Was it wise to take 2 attackers off for once and replace them with Cleverly who does a job but not going to get a goal and Sema who battles but has no threat or pace? Ngakia had a mare against Walker Peters who also handled Sarr well and Redmond and they kept the ball much better than us.
That was... disappointingly disappointing. Sarr was ineffectual at best. I did get the impression that they had the ref very much in their pocket: nothing controversial (none YC for a challenge on Sarr excepted) but plenty of 60-40 decisions went their way. I wonder if there's something wrong with our PGMO hospitality because we get more than our fair share of performances like that. We weren't good enough anyway, needed to get ahead in this one as they have been resilient away if not dominant.
I think we are still work in progress under Ranieri. I do see a team with a bit more commitment and desire though and the football looks entertaining. Adams should never have been allowed to get his shot away like that, 2 of our defenders just stood and looked at him rather than throw their bodies in the way.
Trouble is how much time will he get if we as expected loss the next few games ? Would this "elbow block" from Cucho's free kick been given as a penalty last season I wonder though. Might have been soft and harsh but seen them given before. https://www.watfordfc.com/video/mat...rd-0-1-southampton-premier-league-202122#play
Glad I wasn't able to watch yesterday - I would have been spitting chips over that. Much the same as the Pereyra free kick against Brighton a couple of seasons ago - just the opposite arm used by the defender then, and no penalty given. As you say, seen them given - but probably only against us...
We have seen hardly any penalties given for handballs this season compared to last - probably because everyone kicked up such a fuss about it.
That was a shocking decision, the Brighton defender was being 45degrees into that one, absolutely awful decision, and Pereyra got booked for protesting the bleedin' obvious! I thought yesterday's was the sort that the Liverpool's of this world get, we don't.
Are we missing Deeney as a captain He would not be first choice as a striker any more, but we are missing leadership and drive on the pitch Hopefully Sissoko can fill that gap
