SPURS AT ST MARY'S

Realistically, Saints don't have a hope in this one..... but I have a funny feeling they are at last due to put in a good performance and might just manage to come out of it with a draw. The trouble is we need several 3-point games now, draws may not be good enough.

a 3 - 1 defeat, ugly scenes at the end as fans vent their frustration and all on TV.

Sorry Matty, I think my forecast beats yours for once!!  

One of the positives..... I thought it was rather a masterstroke to make Bertrand captain, he seemed much more interested than he has been in recent games. I hope he keeps the job in preference to Yoshida.

Well it was a better performance and a point is better than nothing though does mean MP stays in his job, and still not convinced he has what it takes to keep us up. The availability of Silva adds another option and while clearly fallen out of favour at Watford since the Everton tapping up a good article on Sky sports about why players liked him, eye for detail, works with individuals, tactically astute, similar by all accounts to Pochitino but does have a big ego ala Mourinho.

We started brightly and Gabbadini had a shot in first minute and while at Vorm was at least on target and showed intent, Tadic then played a decent ball into the box that Gabbadini couldn't connect to. Our goal was well worked, a clearance from Stephens to Tadic who played a good ball through for Bertrnad to cross and for their defender to slide in and put past his own keeper. Gabbdini was making a run though I suspect Dier would have had it covered. It was the type of crossing that we should see more of, low and hard and when conditions like yesterday anything can happen, deep crosses to the far post are pointless unless Austin playing. With our track record no way would we be able to defend for 75 minutes but would have liked to be more than 3!. They had hit the post then a decent corner, Stephens, not for the first time, left chasing shadows and Kane an easy chance to head in. Gabbadini tried to get up but Kane had been allowed a run so was always going to win the ball. We had a couple more opportunities with Tadic on left (decent game and played on the left, at last!) but Hojberg was unable to connect, Hojberg was played in a forward role and was much less effective. Seems odd after Ward Prowse had started getting into the box and scoring. I would like to see Lemina further forward, Lemina had a shot but straight at Vorn then Stephens really should have done better with a good free kick from JWP got up well but guided past the post, that near to goal anything on target would have gone in and similar to Fulham game where he should have scored.

Second half quite even, we had a few breaks and crosses but every time Spurs came forward they seemed to have acres of space and we always backed off. Gabadini had a shot saved, Ward Prowse had a decent shot form outside the box and Hojberg again was nearly through but he lacks pace so had to shoot from far out. Ali went close for them and at the end both side could have won it. Olafemi had a golden chance from a ball in from Tadic but mishit with goal at his mercy then Kane with all the space he wanted shot wide of the far post form about 8 yards, and luckily no one got a foot to it to knock in.

Some decent performances Tadic who still does nothing defensively played on the left and did make some great passes so was creating, JWP worked hard and a couple of decent crosses, Bertrand seemed more interested Lemina looked better, some great tackles then move forward though his passing was erratic,. swap him and Hojberg positions and we will get the best from the midfield 3, Hoedt and Stephens at times like they had never played together, both are easily drawn to the ball and forget about their positions and Stephens was outmuscled for the goal.

Desperately need another striker, cannot blame MP for starting the season with 3 strikers and another unavailable as loaned out for season. That is down to Reed and fact is we had just 1 fit striker yesterday and then a 17 year old which leaves the manager with few choices.

McCarthy 6 did okay a couple of shots to save and don't think could have come for the corner.
Cedric 6 did okay but his crossing was poor today.
Stephens 6 some decent blocks but should have scored and at fault for their goal.
Hoedt 6 got lost at times and doesn't seem to have much pace
Bertrand 7 got forward more and much more up for it than previous games,
Romeau 6 solid game
Lemina 6 would have been 7 but for a few passes straight to other side
JWP 7 does show effort all game, still a little lightweight and don't think he will ever be a top 6 club player but brings some energy to the side
Hojberg 6 not as comfortable further forward, was there to accommodate Lemina and Romeau together but he and Lemina should swap
Tadic 7 still lazy but has got that creative touch and played several decent balls through yesterday
Gabbadini 6 worked hard and will be better for a game under his belt

Subs
Davis 6 did okay and would see him as a sub from now on
Olafemi 6 shame he missed his chance but his pace did unsettle them

Thanks again Matty. I am inclined to agree with you about Lemina and Hojberg swapping positions..... but it will even occur to Grino, we'll see!

just hope it isn't until the last game of the season he works out where to play everyone.
At last Tadic was played on the left and he made a good contribution but its taken how many games for him to work that one out?
How many games/goals before he worked out Forster was struggling?
How many games before Austin was given a start?
How many games before realising Redmond isn't good enough, or if played he actually put on the right side not the left?
How many games before he worked out JWP needs to be on the right not in the middle?
how many games before he realises we can play 2 up front? Well still counting on that one!

Does give me some hope squad is good enough just need the manager to learn quicker. He does come across as a bit of a deep thinker and dogged, which maybe why he is not good at changing subs and tactics in a game, he has a game plan and struggles to move away from that as out of character