dedlock

He is simply class, he has shown an ability to read the game and think ahead that no other midfielder has shown. Some of his misplaced passes are merely a consequence of thinking ahead,as others become accustomed to his play they will anticipate the pass. I hope the injury is not serious.He has improved game on game and he is now central to the way we play.

What was pleasing about the goal was the maturity Gray showed at the end of his dazzling run.In the past he might have gone for goal himself,yesterday he showed composure and awareness,playing a perfectly weighted pass to Riyad. It resulted in a stunning, exquisitely worked goal.

It seems to be the end of the season that Saints fans moaned about boring tactics etc. In addition to losing better players they also lost their best defender,Van Dijk, to injury. I agree it is important this has been resolved promptly, avoiding further disruption to our season. A positive reaction from the players to build on the last two results is now required. Puel will have done his homework before interview but he will now be able to assess the squad first hand with time before the January window opens.

As I posted in the match thread, the clean sheet is the only positive thing about today. Shakey is left with limited options in midfield but he seems to lack tactical awareness , flexibility or adaptability. Unless we secure 2 wins in October the owners have to consider a change. My preference would be to bring in a tactically adept coach/ manager to work alongside CS but it may require a complete change should performances continue and results reflect that.

Shakey is clearly a good coach and a good number 2. Like other posters I am surprised that he was offered the full time job, rather than being retained as assistant manager with anew,higher profile manager brought in. That could still happen. Shakey has not had the best of luck with injuries ,particularly in midfield, and he has not been helped by the Silva fiasco. He has to address the weaknesses in MF with the available,fit personnel. We have played 4 of what are expected to be the top 5 or 6 teams in our first six games. We always knew that it would be a tough start. Four points is a poor return and we could and should have at least 2 or 3 more. The next 3-5 games are key, if we do not get the wins and climb the table by early November Shakey's future will look decidedly shakey.

Wow indeed. Rehabilitation in football and with the owners?!

I am yet to be convinced. In the summer I thought that Shakey and the coaching team should be kept but with a high profile manager brought in. Now he has the job he should have time to show whether he can adapt from being a number 2 to becoming the boss. He is learning on the job. To play the teams we have has been a very tough start. We have performed well without the results, other than Brighton,which,ironically, was a lacklustre performance. Other than Liverpool we have a run of games which should provide better results. I doubt that the owners are prone to kneejerk reactions and,even if results don't go our way, he will be allowed time to show what he is capable of. I am glad Woy is now employed but that still leaves the possibility of Big Sam should Shakey fail. I hope he succeeds!

Maybe that's why Craig has got into tic tac.

The game time HB gets in the championship will be invaluable experience. After MK franchise in league one he has made a step to the level above and will,hopefully,be ready to advance further as part of our squad next season. He will be carefully managed and monitored. Whilst it's great to see "one of our own " play with the first team he needs to be ready and able to compete at the top level. As we have seen with Chilwell and Gray that can take time.

Iborra looked calm and tidy. He had one error in the first half but recovered well, he probably won't get that chance inPL, otherwise he looked composed and capable.

He is a unit but for such a well built player he is very good with the ball. The surges into midfield will add a dimension to our game. His size and strength look like it will be difficult to knock him off. Brighton offered him the opportunity to make those forward runs,next week will be a different challenge.

The OP assumes this will happen. In light of the delay and pending litigation I have doubts. I hope we have alternatives waiting in the wings.

The first team squad on OS includes Elliott Moore and Harvey Barnes with squad numbers

He showed determination for both goals, following up for the first. The second was a good team goal with contributions from Albrighton and Chilwell before Musa's mazy run and one-two with DD.His sprint into the box for the return show he has developed an understanding with team mates.Hopefully there is more to come. I'm surprised Leo started rather than Musa. Playing 3 in midfield means we need pace up front, if Musa can maintain this form it gives CR another option to JV.

He panicked a couple times today but was generally solid. His role differed with the switch to 4-2-3-1.He was the more defensive of the 2, Drinky seemed to have more freedom. Looking at his performances over the season so far he has improved and looks a good prospect. His reading of the game will improve with more games.