Match Report

I have been wondering how to start this report, as Saints did not play that badly, there was just a complete lack of confidence in front of goal. In the last three games we have had at least 60% possession and scored not a single goal. The goal drought has gradually been getting worse, as we look less and less likely to score.

What Ronald is going to do about it? A hint came in this game, as he reverted to the three centre back formation that he has used to good effect in the past. The trouble was that Saido Berahino scored for West Brom in the first two minutes. Saints were then left chasing the game and the formation was hardly improving either defence, or attack. Things only got better when Gardoş was unceremoniously hauled off after 25 minutes to be replaced by Elia and we changed back to Saints more usual formation.

The dream of a Champion's League place is looking like a distant dream already and clinging on to a Europa League place is going to be a challenge, unless Ronald can turn things around pretty damn quickly. there has been a notable change in his tone already. He was quoted after the game as saying ’I was always realistic and I was never thinking we would qualify for the Champions League’

Ah well, it was nice while it lasted.

Rather more noteworthy was the strange sight of a referee picking up an injury. Phil Dowd was obviously in trouble in the latter stages of the first half and he did not appear again at the restart. The Fourth Official, Graham Scott was pressed into service instead. Not even that changed things for Saints.

I would go through the game, but really the statistics on the right tell the tale - twelve shots at the West Brom goal, of which just two were on target. Of those two, Saints really should have scored one, when Pellè illustrated his lack of confidence on missing the goal, when all he really had to do was tap in Bertrand's cross from less than five yards out. You had to feel for the bloke as he put his head in his hands.

Talking of Bertrand, it was good to see him back, after his enforced three match suspension, having been sent off in the final moments of the Swansea game. Mané appears to have been forgiven for turning up late for the pre-match meal at the Liverpool game and was back in the side. As in other matches he looked the Saint most likely to score, but in truth, even he was not firing on all cylinders. Other than that, it was the same old same old.

This was a game that Saints really should have and could have won. If only someone in the team would take the game by the scruff of the neck and set the example that the others would be sure to follow. A leader in other words.

So, we move on to Crystal Palace at home on Tuesday. Will we see Saints score?

Channonite

1st March 2015