I think both our full backs could improve going forward and crossing. Clyne's improving and has 2 assists in his last 2 home games.
Last night was a prime example of the need for someone to run at their defence and cross accurately. Sadly Shaw didn't always see the opportunities presented to him and when he did he was not found despite being open on a few occasions. When we did the simple things we scored but too often we complicated things unnecessarily.............
The thing is Shaw had numerous opportunites to take on Bacuna, but he hasn't managed to beat him once. His dribbling was just too predictable, even to Bacuna who isn't the most talented defender. For someone touted 'the next Bale' I'd expect something better. But other than that he did well, he was sound defensively and he surged forward a lot, providing width and also threat with his crossing. I'm content wih his recent perfomances.
Villa were happy to give him plenty of room as I expect their analysis has showed that his crossing hasn't been that effective. Can only think of his assist to Puncheon at Chelsea last season as a goal directly coming from something he did. Just think, apart from injuries & opposition quality, think Saints failings in recent matches have been in unison with Shaw's performances. He's gone from 8 or 9 out of 10 performances down to 6 or 7 out of 10 (as has a lot of the side).
Surprised at this over critical thread. Shaw is first and foremost a defender and a very good one at that. The Bale comparisons are nothing more than people going Left Back/Southampton, but the two are very different and anyone expecting Shaw to compare with one of the most talented left foots in world football is deluded. Defensively his performance against Chelsea was very good and he made several covering challenges. His confidence going forward is improving, his crossing ability is not the greatest ever and I think that shows when he often prefers to hold possession than try and pick out a lone striker among a sea of defenders. Also it should be noted that unlike Clyne, most of the players who occupy the left hand side (Rodriguez/Lallana/Lambert) are not going to drop in behind like JWP does, so he doesn't enjoy the same freedom.
As I've said on the MOTM thread, I thought offensively he was vastly improved today. Often offered us a real attacking option down the left hand side, whilst being willing to actually attack his opposite full back. Rather than just standing on or behind the half way line, waiting for a pass to reach his feet, and then quickly either turning back or infield - or putting a cross in from a distance out. More of the same please Luke. (No issue at all with his defending).
There was a point in the game when City kept the ball and a lovely pass was floated over from the lefthand side across to Zabaletta who took it on his chest at the edge of the area and should of gone on to score. I said to my mate with the theme of this thread on my mind about why we don't do that more as we keep the ball well but need to get players to gamble forward as an extra attacker to breakdown defences. 10 minutes later Chambers narrowly misses with a header
Well he came of age today for me. Superb deliveries. Two in particular: the one for chambers and the one that landed on the six yard line level with the far post... no saints player gambled on the far post run. Goal a game at the far post! Brilliant Luke.
Neither Sky Choice or MoD showed the rake on Lovren or the elbow on Steve Davis, just as well because the Ref didn't spot either of them!
I have wondered whether players read football forums. If I was a footballer, I'm not sure whether I'd want to see what people were saying about me, but I may take a slight look out of curiosity.
Matt Le Tissier genuinely used to look at the red paged Saints Forever. I remember one time he replied to one of my posts. I was dead chuffed.
Reasonable comeback to another of Joe's declarations that he is never wrong. Usually they are a bit more straightforward. Now he's moving toward the cryptic.
