Match Day Thread +++++Saints v West Brom 31st December 2016 3:00pm+++++

[Saintmagic]

I'm far from Puel out, have said many times I will judge him properly at seasons end. There is one thing I'm wondering though. When he was appointed we were all told about his high pressing style, yet has anyone seen much of that?

First 20 mins against Spurs off the top of my head. Playing 600 games or whatever it is is not great if you want to be a high pressing team, that may change in the second half of the season where we aren't playing 3 times a week

 

[Piebacca]

First 20 mins against Spurs off the top of my head. Playing 600 games or whatever it is is not great if you want to be a high pressing team, that may change in the second half of the season where we aren't playing 3 times a week

It's 700.

 

[Qwerty]

Today, we played like a side that played 3 days ago, and has played 700 games this season.

And our 701st game kicks off in about 10 minutes. That's the whole match report, barely anything else needs to be said. Except that no winter break is still killing British football.

 

[Puck]

Yeah, it's getting increasingly hard I must admit. I'm not 'Puel out' or anything like that (we're top half and in a cup semi final), but I just wish we'd be just a little bit exciting now and again.

I'm not "Puel out" but he has to take most of the responsibility for the dullness.

Although I'd accept dullness if the results were better.

 

[Libby]

And our 701st game kicks off in about 10 minutes. That's the whole match report, barely anything else needs to be said. Except that no winter break is still killing British football.

I dunno, I'm sure Burnley fans enjoyed it.

 

[Le Tissier's Laces]

I get the rotation policy, but I strongly feel like Puel is overdoing it.

Name one other team that changed 3/4 of their back 4?

Name one other team that has 3 games in 6 days.

 

[Libby]

I'm not "Puel out" but he has to take most of the responsibility for the dullness.

Although I'd accept dullness if the results were better.

Have results been THAT bad though? We're in a cup semi, and top half still. Or have we just been spoiled the past couple of years and this is more like our true level?

 

[fatletiss]

Today was very disappointing, but I'm surprised to read so many people hinting that they are "giving up" or finding it hard to get up for games. It's our team people. I'll still
be up for the games. I have witnessed a lot worse than this.

I actually think we looked lacking in a bit of zest today. I thought Virgil wasn't great in Wednesday and today again he looked tired. He'll miss Everton and i'd leave him out of the Norwich game so he has a very good rest.

West Brom were West Brom. They came to do what they do and we were probably the perfect opposition for them today. Every thing looked a little too pedestrian from us.

Anyway, Happy New Year people. Stay strong, healthy and be a little patient with our beloved club.

See you next year.

 

[oldstocktonsaint]

I get fed up with the team but I have a Sunderland mate to put me straight when I moan. He can quote every good game he has been to over 60 years because there are so few of them. If he gets through a season without getting relegated it is a good season. As long as they beat Newcastle all the other results are froth. Nobody has tobea football supporter. You chose to be a Saints fan .

 

[Schad]

Have results been THAT bad though? We're in a cup semi, and top half still. Or have we just been spoiled the past couple of years and this is more like our true level?

Top half is a product of the teams around us as much as anything. We're on pace for 48 points, with 38 goals scored and 44 against...would be our worst points haul, worst goals total (by some margin) and second-worst defensive record over the past four years. Our level, on average over the preceding three seasons, has been 60 points, 56 goals for and 40 against; we're heading toward a pretty substantial step back even if the table doesn't reflect it.

 

[saintkeef]

Have results been THAT bad though? We're in a cup semi, and top half still. Or have we just been spoiled the past couple of years and this is more like our true level?

But you are ignoring one fact. This time last year we had scored 9 more goals than this and that's our problem no predator up front!

 

[Osvaldorama]

Oh, and Martina has to never play again except in a huge injury crisis.

He is dreadful. Somehow he performed above himself last season, which was fair enough. I think the midfield pivot gave him a bit more freedom. Under Puel he is just painful to watch. I would rather play any saints academy youngster there than watch that embarrassment.

 

[Libby]

But you are ignoring one fact. This time last year we had scored 9 more goals than this and that's our problem no predator up front!

Yeah I've clearly ignored that... only been banging on about it since August

 

[Osvaldorama]

Name one other team that has 3 games in 6 days.

Everyone has a tough fixture pile up over this period. I'm sorry, but even a half fit Cedric is better than martina

 

[Libby]

Top half is a product of the teams around us as much as anything. We're on pace for 48 points, with 38 goals scored and 44 against...would be our worst points haul, worst goals total (by some margin) and second-worst defensive record over the past four years. Our level, on average over the preceding three seasons, has been 60 points, 56 goals for and 40 against; we're heading toward a pretty substantial step back even if the table doesn't reflect it.

So the answer is we've been spoiled the past few years then?

Just making the point that the results seem worse than what they actually are cos it's pretty boring to watch for most people.

 

[Schad]

So the answer is we've been spoiled the past few years then?

I mean, when we've been back in the PL four years, and in three of those we've been in European contention, we have a pretty good claim to that being a level we can reasonably hope to attain on an annual basis. That this might be 'our level' now really reflects a lack of effort on the part of our management to aspire to stay there.

The danger, of course, is that once one's level is a points total in the mid/high 40s, you're only a couple things going wrong at a bad time from finding yourself in the Championship.

 

[Lff]

And our 701st game kicks off in about 10 minutes. That's the whole match report, barely anything else needs to be said. Except that no winter break is still killing British football.

It just feels like too much football for both the players and the supporters. One thing that should definitely change, but won't, is the Euro league. Get back to straight knock outs.

Everyone looked jaded today. Fair play to West Brom who played it perfectly with the added bonus of an amazing strike for their second goal.

When you are winning you can't play enough, as it is it looks like we all need a good rest.

 

[Libby]

I mean, when we've been back in the PL four years, and in three of those we've been in European contention, we have a pretty good claim to that being a level we can reasonably hope to attain on an annual basis. That this might be 'our level' now really reflects a lack of effort on the part of our management to aspire to stay there.

The danger, of course, is that once one's level is a points total in the mid/high 40s, you're only a couple things going wrong at a bad time from finding yourself in the Championship.

To be fair, the level thing was slightly in cheek. More making the point that those 3 top 8 finishes doesn't make us automatically a top 8 club, and anyone without tinted glasses would of looked at the change of manager, loss of players in the Summer and poor Summer and would have expected a drop down the table this year. Particuarly as it will be a 'traditional' top 6 this year.

I'm just making the point that if we were more entertaining, people wouldn't be saying results are terrible. It's the combination imo.

 

[ImpSaint]

Puel has made a few tactical mistakes but nothing that has disgraced him. No manager is perfect and he adjusting to a new country and league.

I have an issue with the board not spending enough to give Puel a good enough squad to compete and achieve fan expectations. But they have done us well over the years so its very hard to complain at them!

Bit of spending on the right players over the next two windows and all will be well.

Worth noting that if we win a cup fans will consider this an incredible season.

All this does is to say how much was Lallana worth, how much was Mane worth............to us, not market value!!!

2 players that drew 3 or 4 players and gave us so much leeway in how poor the rest of the squad was.

 

[ImpSaint]

And our 701st game kicks off in about 10 minutes. That's the whole match report, barely anything else needs to be said. Except that no winter break is still killing British football.

Killing British Football? You mean us? That is nonsensical rubbish when every team is playing the same congested period.