Everyone might be on the bus, but the wheels have certainly come off it big time.

Before i even look at the game i am going to clarify a couple of things, firstly this scathing indictment is not a knee jerk reaction to one poor result, its the tip of the iceberg going back two months and ten games, a run that has seen us pick up only 11 points out of the 30 on offer, secondly Im going to be saying nothing new, I have been saying the same things since even before the start of that bad run and as a manager and a team we have failed to address the problems.

Firstly I do not accept injuries and suspensions as a reason for this poor run, we have a big squad, what has been the problem in that department is the failure to use that squad to its full potential, at many times to put square pegs in square holes and that was certainly the case last night.

This was not the first time that the manager has completely got his selections and tactics wrong in the past two months, in fact its cost us dearly before, bringing on Harding for ox at Fratton is perhaps one that stands out, but last night it all came home to roost, players like to see continuity in those aforementioned selections and tactics, but they are seeing that in some areas but not in others, the manager now seems to be making change for change sake as in the case of Harding, playing him last night was folly, it wasnt as if he had no other choice, ichardson was fit and Butterfield has not only played regularly at this standard, but showed both last year and in his rare opportunities this, that he can play right back comfortably, so why gamble.

When a team is in the middle of a bad run, a good manager will look back at what things where done right in the past and get back to those basics, keep the teams shape and not tinker too much, Yago Falque's appearance in the starting line up highlighted a couple of issues about Adkins use of his squad, especially with a few key players out, instead of continuity we had even more chaos, Yago himself did not cover himself in glory, whilst its harsh to judge him on this one game, in no way shape or form did he look anywhere ready to play in this division, but it wasnt just lack of experience, he seemed to lack discipline, Ok he wasnt seeing much of the ball, but when he didnt get it he chased it over the park, so much so that after about 20 minutes it was hard to work out just where he was supposed to be playing, but it wasnt left midfield that was for certain, Im afraid to say that throwing him in struck me as a manager bereft of ideas and not confident in his own players.

Both goals were soft, yes Nugent's was a great strike, but firstly Harding was caught out of position, but when he got back, he did little to stop Nugent, always being too far off him to either close down Nugent's shooting angle or block the shot when it came, Nugent had to finish, but he wont get that much time and space very often thats for sure.

The second goal was just as bad, the failure to clear a ball and then stop the cross coming back in followed by a free header, too many times we do that, how many free headers do we give away, again look at the Pompey game as an example, Guly got all the stick, but it wasnt Guly's job to mark Ward, someone let him go and get that free header in and the same last night with Mills.

So now Nigel Adkins has got a real task on his hands, he has to turn around a slide that has been almost ignored for two months, he hasnt heeded the warning signals, I have always said that for Adkins this season would be a steep learning curve, he is in a situation he has never been in before and Saints success would depend on his ability to learn from his mistakes and adapt quickly, early in the season he did this but in truth its easy to do so when your on a winning run, but in the last two months he hasnt, although in fairness to him Im not sure how much his hands have been tied when it comes to signing players that he wanted, certainly he appeared keen on Jutkiewicz in both the loan window last year and the first week of this transfer window, perhaps he did see the fact that with the way we played we had no options if Lambert was injured or suspended, if thats the case things are coming home to roost now, only 10 goals scored in those 10 games is not exactly free scoring, especially when you consider that 3 of them were scored in one game, I wont even mention the 13 we conceded in the same period.

So to conclude, Im sure there are some who will take me to task for this verdict, accuse me of being negative and telling me that Im wrong Saints are brilliant etc etc, I do hope Im wrong, I hope that outr next ten games yield 20 points, but to be blunt I can only comment on the last ten not the next, if things dont change drastically and quickly our season will continue to fall apart.

Photo: Action Images

St_Guido added 09:37 - Jan 24 Spot on Nick. i like Nigel but he just doesn't have a plan B. Leicester sussed us out & stopped us playing, wanted every ball more than our guys & got their just rewards. I was worried when I heard the team & it took less than 5 minutes of watching the game to know we were going to lose.
0

geezershoong added 09:53 - Jan 24 Agree 100% for a change, but the last paragraph was not needed.
0

SaintNick added 09:58 - Jan 24 Not sure why you feel the last paragraph wasnt needed, I did because i wanted to emphasise that as much as Im hacked off about our recent form, I truly want us to win as much as the next man
0

hortonsaint added 10:00 - Jan 24 Hard to argue Nick and I like to! The selection of Harding at RB and to leave him there so long was beyond belief and painful to watch. I don't know if Butterfield is injured? If not then what is going on? It would even have been better to play Cork at RB and start De Ridder if NA really doesn't want to play Butterfield. I would take some issue I guess about us having a good enough squad, the problem is we don't in key areas ie CB/CF. Martin really struggled in the first half and I don't think he can be considered a long term solution and without Rickie we lose the whole focal point of the team.I'm glad you recognise now that we have problems in attack as well as defence though as you've not really picked that up until now, always highlighting sloppy errors rather than the lack of chances of created. Saying all this I was really disappointed by the reaction of the crowd who behaved like spoilt children rather than making an effort to help the side. Fine to moan/criticise after the game but we should concentrate on the supporting the side better during the game.

