Literally, thought we looked totally in control pretty much throughout yet going by the commentary towards the end we were hanging on by a thread.
Dare I say that Fraser had a decent game? He was put in trouble once or twice and was quick to move to deal with the problem. Vin
Impressive performance all things considered, didn’t give them much of a sniff in what could have been a banana skin
Take aways for me: Watts looks a talent Only brief but I liked the look of Jankewitz (?) Dan is a handful, but lacks a little finesse and touch; a bit to learn. Vokins looks very composed Chauke worked hard but maybe the game passed him a little Valerie - I’ve decided he has loads of talent but not a lot between the ears in terms of decision making. Good they had a run out, but not sure too many PL level yet.
Good win that. Managed to rest a few key players, dominated possession so didn't have too much running to do and of course great to see N'Lundulu score on his full debut. Plus we now all have some entertainment this weekend!
Job done. Good for the youngsters to get a run out. Good for JWP to get into the idea of playing those penetrative passes forwards. Good to see that Diallo is still a cracking player. Good to have it confirmed that Shane really isn't. Really quite liked Weird Al Jankowitz's cameo. As Tom said, job done, no injuries. As Vin said, Fraser did well. As everyone else said... Cotterill.
Possibly not but Vokins and Watts certainly look like they might be PL level sooner rather than later. Vin
Unknowns Watch: - Nlundulu looks like a great big awkward lump. Could be a laugh. - Watts looks talented and confident already. - Kegs seemed to be trying a bit too hard, wasn't coming off for him. - Vokins solid. - Jankewitz only got a few minutes but he looks assured, and physically ready. - Finnegan, MOTM.
Agreed. I'd be a bit scared playing them for any significant time in a PL match. Dan, Watts, Jankowitz, Vokins all look like they have the talent though.
A win but made it look hard. Young lads did well but too much dwelling on the ball and wanting that extra touch as a team especially in front of goal. Should have had a couple more goals. Shrewsbury did defend well but Saints should have scored more. Bring on Arsenal
I would agree with that. I think their best hope for a goal was for Stephens to underhit/misplace a pass to give them a chance. He got away with 3 or 4 tonight, that just about reached his target. Maybe it was because he had too much time on the ball but he will need to be sharper Saturday.
Haven’t seen him tested as a defender yet, but going forward he has the passing and likes to get into the box.
I loved the way Armstrong came on and looked head and shoulders above everyone else, on the pitch. Pretty much every time he received the ball he turned past the player on his back, and ran the ball into space, creating problems for Shrewsbury. Looking forward to him doing that on Saturday. Edit. His cameo should be shown to the youngsters as an example of how to play in that role.