BURNLEY AT ST MARY'S

Can Saints manage to start with a win??

well not expecting a great game, see Burnley drew in Europa cup, 2 shots in game, none on target!

Going to be positive and go with a 2 nil win, new season new hope

Can't see anything but a draw, 1-1 or 0-0. Hope I'm wrong.

Well we were both right in the end, you had a draw and I had said that the 5 at the back won't work with our players! With Burnley playing away on Thursday, tired from flights, two shots all game none on target, Hart in goal expected a quick start from saints, some early crosses to put him under pressure. Unfortunately Hughes team talk must have gone on deaf ears! 16 minutes before our first attack which ended in a 25 yard shot from Hoedt going miles over the bar, bet Hart couldn't believe his luck! In that time Burnley had 4 shots, 3 on target.

Our full backs didn't get forward, our 3 CBs were who was doing what, Romeau was all over the place and Lemina was giving the ball away. Austin and Redmond up front with about 30 yards between each of them, long ball forward to Austin normally met by a Burnley header or if Austin did win it his flick on was no where near Redmond who was miles away. Bertrand and Redmond relationship clearly hasn't improved over the summer so all in all pretty depressing first half. Bright spot was Armstrong who showed a desire to run with the ball and a definite upgrade in Davis. We had McCarthy to thank for going in level at half time with three good saves when they really should have scored.

Second half started the same but  changed when Armstrong was injured, a bad tackle ref never called. Brought on Ings as sub and also took off Cedric for Elyou and 442 with Stephens going to right back, Redmond moved across to the right side and all of a sudden we had a balanced team. Ings looked a class above Austin with his control, ability to turn and spot a good pass, he will learn he doesn't have Mane and Salah alongside him so may as well go for goal. From then on mostly one way traffic. Hart made a few decent saves though most were fairly close to him, Ings should have scored with a header but glad to hear him afterwards say he should have scored but the goals will come as he gets more games. Redmond who first half was as bad as ever had a much better second half actually ran at players and much more of a threat with a couple of shots, he clearly plays better when on the right side. Stephens played okay at RB, didn't get forward that much but solid and Vestergaard and Hoedt looked better as a central pairing.

So a disappointing result in not a win but a few positives, all the new signings looked decent and Ings if he stays fit could be a great acquisition. Shame Hughes didn't realise in the pre season friendlies that 5 at the back, doesn't seem to suit our players.


McCarthy 8 although distribution was abit dodgy at time made crucial saves to keep us in the game
Cedric 5 didn't do much first half, rarely got forward and think his place is up for grabs
Hoedt 6 doesn't suit playing as aback3/5 better when just 4 at the back.
Vestergaard 7 looks decent player will need to adjust to the physical aspect of the premiership, nudged out the way a few time times but overall looked good, think Yoshida will form a good partnership with him.
Stephens 6 poor in a back3/5 but did okay at RB
Bertrand 6 poor first half but improved in the second, didn't really do anything as Capt when clearly wasn't working on the pitch,
Armstrong 7 positive display, only one in first half willing to run with the ball, think he will link well with Ings getting forward.
Romeau 5 better in the second half but was chasing shadows a lot and he doesn't seem able to play alongside Lemina
Lemina 6 not much better than Romeau and again poor first half, still waiting to see him dominate.
Austin 5 was pretty poor though service was non existance, no reall attempts on goal and think will be sub from now on.
Redmond 7 poor first half but much better second once we went 442 and he played right side.

Subs
Ings 7 good control, ability to spot a pass please stay fit!
Elyou 6 looked decent not great pace but good control and didn't seem a lightweight like Boufal
Gabbadini 6 didn't do a great deal but think should start with Ings

Thanks Matty, good report.

How is summer going for you and Mike ? Enjoy the warmth while you both can.

Hi Pete, cooled off a bit with some much needed rain but looks like going to warm up again until the end of August. Not good for saints as they seem to struggle when the sun comes out!

Thanks Matty, great report as usual.... did you get a season ticket this time?

Cheers Matty. Yes, it's really dry over here also with a drought well and truly up and running. There have even been a few bushfires (not where I am but not too far away) and it's still winter.

Mike yes I did renew my ST, glutton for punishment. Most of the regulars in my area are all back in the usual seats