0

geezershoong added 10:09 - Jan 24 I thought those who could be arsed to stay until the end deserve credit.
0

hortonsaint added 10:17 - Jan 24 Staying to the end may be honourable but it's about backing the side at key points in the game ie when falling behind, struggling etc. Booing a side that has achieved what it has so far was unacceptable no matter how badly they played last night or over the last 10 games. Too many of our fans sit on their backsides and wait to be entertained and then moan when they're not.

0

Stephen added 10:20 - Jan 24 I've just heard that Adkins is signing 5 new players. Lambert Lallana Fonte Chaplow Lee How do you feel now? Stop whinging and get real. It is clear to me that our boys are also suffering from not having good players at left or right back. We need new ones as our current boys have not stepped up to the plate at this higher level. I would also like a great play maker in the middle of the park.

0

saintBob added 10:25 - Jan 24 Can't disagree too much with any of that. Comparing both teams on paper before the kick-off, Leicester's line-up looked quite formidable. Our midfield is just not strong enough. NA says that with all the injuries it gives other members of the squad a chance to prove themselves so why suddenly throw in Falque who has only been here for 5 days? We don't have a strong squad I'm afraid and we desperately need 3 or 4 new players. Hooiveld seems to be another one on the injury list now and I thought he was our best player last night, the only one who seemed committed. What injury does lallana have? Seems to me as if we've burnt out. On the bright side, after the game last night NA implied that as well as Lambert, Fonte and Chaplow would be back by the weekend but now Fonte will have to be partnered by Martin who will now be require to play on the left. Please NA - make your mind up with either Fox or Harding! disappointed to see that Cork couldn't pass the ball to save his life last night, Guly & Connolly do not form a partnership, we had just 1 corner and only 48% of the possession. I don't think our problems have been addressed because up until now we've stayed top of the league so maybe it's time for a reality check. There's still 19 games to go but things need to change quickly. Incidentally, just a thought - is anyone under the suspicion that it wasn't NA's choice to play Falque last night?

0

stmichael added 10:32 - Jan 24 Spot on Nick. Even more worrying is the apparent lack of fitness last night and desire. The following players were a complete waste of space : HARDING MARTIN SCHNEIDERLIN FALQUE CORK (I didnt get him last time he was here and i dont get him now!) CONNOLLY The others were just bad. They did not even compete with Leicester last night. We are in the middle of wasting a glorious opportunity. It is very sad to watch.

0

Stephen added 10:41 - Jan 24 Lallana has a groin strain. It's been a problem for a while. Adkins is absolutely right to say that whatever team he puts out he expects them to do the business. Let's face it if they don't they go. Also Adkins said that after games like this you learn more about players and that is very true. Remember he is a physio/psycho whereas most of us just look for skills and commitment. To play Falque was a gamble. If it had worked we would have sung his praises, it didn't and Adkins subbed him. There's nothing wrong with that. Yes let's hop Hooiveld is not badly injured. I take your point on burn out but my take is few of the players out there have much of a creative brain. Cork is too highly rated by the fans. Adkins keeps trying him out in different positions so he is not sure.

0

TML added 10:47 - Jan 24 I have read your posts for many a year now, and have come close to posting my thoughts in reply to your negative drivel, but today my dear boy I have had enough, you don't know the reasons why square pegs are used to fill round holes so you are in no place to pass judgement, ask the question find the facts then past the judgement. We are missing the spine of the best team in the league, so to sit there and say we have a big squad so this spine missing is no excuse, is utter tripe, take out the equivalent players from any team in the world and they will struggle. The squad needs to as the gaffa has stated be addressed in some areas these are plain to see and again with out the facts we can't blame anyone for the lack of movement. As for the Plan B or lack of rubbish! listen to what is being said by the manager 'we strive to give the players a platform form which to go play football the right way' or words to that effect, the style of football is a revelation which at the beginning of the season destroyed teams who could not deal with the speed it was being played at. We have of late not produced this fluid style due to a crimbo period and a injury list I have mentioned, I fully expect a return of this style and speed with the return of said spine, the style takes time to learn look to swansea, arsenal, barca, for proof of this. It ain't perfect at the minute but it is as damn near as it has been for many a year and I for one am enjoying it how ever painful it gets alone the way, because this pain is nothing compared to the pain of the past.

