I know there is a clamour to start him all the time from a lot of fans, but I have often agreed with the policy to leave him out. I think we saw today why 3 coaches haven't seen him as a regular. The effort was there but his decision making (as you'd expect with an inexperienced player) was lacking, and Mel and Downing spent a good chunk of the first half trying to get him focused on whatever tactical instructions he was supposed to be carrying out, something they clearly didn't think he was doing. In the end they just have up with it and stuck him inside, where he could be a bit more of a free spirit and his performance did improve a little.
I have recently become a little worried about Saido. He has been brilliant this year and his rise to 1st team regular is to be commended, but I am concerned it is going to his head. Suddenly he is a big talking point, a hero for the fans and on a big new deal, it's understandable he may get a bit carried away. I first noticed against Palace in the cup that he was being very selfish, shooting when he should pass, etc. We know that he has previously had some attitude issues, and them seem to keep coming up. I'm also not sure that loads of fans constantly tweeting him all the time telling him he is amazing, should be starting etc are helping. The other players, the coaching staff and us as fans all have a job to do to help him stay on track. For me he still has an awful lot to learn and he needs to develop the selfless aspects of his game to become a regular starter.
A very talented player, who I'm sure will contribute again this year. Right now however, I think he is best coming off the bench, playing as a free spirit when we need a goal.