Southampton were the second best side after Bournemouth in their recent match, which was displayed as the Saints faced another unconvincing 3-1 defeat in the sixth Premier League matchday. Although Southampton had faced four consecutive defeats at the start of the season, this match had a greater significance given that the Saints were showing encouraging signs of progress made under manager Russell Martin in the recent weeks.
After the match, Martin was visibly disappointed with the lack of response shown by his side after conceding the first goal and went on to give a surprising opinion that he didn't recognise his Southampton team. Without a doubt, Martin was correct in his assessment of the match as Southampton made several misplaced passes in the match and a lot of defensive mistakes on each of the goals conceded.
Martin highlighted that Southampton had prepared well about Bournemouth's set-piece tactics before the match, but still left Evanilson unmarked inside the box who opened the scoring for the home side with his first goal for Bournemouth. Moreover, the Saints couldn't manage to defend Ouattara's attempt on goal from outside the box, which found the back of the net despite a lot of Southampton defenders being around the edge of the box.
Hence, Southampton couldn't build on their improved performances against Everton and Ipswich Town, and now will play Premier League title favourites Arsenal and Manchester City as well as Championship winners Leicester City in their next three league matches. The Saints are unlikely to take some points from these matches, and three consecutive defeats will hinder their chances to avoid relegation this season. Discussing about Martin's thoughts after Southampton's defeat, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said,
"I think as a manager, we have spoken about styles and a contrasting style with Bournemouth, but when a manager says he didn't recognise his team that will really hurt him."
Carragher talked about the Saints's performance in the 3-1 defeat and also highlighted the importance for Southampton to start taking some wins, such as in the Leicester City match. Both sides haven't secured a win after their return to the Premier League, thus will be aiming to take the three points from this match and make a turnaround to their struggling starts in the new season.
Southampton face Arsenal in a huge away match.
Meanwhile, Southampton will turn their attention towards the away fixture against Arsenal, aiming to take some important points in the league before the upcoming international break.
