1. Log in now to remove adverts - no adverts at all to registered members!

Match Day Thread Southampton v Man City 19/12/2020 3pm KO Amazon Prime

Discussion in 'Southampton' started by sotonsaint, Dec 16, 2020.

  1. st_brendy

    st_brendy Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2011
    Messages:
    21,038
    Likes Received:
    9,891
    I wouldn't be looking for a Bertrand upgrade/replacement - at least not yet. I would first rather we sorted out the position in front of him, because not only does that improve that particular position, I think it would also improve Bertrand himself. Having someone on form, and on Bertrand's wavelength, can only help Bertrand.

    Maybe that player could yet be Armstrong, once he has come through this poor run of form of his (unlike so many of our side, I haven't rated him for a few weeks now). Particularly given that I understand he plays on the left for Scotland, and hence would be used to Robertson flying up and down that wing. Time will tell.

    Also, when comparing our left side to our right, I wouldn't underestimate the great work which JWP does to cover KWP. When he goes forward - often with either Theo or Armstrong tucking inside - JWP will invariably move over to cover the space. And his experience (albeit limited) at playing RWB no doubt helps there. But we don't always see the same on the other side (and to a large extend, that is understandable - given that we play with a midfield two, rather than three, I don't really want Romeu vacating that area too often). And as such, Bertrand has a tougher job than KWP - knowing that if he goes forward, he's more likely to leave us open; which in turn leads into the above point, of also knowing that the chances of such exposure are increased yet further, because a lack of a connection with the guy in front of him means that losing the ball or making a wrong decision is increased.
     
    #481
  2. Saintmagic

    Saintmagic Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2011
    Messages:
    18,860
    Likes Received:
    13,575
    Doesn’t Bertrands contract end at the end of the season?
     
    #482
  3. Lovelocum

    Lovelocum Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2011
    Messages:
    8,170
    Likes Received:
    4,134
    I would say we need a Bertrand understudy. Someone to come in over the next couple of seasons.
     
    #483
  4. StJabbo1

    StJabbo1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    8,241
    Likes Received:
    9,909
    Vokins? He knows the system.
     
    #484
    Dark Lord SFC likes this.
  5. Saints Fan4Life

    Saints Fan4Life Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2011
    Messages:
    15,887
    Likes Received:
    8,317
    Doesnt seem to be anywhere near getting in the squad. Even with 9 subs he wasnt involved. Strange as he did sign a long term deal in the summer so clearly thought of highly.
     
    #485
  6. MorgansBitOnTheSchneid

    MorgansBitOnTheSchneid Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2011
    Messages:
    2,421
    Likes Received:
    2,467
    I'm happy to pop my cherry on this one. Only been on the forum for 9 years <laugh>
     
    #486
  7. StJabbo1

    StJabbo1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    8,241
    Likes Received:
    9,909
    Rumble yer ribena
     
    #487
  8. Archers Road

    Archers Road Urban Spaceman

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2011
    Messages:
    53,854
    Likes Received:
    58,349


    You ask Joyce and Vicky,
    If candifloss is sticky...
     
    #488
  9. StJabbo1

    StJabbo1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    8,241
    Likes Received:
    9,909
    And all you got was shandy
     
    #489
    Archers Road likes this.
  10. Negative Creep

    Negative Creep Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2020
    Messages:
    2,230
    Likes Received:
    2,824
    .
     
    #490
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2020
    San Tejón likes this.

  11. San Tejón

    San Tejón Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2014
    Messages:
    13,970
    Likes Received:
    18,635
    I think the issue with Armstrong is consistency, at the moment.
    He seems to start games a little off the pace, with sloppy passing, before growing into it later on. We definitely miss his running with the ball, drawing players to him and creating space for others, when he isn’t on top of his game.
    Maybe he needs a harder workout prior to kick off to get fully up to speed.
     
    #491
  12. Negative Creep

    Negative Creep Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2020
    Messages:
    2,230
    Likes Received:
    2,824
    .
     
    #492
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2020
  13. thereisonlyoneno7

    thereisonlyoneno7 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2011
    Messages:
    18,162
    Likes Received:
    26,952
    Agreed.

    And I may have missed it, but welcome back Billy ;)
     
    #493
    Negative Creep likes this.
  14. Negative Creep

    Negative Creep Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2020
    Messages:
    2,230
    Likes Received:
    2,824
    .
     
    #494
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2020
  15. Brinkworth Saint

    Brinkworth Saint Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2012
    Messages:
    2,203
    Likes Received:
    2,633
    Interesting point you make, a bit like 'never say never' situation. How many of us offered lifts for Vesty to Leicester last year on the basis 'he'll never be any good for us?' Like others on here we will need a decent top up on our strike force and if we have someone that we've already paid for now finding real form, why would we not take a closer interest in him? Redders continues to disappoint and as I mentioned in an earlier post, I think Theo coming in has spooked him even more, why I don't know, but he's going to find his place on the bench filled by someone else pretty soon. The main thing is I really do trust Ralph's judgement, even if at times I'm a bit sceptical!
     
    #495
  16. Negative Creep

    Negative Creep Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2020
    Messages:
    2,230
    Likes Received:
    2,824
    .
     
    #496
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2020
  17. Brinkworth Saint

    Brinkworth Saint Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2012
    Messages:
    2,203
    Likes Received:
    2,633
    I rather hope he stays now.
     
    #497
  18. Saints_Alive

    Saints_Alive Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2011
    Messages:
    29,853
    Likes Received:
    34,230
    Redders had a couple of poor touches after he came on and that affected the rest of his performance. We all know that he is a confidence player and he has had periods of poor form for us but then he has had spells when he is red hot too. Starting from the bench is affecting him but he scored a good goal recently and might've had a couple more and i'm hoping that he can get back to his best because he adds a lot to the team when he is on it.
     
    #498
  19. Negative Creep

    Negative Creep Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2020
    Messages:
    2,230
    Likes Received:
    2,824
    .
     
    #499
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2020
  20. OddRiverOakWizards

    OddRiverOakWizards Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2011
    Messages:
    8,559
    Likes Received:
    2,678

    Adams' hold up and link up play has been superb and often helps us transition up the pitch. In that sense he is like Lambert, just without the finishing which hopefully will develop.
     
    #500
    davecg69 and ChilcoSaint like this.

Share This Page