24 Nov 2014 22:27:29
Well another win streak comes to an end but unlike last time our unbeaten run continues. That point might mean something further into the season so that's the positive spin on a poor performance.
Defensively we were too easy to counter-attack against. I know some will blame Forster for the goal, but my perception is Alderweireld/Fonte called him out, he hesitates before making the run too late. Again another positive from this was none of them brought Agbonlahor down and got sent off.
Our attacking play lacked it's usual flair and fluidity, Mane didn't represent and made Hutton look like he was in the best form of his life. Pelle was unable to make an impact, but at least he didn't get a yellow card. The goal was at least a nice outcome to Clyne's current form and deserved based on our domination of possession. Overall the players seemed to be hungover from the international break, so I expect a much more striking performance on Sunday.
24 Nov 2014 23:13:41
Forster was to blame he called to Toby to leave it to him. Just accept that it was a total disaster from our goalkeeper, how much longer are you all going to make excuses for him. He worries me for Sunday against the likes of Aguero and Toure. I hope you recorded the match tonight, just watch his indecision coming out for the ball. Bring back Boruc, what did he ever do wrong apart from make a couple of silly over confident mistakes.
You've got to look at how the situation developed however and that was a clearance from Clark that floated ever so perfectly behind our centre backs who had pushed up to the halfway line, that left us vulnerable. Agbonlahor has great pace and neither Fonte and Alderweireld seemed to take that into account. Yes Forster fluffed making contact with the ball, but the way the ball landed it was always there for the attacker to collect and the only thing Forster could of done differently was bring him down. It's a bad goal to concede but it's the type which only happens once a season. I agree Forster looks rough around the edges, but I still feel compelled to believe he offers more than Boruc did. And let's face it if Boruc had been in goal tonight it would have ended the exact same way or with him getting sent off.
25 Nov 2014 09:51:38
Toby had already caught him up and only veered away from the ball which I believe he would have cleared when he saw Forster charging out, Toby is just as quick as Agbonlahor. Toby obviously thought that Forster had it under control. I just hope the goalkeeping coach takes Fraser to one side and asks him what the hell did he think he was doing. It was just pure and simply bad goalkeeping.
As a former central defender, the blame was purely down to Forster. His starting position was poor, he hesitated, and he didn't get anywhere near Agbonlahor. Toby had Agbonlahor in his pocket, but moved to receive the ball after seeing Forster come for the ball. He either had to get their quicker, or stay where he was and let his defenders deal with the issue.
Saints were poor last night. That said, the determination of the side to get something has to be commended
As a goalkeeper myself it looks as though there was a late call of some description hence the stutter before the run. Personally I would have been slightly higher upfield anyway on the clearence which perhaps gives more time to get to the ball. That he did not bring him down is his saving grace as it would have been tight. It is a lonely job keeping and you live and die by decisions made in the moment and he is still a class above artur imho. I hope cody comes good soon too!
Hi Chrisdownj after 10 league games Forster made a mistake- it happens, look at Boruc against arsenal and stoke last year. He has conceded 4goals in 10 league games Chelsea have conceded 11 in 12. Even if you think he is a dodgy keeper I still want him in our team. I guess this is one of the few things we will disagree on since I am mostly thinking the same as you.
25 Nov 2014 19:31:19
Hi Ronrulesok I know what the facts are but just ask yourself when have you seen Fraser make one outstanding save this season ? The answer is you haven't and that is not his fault the reason being he hasn't had to. Look at the match stats for the games you are talking about and see how many shots the 4 teams you mention had on target, you will be amazed I promise you. The only ones they did have on target I think even I could have comfortably held on to. I really want to be wrong about him honest. The problem could very well be that he hasn't had enough to do.
25 Nov 2014 20:18:37
Sorry Ron slightly misread your post regarding the amount of teams and goals against scored but the answer from me is still the same. The analysis still works though.
You can clearly see Fonte put his arm up to call for Forster to come off his line, that led to the hesitation from him and Alderweireld moving away from the ball. It was a cock up by all 3 of them, you can't put the blame on just one.