0

Fordy added 10:52 - Jan 24 Nobody played well last night, apart from maybe Jos. But I think it really highlighted how much we miss AL when he's not playing, it was the same last season. Even a half-fit AL is better than any of our other options. It means we have someone in midfield who is an outlet who we know won't lose the ball easily and opens up the space for others. Without AL we had no real options last night. Every time Guly got the ball it seemed to bounce straight off him and Connolly was poor. It would be hard to blame Morgan who at least was looking for movement, there just wasn't much in front of him. Hammond was particularly poor last night, if he doesn't offer leadership - which he didn't last night, it's hard to see what he does really offer.

0

StrasbourgSaint added 10:59 - Jan 24 Half full or half empty? We can see it eaither way and, Nick, you've chosen to see it half empty. That's your right and having only reached Strasbourg last night in time for the second half, I can only say that I agree with much of your criticism. Players didn't gell and some were just awful on the night. Team selection was a bit odd given the options that were still available. I say 'still' because where I don't agree with you is that you don't seem to think that injuries and Rickie's absence were major factors as well. Last night, no Forte, Chaplow, Lallana and Lambert. That's a huge loss. More important is how we move on. With luck, most of those missing last night will be back by February and Tadanari Lee will be available and settled. That should give us new impetus. So, as Horton says above, now is the time for the fans to get behind the team and remember how far we have come in the past couple of years.

0

tiptop added 11:00 - Jan 24 Have to agree with the sentiment of the article. It felt maybe that we had turned the corner with the last 2 results. Unfortunately we didn't see the oncoming truck until it steamed over us. That truck was a very good Leicester City team. Harding. NA realy doesn't want to drop him. It feels as though NA likes to make him feel wanted. Swapping between Fox and Harding I can understand with mid week games but to continue playing him at right back with Frazer fit has to be wrong. Maybe Frazer was only 50/50 and Butterfield is injured? Harding showed Nugent inside for the goal but equally was NEVER going to make it to the byline and cross. Falque. Looked a bit lost and lightweight and def not a starter ahead of Lee Holmes. But in fairness this was probably the best team performance I have seen saints up against bar Reading so it was a baptism of fire. I heard fans saying "Its like we've been found out?" Well yes but... What about Swansea for eg. Or any other team in the Prem who like retain possession. They are all clever enough to know teams will press high up the pitch sometimes and not allow you time. This happened last night. You have to be able to deal with and match this high energy. We were bullied off the ball, made to look lethargic, couldn't hold the ball up to relieve pressure and were unable to maintain any possession. Tough lesson.

0

sidsaint added 11:01 - Jan 24 Agree with most of what you say Nick. At least we have RL coming back, and a week left to get some proper championship experienced players in. But we do not have time to bed them in with Cardiff at SMS in a week and then a list of tricky fixtures to follow.A new attitude has to be adopted or I can see us dropping like a stone after last night's performance.
0

StrasbourgSaint added 11:01 - Jan 24 Sorry! Tired after long journey. For FORTE, of course it should read FONTE!
0

SanMarco added 11:19 - Jan 24 I have not posted on here for a long time and would perhaps agree that SaintNick is perhaps a typical Saint in being a bit negative at times but I do feel that I have to respond to TML's comments. It is true that we have had a great season - but most of the great part happened before December. Yes injuries/suspensions havent helped but they were first team squad members out there last night - 'big names' such as Cork. Guly, Schneiderlin etc and it simply wasn't good enough. As RL himself said: 'teams have worked out how to play against us'. Therefore we do need some sort of plan B. I noticed that many were bemoaning the fact that we might have to settle for the play-offs after last night. The truth is that even that may be over optimistic. Yes, key players were out last night but they will be again, it is what happens in football. If the manager doesnt deal with it then we could end up losing out altogether. That is not negative thinking - it is a fact based on our performances since late November (and we haven't been without this 'spine' in all of the games since - although spineless would be a good description of last night). We are up there based on our great form from a long time ago - that form won't magically come back - this is NA's big moment and he needs to do something...

