You know, now I think about this I wonder how many of the team knew Macca was injured and that was influencing their decision making and play (badly) and that they wouldn’t have let him stay on if FF was on the bench
The bit about JWP probably knowing that Macca was injured, is what needs to be discussed with Ralph. If Prowsey thought that Macca was incapable of getting across the goal to save a shot, then he should have been telling Macca to sit down and wait for treatment, whilst he had a chat with Ralph. As the captain he needed to be taking responsibility of the situation. A little earlier, when I saw Lyanco taking a goal kick and hitting it long instead of the usual inter passing goal kick which includes the keeper, it did make me think that Macca had picked up a knock, which also makes me think that Ralph should have been thinking the same thing and trying to get the trainer on the pitch to assess Macca. The blame, imo, needs to be shared.
I am hoping the latter isn’t true, because that would be a fantastic way to demoralise Harry Lewis who now looks like he may be in goal for the remainder of December. Re the emergency loan stuff, as long as Lewis is fit this is a non option isn’t it as we have a pro keeper fit, we just have to accept having an academy keeper on the bench. Let’s see how long McCarthy and Forster are out but if it is long term for both, Lewis will have to handle December and then in January, Dean Henderson on loan looks like a good fit for Saints, Man U and Henderson himself. Then get a permanent in the Summer.
Worth pointing out that Nathan Redmond has made an assist for a goal for four home games in a row. First Saints player ever to do that. Remember when everyone said he shouldn't be playing?
They still are, guys sat behind me were screaming at him all game. People’s minds are made up about him, no amount of good form will change that at this stage unfortunately. He is one of our three best players so far this season alongside Livramento and Salisu imo.
Can’t really blame people having made their minds up on Redmond, he has been here 5(?) years now and largely been underwhelming at best during that time. Sure he has been one of our better attacking players (possibly our best) this season. But that’s not really a glowing endorsement.
It's worth looking at the assists/chances created chart - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/southampton/top-scorers/assists
You absolutely can, because it shows that people are incapable of changing their opinions, despite evidence to the contrary, which is a VERY bad reflection on them (and a reflection on modern attitudes, but that's a far bigger discussion).
Because it was tactical when it was happening in the first half (not that I agreed with it), I had no reason to think otherwise when it happened again at the end of the game. Some people might have been well aware that McCarthy was injured. But from the other end of the stadium, I wasn't. And nor were those around me.
It can be both, I can acknowledge that Redmond is **** but has been playing better recently. Doesn’t mean I want him here long term or that I think he is any good, just that he has been better in a side that scores very few goals (that’s not completely his fault of course)
I've gone on record in the past to say that I care little for the assists statistic (given the involvement, either positive or negative, of a subsequent teammate). Chances created is far more revealing, and fairer, than assists. But there is absolutely no question in my mind that Nathan is showing his best sustained form for us in a very long time. He's one of the first names on the teamsheet now. If only we had Stu available to join him.
Chances created. Not his fault that our strikers can't finish. It's 4 assists in 4 home games too, depends which dress you want to wear.
Was having a conversation with my dad before the game, about when Frank Lampard junior was at West Ham. There is a video freely available on YouTube where a bunch of West Ham fans are demanding to know why Harry Redknapp kept playing Lampard. As my old man pointed out, that tells you everything you need to know regarding what the average football supporter knows about the game.
I suppose if Brighton didn’t score the match would still be being played...can we get a ref with a pea in his whistle next time. Just because you are paranoid, doesn’t mean the bastards aren’t out to get you
It’s the fans that are similar, at every club. Most seem to have no idea what they are watching every week.