HOME TO WEST HAM

Can Saints find the resolve to get another win after the disappointment at Newcastle?

West Ham are one of those teams that seem to have plenty of talent, just never know whether they will turn up. Afraid with our defence there is no way we will keep a clean sheet so going for a 2- 2 draw.

Well another disappointing result and performance and more of the same. Ralph stuck with 3 wide players and Ings with a midfield of two JWP and Hojberg. Its a recipe for disaster unless you have a really strong back 4 and ours are probably the weakest back 4 in the league! First half hardly had a shot , think we had 1 that went well over. Bedanek was poor again, at fault for the goal by allowing Antonio to breeze past him, amazing that he is always first choice yet Yoshida or Vestergard cannot get a look in despite his errors. Midfield the biggest problem with Hojberg for me having a terrible game, regularly gave the ball away putting the defence under constant pressure. Redmond yet another aimless performance no goal threat rarely ran into space went sideways or backwards and no surprise (other than rare for Ralph to act) when subbed at half time. Long ran as per usual but no real direction.

Second half terrible start just more of the same but gradually got into the game with Romeau anchoring the midfield eventually making an impact. Ings was unlucky and again worked his socks off. Hit the bar, follow up Long missed but supposedly offside. Ings hit the post but offside given but think VAR would have shown just onside and a few corners that caused some issues. Still needed McCarthy to make 3 excellent saves to keep us in the game. Other subs to late to make impact, Adams brought on with about 15 minutes left, he had a half chance but far to slow to react but must be hard when just getting cameo roles.

Ralph doesn't seem to learn still sticking with weakening the midfield when that is where we need to strengthen. Revert to 442 or 4132 using proper midfield players or try Danso on left side of midfield, he cant be any worse than the rest and brings some extra height. Redmond to be on the bench and think Djenepo should be used as a second half sub, Obefemi shouldn't be anywhere near the first team squad. If Ralph wont change then either bring in a coach to help (Edwin Koeman out of a job, knows the club and premier league) or bring in Alladyce, or accept relegation.

McCarthy 7 no chance with goal and made some good saves gets flak for not releasing the ball early but no one wants the ball.
Cedric 5 okay in parts but didn't get forward at all
Bednarek 4 needs taken out of the firing line responsible for to many goals
Stephens 6 Cannot fault his effort, made one run where he took the ball all the way through and fluffed a good chance but tired.
Bertrand 5 like Cedric and out of position for the goal
JWP 6 worked hard but not very effective
Hojberg 4 gets worse with every game, maybe trying to hard, needs to play further forward so if he does lose the ball less of an impact.
Djenepo 5 needs to have more space so he can use his pace, also needs to be told to stop falling over, first touch poor
Redmond 3 really poor game, I don't think helps him with 2 other wide players on the pitch with him, looks lost.
Long 6 works hard as always but never looks like scoring
Ings 8 again only goal scoring threat and on another day could have had 2 or 3, can see one of top clubs considering a bid in the window if they have injuries.

Subs
Romeau 6 took time to get up to pace of game but did okay
Adams 5 little time to really do anything
Armstrong 5 doesn't look a premier league player but again never gets a few games to prove it.

Watched the game from different position as had Hospitality package and did give different perspective, saw more of Hojbergs errors!

Thanks Matty, worrying times....... and can't even see an addition or two in January making much difference