SAINTS AT PALACE...

Can Saints get back to winning ways at last??

Looking at respective league positions you would think so but I don't think it is going to be that easy. Palace seem to have improved recently and I am not feeling good about this. Hope I am wrong but I can see Saints going down 2-1 or 2-0.

Lot depends on who MP thinks is fit and plays, at least JRod and Lambert did not play mid week and Wanyama will simply be tired from travelling as didn't play. I think we will get at least a point and might even sneak a win but that is on basis Boruc in goal, Lovren and Fonte in centre poss Wanyama starting ., Time for Jrod to get back on the score sheet

well when got to the ground and saw Gazziniga and Cropper warming up with no sight of Boruc I was seriously worried, fortunately Boruc started. It wasn't a pretty game of football but saints did have that little bit of class. Palace tried hard but really had little direct threat on saints goal. Boruc had one save in first half from a knock down at edge of box that he got down well to. Aside from that it was mostly dealing with set pieces, which the majority went wide anyhow. Other chance for Palace was in second half when ball was crossed from right and Ince was in a good position at back post but Cline did some good defending and cleared for a corner.

Saints did not create many clear cut chances, Shaw was good going forward and had a decent attempt blocked by Speroni. Lambert was unlucky with a flick just before half time which beat Speroni but came back of the post, just about sums up his form lately. Saints goal had an element of fortune but also good persistence from JRod. Puncheon misplaced a header back, JRod pounced and took past a Palace defender was then a 50/50 with speroni, both got there together but ball fell to JRod who on the ground hooked the ball towards the empty net and got enough pace on the ball to make the net before a Palace player could get back. Wanyama went on good run in second half, could have shot but didn't, ball went to Lallana, could have shot but he didn't, ball went to Davis, could have shot but he didn't, same old, same old and chance gone

Cork picked up an ankle injury, how bad it is but Wanyama came on. Although he again made a few mis placed passes that some saints fans picked up on they seem to miss the number of tackles, boot in that Wanyama makes. Also a strong header on the ball, something rest of the midfield do no do and he gave great protection to back 4. Lovren and Fonte played well and thought Clyne had a good game at RB. Puncheon was fairly quiet, bit like when he played with us could either be good or could forget he was playing and fortunately was the latter to day.

Boruc 7 good handling still some scary passing!
Clyne 7 solid display
Fonte 7 some timely blocks
Lovren 7 won some good headers beaten a couple of times on the ground by Boloshie
Shaw 7 another tidy display
Davis 6 hard working but does not offer much going forward
Lallana 7 another good display without being outstanding
Schneiderlin 6 bit hit and miss some good stuff with misplaced tackles
Cork 6 hard working but passing was off
Lambert 6 slightly better this week and unlucky with shot that hit post
JRod 7 glad to see him score again, his run through the middle is what I would like to see more of.

Subs
Wanyama 7 a good solid defensive contribution, working back to full fitness
Gallagher 6 little chance to shine on for last 15 minutes for Rickie
Ward prowse 6 just last few minutes replacing Davis

Thanks for another excellent report Matty, glad you had no probs with posting it this time.

I'm relieved you got the forecast right this time.

From watching on Sky it did seem that Lovren was a little lucky not to be red-carded for a foul just outside the box. I had hoped to see Ramirez involved as he had been playing well recently.....thought he might have replaced either Davis or Lambert.

Thanks Matty. I guess this is simply a case of taking the three points and moving on.

Definitely take the 3 points and move on. solid if not spectacular, didn't think was the sort of game for ramerez to come on, if it had been 2 nil then think he would have been brought on but it was more like a championship game, pitch was really bobbly which did not help either side.