Can't understand what chrisdownj's problem with Forster is, he's made less unforced mistakes than Boruc had at this point last season, kept the most clean sheets in the league and we've only conceded 6 goals all season and I feel much safer knowing he's in goal rather than calamity Artur. But, i guess you were one of the people who were constantly on Wanyama's back last season, Fox's before that and so on and Forster has just been designated your least favourite player for this season and thus gets massive amounts of stick for one mistake and all the good work he's done gets forgotten about
The goalie should command anything in his box or whatever is going to come to him. He struggles to command the box on corners or free kicks and struggles to get down low because of his size. alderwireld should of cleared the danger. just an opinion from a spectator
26 Nov 2014 10:33:26
SaintSaintSaint you could not be more wrong about me regarding Fox and Wanyama, as far as Fox is concerned he did his best but was just not up to the standard required along with a few others like Billy Sharp, Lee Barnard etc. Wanyama I always thought he was a good player but needed to keep on his feet in the tackle and not give the ball away so much, he is much improved this season. With Forster I have yet to be able to say we are much better with him than Boruc. For all his over confident mistakes Artur made some incredible saves last season and don't forget it wasn't very long ago he was voted European goalkeeper of the year on several occasions. When Forster does something like that I will hold my hands up and apologise but can't see it happening very soon.
{Ed007's Note - When was Boruc ever voted European GK of the year?}
26 Nov 2014 10:37:31
Toby only veered away from the ball when he saw Forster charging out like a raging bull, would you want to be hit by him ? I wouldn't. 100% goalkeeping error.
A keeper's perspective. whilst I admit it was an error that cost a goal, let's not forget that it should not have been too much of a concern had our front 4. yes 4. been more clinical up front. Mane is not all he seems cracked up to be (at the moment) and has missed some sitters so far. I am sure he will find his feet soon. When strikers miss they often get another chance to make amends, we keepers do not as the damage is done. We have an england international in goal an he will come good. you heard it here first!
26 Nov 2014 12:44:06
Sorry Ed I apologise for the gaff on his honours just something I was told by a supposedly good friend in the know. He obviously wasn't credited with any award for which I am wrong to have stated. He was though on the short list for the world eleven but in no way am I trying to wriggle out of this. I consider myself well and truly battered over this one and must be more diligent with fact and fiction in future. You wait till I see my mate on Sunday !!!
{Ed007's Note - I wasn't having a go at you, Chris mate, just that as a Celtic supporter I was surprised by you saying it, that's all. I thought you were going to point out something I'd missed over the years.}
Ed 007. out of interest did you guys feel fraser was prone to gaffs? Is he still living of his fantastic barca performance? Is the prem a whole different ball game. As a keeper myself I feel he lacks something on command of area and crosses. I rate him and feel a season would be best time to cast judgement.
{Ed007's Note - I said before you signed Forster one of his weaknesses was his decision making coming for crosses and he needed to work on it, he needs a bit more confidence in his own physical presence when coming out to challenge for crosses. Forster broke Scottish records for clean sheets, minutes without conceding etc and before people turn their nose up that it's only the Scottish league some of those records had stood for many years, if it's that easy why aren't they broke more often, Boruc never broke any of them, so Forster's career isn't only based on the Barca game.
Come the end of the season I'd reckon most Southampton fans will be generally happy with Forster ad their GK, I still expect him to push Hart all the way for the England No.1 spot as well.}
Cheers Ed my thoughts exactly! Keep up the good work!
{Ed007's Note - No probs, thanks.}
29 Nov 2014 16:10:05
chrisdownj i agree partly with you points about Forster. I think he still lacks a bit when it comes to decision making and that the goal was completely his responsibility. However I support the decision to get him. I personally don't think has had to much to do for us yet and so don't think he has really shown what he can do but I do feel more confident with him then Boruc. I thought Boruc was an amazing shot stopper but he did always used to scare me with his arrogance, always had a mistake in him. He was also getting on. We had to build for the future and i really don't think there were better available at the time then forster with his potential. Think he could become a class keeper and he has time on his side. I know for the cost he possibly should be there already, but that's the way its going. Nobody was going to sell to us cheap, Shane Long was a lot too but actually was a great signing and provides us with different options. let's just show forster a little faith. To only make one costly mistake at this stage is ok.