0

Stephen added 11:46 - Jan 24 StrasburgSaint You seem to have misunderstood the metaphor of half full or half empty. It is meant to illustrate how feeling s get in the way of analysis and does not imply we have a choice as you suggest.
0

SaintNick added 11:51 - Jan 24 If we are as many seem to feel a two man team and without Lallana or lambert merely average then isnt that an indictment on the squad we have built, we should really have made plans for them being out. However both Lallana and lambert were playing back in December and November when we were no better, lets be blunt this isnt about last night its about the bigger picture Im sorry TML feels that i havent got a clue, yes we have lost our spine, but lets be blunt this was leicester we were playing, a team that was languishing in mid table . Yes the squad needs addressing, but why hasnt it been addressed

0

saintstowin added 11:58 - Jan 24 i have to rely on listening to it and reading about it but i don't think there's much disagreement - about the performance anyway! as usual the talking points are to be had in the analysis of why and then what comes next! i honestly expect a backlash to be evident when we take on cardiff. this will hopefuly mean a win but i'd take a really good showing and then go from there, the result will probably follow. i'd like to say when we take on millwall we'll see it too but i expect that team to bear little resemblance to a league line up. again i'm hopeful of another win there though. backlash is actually a bit harsh given our successes but a result so disappointing in terms of performance will lead to some straight talking and everyone reflecting on what can happen next, and i think that's the vital thing - what comes next, not dwelling on this result. it'll be great to have 2 or 3 of our best players come back and then some that have been playing despite excelling can have a break (and who knows maybe they have been playing on empty a bit but under pressure to carry on). there's no escaping that we've let a lead slip but i can't emphasise enough how magnified that is by being 1st. if we'd yo-yo'd between 8th and 4th a bit, going up and down with results then no one would bemoan us slipping back a little. now we are there to be shot at with reports focussing on dropping to 2nd, and who knows maybe even lower. but if that happens then we have to trust our team to recover and give them all the support we can to do so.

0

mickyt7 added 12:25 - Jan 24 Where's Kris Commons?
0

BlackRod added 12:40 - Jan 24 I'm with TML. We have lost so many 'must win' games that according to Nick we should have given up already! I'm not convinced that our leading opponents are much better. Middlesbrough seem to have imploded. West Ham have certainly had some wobbles and will continue to do so. Cardiff are the form team of the moment but will hit a rough patch. This is a learning process for the manager, the players and everyone in the club. There are no alternatives so they need our support not suggesions on team selection that are based on ignorance of the fitness, injuries and psycological state of the players.

0

saintBob added 12:43 - Jan 24 Contrary to what some people believe; Chaplow started the season and it was only his sending off at Barnsley that subsequently kept him out of the team, other than that it's no coincidence that results have been on the decline since his injury, being the only midfielder prepared to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in. NA just hasn't utilised his squad enough, in general, it's been the same players week in, week out throughout the season so far and they are knackered. No wonder we have injuries mounting up. We are now dependent on other squad members when we are, for want of a better word 'desperate' and the pressure on them to 'step up to the plate' is unfair. Leicester bullied and battered us and I think we just didn't have the energy to fight back. Rant over!

0

Fordy added 12:53 - Jan 24 The thing is Nick I'm not sure everyone sees November and December as bad as you do. We had a blip and didn't pick up many points, but the performances weren't dreadful. We outplayed Pompey and for much of the match Brighton, yet only got one point from the two games. Last night was the only game where we weren't really in it from start to finish. You say we should have planned for the loss of RL, AL and JF but if any team loses their three best players, it's going to hurt. Take Bale, Modric and King out of Spurs and would you put money on them winning? Man City are missing Toure & Kompany. You can't rip the heart out of a side and say we should have planned for it.

0

bstokesaint added 13:02 - Jan 24 I'm not going to try and defend what was actually a very lacklustre performance last night, on the back of a poor run, but TML makes a very valid point. For me the standout players this season have been Richardson, Lambert and Chaplow. Add to these the very competent Fonte and ever tricky Lallana and you have an exceptionally strong spine. With all those players missing from the starting XI (Richardson I know through NA's choice) then we are weakened significantly. I think the other players knew this too because they played like they were scared to lose. Falque can't realistically be expected to be an instant replacement for Saints' best player (IMO). And anyone who thinks Cork is overrated should spend a little more time watching football. He was below par last night, but has been excellent this season and is an engine in our midfield. If you want a midfielder that will bag a lot of goals look elsewhere. That's not to say he shouldn't work on taking the few chances he does get. I'm sure we will be fine when some of the aforementioned players return, but until that time I don't deny that if we're going to stay in the race we do need to splash the cash on some capable replacements that will fit straight in to what is currently a faltering team. I don't like doing the whole dramatic 'lose and we're out of it' thing, but next week's game is very likely to be pivotal and will be a huge test of character. Gives the kids a go in the FA Cup and save the league campaign.

0

Blogs 32 bloggers

Colchester United Polls