Southampton boss Russell Martin says he was “damage by the shortage of spirit and battle” his facet confirmed of their 3-1 Premier League defeat at Bournemouth.
The consequence leaves the struggling Saints winless after six video games again within the prime flight and nineteenth within the desk with only a solitary level – their joint worst begin to a marketing campaign since 1998-99.
Martin was notably angered by the way in which his group appeared to capitulate after Evanilson scored the opening objective for the hosts, who then added two extra earlier than the interval.
“They make 20 fouls to our 10 or no matter it’s – I feel that sums up the entire sport,” Martin mentioned.
“We have been comfortable. No matter personnel you may have on the pitch, no matter method you play, should you lack the battle and aggression and spirit and togetherness and braveness that we lacked within the first half, you are going to have an enormous, massive downside.
“I did not recognise our group. I did not like lots of what I noticed, and I used to be damage by the shortage of spirit and battle. Usually I am happy with them for the braveness they present, however there was no aggression, no braveness, no depth to play.”
Whereas Saints did enhance after being booed off by the travelling supporters on the break, Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ second-half header proved little greater than a comfort for Martin’s facet.
“I believed I made sufficient of a deal about Bournemouth and the way in which they approached the sport and the way good they’re at sure issues,” Martin added.
“Clearly it wasn’t sufficient, as a result of we appeared like we have been unprepared for that, which, contemplating the work we have accomplished is loopy.
“After beginning nicely, actually the primary setback we have now within the sport they rating. I am coming off the pitch on the finish of the sport and I thanked them for operating and preventing within the second half and really I do not assume it is best to ever thank them for that, that ought to be the naked minimal.”
Southampton are subsequent in motion once they journey to face Arsenal within the English prime flight on Saturday (15:00 BST).
