First time poster here. Just watched highlights (well the arsenal goals!) and cant help but feel that we looked like a team lacking fight and character.both Hammond and sharp were both fighters and I do worry that we haven't got enough fight in the team. Also having been a great fan of kelvin Davis over the years I really don't believe he's good enough for this level. Don't get me wrong for me this season is a bonus for me as I still remember that 2-0 home defeat against Rochdale in league 1 two years ago! Let's hope nige gets that back 5 working well together this week in training otherwise I believe we'll struggle to get 3 points Saturday which are vital to prevent heads dropping further
Let's hope this was just a bad day at the office. Sometimes things go wrong and then everything falls apart. Can't really use one game to question character after the last two promotions.
Welcome on board. I am not sure it is a lack of fight and character really, more a case of being steam rollered by a much better team. I went to the game and couldn't really accuse anyone of not trying; they just played poorly as a whole. I thought Kelvin could have done better on the first three goals.
Don't think it's lack of character we had that in spades last year. Look at Leeds away and the number-of times we bounced back when going behind. Agree with FLT this sort of result will happen a couple of times against the top six. Draw a line and move on to get 3 points on Saturday!
I think we have less leaders, which may be a problem, however I just don't think Hammond and Sharp would have cut it sadly.
Nah, we don't lack character. We were overwhelmed by a seriously classy side, and having gone 3-0 down in half an hour, it's a wonder the team didn't completely buckle. Arsenal at their best, which they clearly were yesterday, are a match for Barcelona. A real test of character will be in how the team responds against Villa next saturday.
I agree, a good keeper wouldn't have stopped saints getting beaten today but he would have stopped us getting embarrassed! I voiced my opinion strongly after the United game that Kelvin is not a premier league keeper, his distribution is awful and positioning crap! He gets beaten at his near post and nowadays basically saves nothing! He is not the only problem but he is a massive part of it!
That's encouraging to hear that those at the game didn't feel we lacked fight. Still think Davis ability at this level is in question. Looking forward to seeing Ramirez sat COYR's
We won't be the only team to be steamrollered by Arsenal this season. And this won't be the last time that we get a thumping either. However, looking at our next few fixtures, they are all games we are capable of getting something out of. Everton away will be hard but they can be inconsistent. The other 3 games I am confident we will get points out of. We need at least 7 points out of these next 4 games.
I think our performances against City and United show we're certainly not lacking in spirit. We were just outmatched yesterday, Arsenal's movement and class served to play us out of the game particularly in the first half where we looked overawed. Certainly not because the players weren't trying - that's never a good accusation to make.
Nigel talks about (amongst other things) giving yourself the opportunity to win football matches. The more I think about it the more it makes complete sense. Yesterday was the first time we haven't had that opportunity, but hey there's 34 games left and 31 of those are against teams who weren't in last year's top three. Yes I know we lost to Wigan as well, but we will just have to go up there and win the return fixture won't we. PS Welcome beardy
Hey welcome Saintbeardy.......No I do not think Saints do not have character......they are just learning how to cope at this level. Saints were outplayed by a far superior team on the day. As for Davis that is a difficult one....as others have said he has cost us valuable points this year mainly because of his woeful kicking. Oh I know he has saved a couple of penalties one of which my two year grand daughter could have probably saved and he is a good shot stopper. There are other area's of his game perhaps that need attention...for me one is command of his 6 yard box. The other is his overall positioning.......Have already mentioned his distribution. Mind you do we really have an alternative to him?
I honestly believe that yesterday was just an off day, we've played decent football against the two Manc teams (and almost won both) We're 4 games in with no points but there's no need to panic just yet. to put things into perspective, Liverpool are playing Man U next weekend so if Man U win (which they most likely will) And we beat Villa, we go above Liverpool so come on, things aren't as bad as some are making out
I think we will have come January...I suspect they have someone in mind already. We are two, possibly three players from having a fantastic team......and we can very easily get 20 points or more from our last 10 games. Our run in is as "easy" as our opening is difficult - and I would far rather get these tough games out of the way at the start. As Wigan showed - the teams around our level that have been in the Prem for a while can bushwack us before we find our feet. There was ample evidence in the two Manchester games (and glimpses yesterday) that once we do find our feet - watch out.
Agree with this Saint Jenny. Ramirez looked class when he came on and against some sides he will create havoc! We will be fine. A couple of wins and by mid October things will be looking much more positive!
