tiggermaster just had a bigger spread than most of us. It's hard to score Pelle too well when he missed a sitter, and could have done a little better on a couple of other chances. If you look at the relative ratings, it seems we are all pretty much in agreement for once!
Enjoyed the 1st half for entertainment value For some reason I think Ron expected Burnley to park the bus, so whilst Morgan was at his all action best, we were a little too open, but then from the other perspective we created plenty of opportunities ourselves. Thought Mane did great to find influence in the match. For the 1st twenty minutes he seemed to be the one suffering most from the formation as he barely got any meaningful possession, but he gradually found space and in the second half was allowed a little more freedom with the change. Great saves from Kelv and well done Bertrand for being involved in all our best attacking play down the left hand side
I think the best two players were Bertrand and Kelvin but I would have to say that it was the other Davis' return to form which made Saints tick this afternoon. Wanyama's appearance in the second half transformed the approach and effectively sniffled Burney who had been impressive in the first 45 minutes. I have to say that Shane Long's performance was exceptional and he was a constant problem for Burnley. I thought Pelle missed too many good chances and perhaps needs a rest.
Has Tom got his referee glasses on when watching the games? Steven Davis a 6? I thought MOTM today was Davis and Davis (S and K joint)
It's really interesting to see how people see a game so differently. Davis. 8.5 great saves two bad ball control moments. Clyne. 7. Not at his best. Better 2nd half Bertrand. 9. One of his best all round games. how this player was not picked for England on his performances this season is ridiculous. We know his biggest weakness is in the air ( like Clyne ) but still deserves a chance. Fonte. 7.5. Decent game but was lucky again not to give a penalty away. Toby. 7 First game I have seen him below 8. He got caught to tight to the player a few times and not as commanding in the air as usual. Tadic. 6. With so much attacking options starting he was found wanting in his defensive duties. Morgan. 8. Hard working first half and is getting back to his best. Davis. 8.5 Worked his socks off around the pitch. You have to watch a player like Davis for the whole 90 to get a understanding on what he contributes to the team. Some people only see players that have quality flash moments and scores goals as good players. Mane. 8 I like this player ALOT. His control and movement is getting better and better and how he is understanding defensive play all over the pitch should make him a great all round striker. Pelle. 7. So so needs a couple of goals. His main roll in the side is to score goals and is running on empty. Good contribution of ball play to far in field does not help us score regular goals. Vic. 8. Great half in what he does best, breakdown the oppositions play.
Ok, watching the highlights I was a bit harsh on him. Please bear in mind I was down the other end in the second half so wouldn't have the best view of his performance.
Good solid performance from Saints. It seemed to shake them up a bit When Fraser got injured as they had a shaky period for a while. Burnley refused to lie down though so full credit to them too. They came to get something and on another day may well have just done that. It was mentioned on Sky that we hold the premier record this season for the ball hitting the woodwork from our shots. I am pretty certain that most have come from Pelle's shots. Any one know the exact details on this front?
I think that was his 6th or 7th woodwork rattler. They did say on the commentary but I have a terrible memory... Just want to add that I thought Mane showed he had a lot more to his game than running. He passed it about beautifully and worked very hard off the ball. He has been a complete bargain. Wanyama was unbelievably strong too. He won 3 50/50s in 10 seconds at one point.
Oh spaced Saint I'll add the final line to your last sentence ... "And managed to complete a 9.5/10 forward roll, double tuck somersault before regaining control of the ball"
I liked the look on Big Vic's face. He's not used to falling down and looked genuinely puzzled about it....then as you said regained control magnificently for such a large man.
It was his 7th. And therein lies a problem. If those had all been 6 inches further in the right direction, he'd be fourth in the league's top scorers list. As it is he's getting all his woodwork shots out of the way this year ready to score every one next year. Vin
