the **** has happened to him this season? A ****ing colossus And.....now he's asleep Only 1 only 1 undefeated....
Ruthlessly effective I’d say that was, WBA weren’t even in the race for an hour of the game. It must be very tough to play against a side like us where you’re chasing shadows over and over again. Not to diminish RM at all, both goals were outstanding, but the 800 safe passes can send you to sleep. It does that to the opposition.
Just got in. What a brilliant win and all in all our best result this season in my view. To go away to a tough side like West Brom after Tuesday and win is a huge result. Thought we were excellent too. Not at our best going forward maybe but then Wba are a very solid. I thought we were excellent defensively and more than comfortable really. Game management was superb too. Two really well taken goals too. Perfect night all round.
I'd say he was fouled on 9/10 occasions that the ball was played in to him. I thought he did a stand up job of holding the defender off and holding the ball where necessary and playing someone in first time where he could. In fact, a couple of his one touch passes with someone physically trying to haul him down were sublime. It's a shame the few chances that fell to Adarma didn't fall to him as he appeared to be "on it" to me.
@tomw24 you seem to go to a lot of the away games (all?) I noticed RM went out to applaud our fans last evening before the game, which I thought was brilliant. Has he been doing that for a while or just recently / last eve? Ps. He spoke really well in the studio interview immediately after the game. Quite open, amenable. Continues to impress!
I don't even think it is just about the improvement in the team - he has still made the odd error and even cost us points, but his overall contribution has been excellent. He is just getting better and better the more he plays, which was always going to happen when you sign a 20 year old keeper from league 1 and start him week in week out in the premier league. When he eventually irons out these odd mistakes, which he will, I expect he will be off to a champions league club. He is the perfect modern keeper.
Anyone remember that ridiculous foul on the edge of the box just before that moment that he did go down quite easily trying to win a pen? I can't believe the referee allowed play to carry on for that one. Bloke just ran through him and clattered him.
