29 Oct 2014 21:57:12
Hard fought, bruising win at Stoke, and into the q/f of the League Cup. Should've put the game to bed at 2-0 - like the weekend, missed too many chances to kill the match off and then got panicky as the other side went for broke.

Defence looked a shambles when Stoke went long ball and Forster didn't cover himself in glory, to say the least. Plenty for Koeman to ponder.

On the plus side, Pelle's still scoring, Long's off the mark, Targett did all right and the team has maintained the happy knack of winning no matter how ugly the game gets. And when it's Stoke playing, it gets very ugly.

Odd that the manager didn't use any subs until injury time - feel that could come back to hurt them at the weekend against a fresh Hull. Tadic in particular ran out of gas after an hour.

1.) 29 Oct 2014
It showed real conviction by the players to keep fighting for the win even after Stoke got their equaliser. Now having been drawn away to Sheffield Utd the footballing gods have shone brightly upon us, but it won't by any means be easy, they'll feel they've got every opportunity with home support. If we make it through that then fingers crossed we can look at a home draw to roar the boys across the line to that Wembley fixture. COYR

2.) 29 Oct 2014
What did Forster do wrong? I agree we should have killed the game at 2-0

3.) 30 Oct 2014
Forster didn't do a lot wrong, made a few good saves, but i guess he's this seasons guly and fox, right?

4.) 30 Oct 2014
I thought Forster was slow to get down to Nzonzi's shot, which may be a bit harsh as it went into the bottom corner, but it wasn't a great hit and travelled a long way.

After that, when Stoke started bombarding the box, you might expect a 6' 7" keeper to take charge of the area and help his centre backs out, but he either flapped and missed crosses or remained rooted to his line in spite of the ball flying around the six yard box.

Unconvincing, IMHO.

5.) 30 Oct 2014
You have to remember though we were playing Stoke, and they're main route of attack in the final 20 minutes was aerial bombardment. Perhaps you didn't notice but on the corners Walters was blocking off Forster every time he looked to come off the line to collect the ball which zeroed his chances to command the area.

6.) 30 Oct 2014
30 Oct 2014 09:42:37
Qwertyell I just completely agree with you. I am not sure whether many actually watch the game properly and analyse Forster, he is an OK sort of keeper with a great deal to learn and for 10 million pounds he should have it all already. The points you have made are exactly the same as ones I have made before and been derided for. I wouldn't be so worried if it was only a one off but these basic flaws in his game are consistent and he is only getting away with several misjudgements is due to our amazing back four and the whole team coming back to defend corners. I feel he is too bulky to get down quickly and at this level split seconds count. I really want to be proved wrong but it seems the rest don't see his deficiencies.

7.) 30 Oct 2014
30 Oct 2014 09:53:12
All I will say is Forster is 6' 7" and 16 stone so he should have been able to swat any pressures on him like flies, that is what is called commanding your area.

8.) 30 Oct 2014
Forster needs to be like Pat Jennings come for the ball and take man and all no prisoners unless he absolutley breaks up the man then it will always be in the goalies favour

9.) 30 Oct 2014
Qwertyell and chrisdownj you were probably both great keepers in your time. But the facts remain Forster has conceded only 3 goals in the prem had 5 clean sheets and when playing for celtic last year went 12 games without conceding. You may both pick faults but the goals yesterday were not that easy to save. He hasn't dropped any clangers like Boruc arsenal stoke etc. roko chose him over Boruc end of story. Would suggest you both read ugly inside what it meant to the team and stop imaging faults. If Forster reads this stuff and he may well do you are doing nothing to improve him. let's support the team warts and all.

10.) 30 Oct 2014
30 Oct 2014 17:35:16
When he played for Celtic without Rangers in the same division I don't expect the opposition got in to their half much if at all let alone the penalty area. Roko has taken the advice of our goalkeeping coach on this one to sign him but let's get it clear I am not saying he is a lousy keeper just that he worries me and I feel that when we are playing the likes of Chelsea the nerves might get to him. Yes it is true I was a goalkeeper but only because I was no good as an outfield player ! Let's not get too serious about this it is only my opinion and I have been wrong many times before and hopefully I am this time.

11.) 30 Oct 2014
30 Oct 2014 18:18:18
Seems the ex Celtic "curse" has been passed from Victor to Forster!!

Different players take different lengths of time to adjust. Because of his cost it seems we expect instant results. Why not look at it the other way-"our expert coaches were willing to pay a lot of money for this guy, he has shown one or two weaknesses but it suggests they see he will improve and become world quality".

12.) 30 Oct 2014
Chrisdownj FF is 11 1/2 st please get your facts right.

13.) 30 Oct 2014
30 Oct 2014 20:31:12
That's fine Saint Martin and I sort of agree but from what you're suggesting he really shouldn't be playing every game whilst developing. Don't you think we need another top keeper, older experienced to rely on as back up ? Oh we have one Artur Boruc, can only think Artur threw the toys out of the pram otherwise he would still be here. Most of the top sides have two top keepers. Just don't think the likes of Gazza and Kelvin are up to this level. Just seems a shame that we have quality all over the pitch with a strong bench apart from a quality keeper. I come in peace by the way, maybe I am a bit paranoid about this but it is just my honest opinion of what I see.

14.) 30 Oct 2014
30 Oct 2014 21:14:01
Saintell I know it is petty but FF is at last weigh in 94. 6 kg which is 15 stone 2 pounds, I think you have got your wires crossed here. This is irrelevant really he is big lump and should command his area better.

15.) 31 Oct 2014
31 Oct 2014 18:18:47
I understand that Artur has very little time left on his contract so can't see him signing a new one to be number 2. He is an international player and needs to play to keep that position.

Whilst Forster has the best stats. of any keeper in the EPL I suspect there will be no move to sign an experienced keeper as backup. If he gives away points between now and January, then maybe, otherwise I might be more inclined to expect another young GK to be added.

Whilst my blood pressure suffers when a player comes into the side (Victor?) and makes some initial mistakes, I do like the fact that Saints staff see past this and give the guys time to settle. Victor's attitude in the summer, and the way he has improved under RoKo, is very impressive. If Forster can follow that lead I will be very happy.

16.) 31 Oct 2014
31 Oct 2014 20:10:54
Finished with Fraser now, let's see how it goes. Victor is probably a great example of the improvement we are looking for, however, we sign ( or more importantly ) Koeman has signed Tadic and Pelle because he knew their qualities and I don't think there is much coaching to do there is there ? Just wish Koeman had been a goalkeeper, oops, sorry.

17.) 31 Oct 2014
Chrisdownj 6ft 7in 11st 8lbs (73. 4Kg )ref Saints website get it right

18.) 01 Nov 2014
01 Nov 2014 10:16:35
It is just wrong, you know he is not 11 stone. Question ? Do you think he is, be honest. 6' 7"and 11 stone would make him 3 stone underweight, have you met him and seen the size of him, I have.

19.) 01 Nov 2014
01 Nov 2014 10:21:52
Oh and by the way Dusan Tadic is 75 kg, would you say he is lighter than Fraser, use your head and maybe you will see the logic of what I am saying.