LEYTON ORIENT POST-MATCH REACTION

Put it here.....

Well a pretty poor performance only brightened by Lallana's class. Starting 11 was usual AP favourite 11 and like many games we just didn't turn up for the start. We could have been 1 down after 15 seconds with poor defending but the ball was put behind the Orient striker but a few minutes later couldn't defend a throw in on left and ball worked to same spot on box and this time no mistake. Where were the midfield tracking back, the back 4? Still at Wembley I think.

Still most of us thought are normal slow start will no turn it on and take control but wasn't to be. Jaidi then went off injured and likely to be out for a few games. Midfield failed to get a grip, Lambert looked like he had a hangover and had his worst game I've seen. We had a couple of corners which came to nothing and really struggled for ideas. Barnard put a header wide. For me Puncheon was poor and Otsemobor was so poor I wanted James back at RB. Got nothing from ref as Scrowcroft was backing in all the time yet kept getting free kicks. Lallana had a long range shot which was a comfortable save but at least on target then when it looked like we would go in at half time trailing up popped Lallana with right footed shot with one piece of class to draw level.

Second half was slightly better but not much. A few more crosses in to the box and goal came from ball in from Puncheon to back post, Lambert for one once won the header back across goal and Lallana stooped in to head in his second. Anyone hoping we would go on to win comfortably were to be disappointed as Saints failed to take control, Pardew then took off Barnard who while not having a great game service was awful and he does work. Put on Antonio and played him in the middle where he did a great impersonation of Waigo being caught offside. Then took of Schneiderlin who didnt have a great game and put on Wotton but think Puncheon was lucky not to have been subbed. Nervy last 15 mins as we failed to make the game safe and Orient had a few close calls, one great save by Kelvin as saints backed off saying "have a shot".

At the end 3 points but worrying why the players werent fired up, looked like they dont really believe can make the play offs and a number were going through the motions. AP's subs always worry me, taking off Barnard seems his play whatever is happening on the pitch and putting Antonio on instead of Waigo meant we lost shape. Puncheon was poor despite a few good crosses, far to many wayward passes cancel them out and our players looked "soft" any 50/50 ball was a given that saints player would get out of the way.

I am not expecting Play Offs but I am expecting payers to fight for the cause and put in the effort, AP as manager needs to address but on Solent afterwards he seemed to single out Lallana, without doubt our best player, but also Puncheon. Seems a case of I signed him so he is good.

Davies 7 couldnt be faulted for goal and kept us in it in second half with great save.
Otsemobor 5 Poor game didnt tackle and no pace going forward
Seaborne 6 played most of the game and given a tough time by Scrowcroft but stuck to his task, still learning the game and to early to judge
Fonte 6 not his best game and forever being called for fouling though I saw it the other way.
Harding 6 did okay but distribution wasnt his best
Puncheon 5 poor for me with just flashes of what he can do, doesnt do any of his defensive duties.
Hammond 6 Not his normal self, missed several tackles.
Schneiderlin 6 struggled but put down to coming back from injury
Lallana 8 was bright spot all day and no doubt shone if any scouts looking.
Barnard 6 worked hard but didnt threaten much and had one header he should have buried.
Lambert 5 Really poor game, won hardly anything in the air all day and had one decent shot second half well saved.

subs
Antonio 6 ran around as well as got off side but tried.
Wotton 6 seemed to steady the ship by putting his foot in.

No doubt will see an improved performance against Charlton but on merit the starting 11 dont all deserve to start next saturday but suspect they will do.

Saints like to make life a little difficult, don't they? That was painful at times.

I am hopeful that we have begun to win when not playing well. Normally when playing like that we would have lost or at best drawn. We produced enough class to nick it but my principal concern is the lack of a midfield general. Hammond is not one and i would definitely bring somebody in for his position.Semi is a nightmare and I can't believe he was chirping away in the programme saying he is trying to earn a contract. Playing like that no chance.

Instead of James, I would let Thomas play if fit. He fully deserves a shot and though he can be caught for speed against the fleetest he has done well for us. He also plays with heart.

As soon as Pardew realises there is no hope of the play-offs perhaps he should give some youngsters a chance to shine.