Southampton manager Russell Martin accused his players of lacking fight, aggression and courage as he took responsibility for a “ridiculous” first-half performance in their comprehensive 3-1 defeat to rivals Bournemouth.
Goals from Evanilson, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo put Saints’ south-coast neighbours in complete control at Vitality Stadium.
The visitors improved after being booed off at the break, but, despite reducing the deficit through Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ header, their winless start extended to six Premier League games on the back of the abject opening period.
Russell Martin gives his reaction to tonight''s game.
Watch the full interview in our app 📲
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 30, 2024
Martin was angered by his side’s initial response to conceding the 17th-minute opener and said picking up top-flight points was “impossible if you’re not going to fight”.
“Whatever personnel you have on the pitch, whatever way you play, if you lack the fight and aggression and spirit and togetherness and courage that we lacked in the first half, you’re going to have a big, big problem,” he said.
“After starting well, literally the first setback we have in the game they score.
“Obviously I haven’t given the team enough in terms of mentality and character and fight and resilience, which really hurts me because they’re traits that have got me this far.
“But the team hasn’t got it tonight, so that’s my fault, not theirs.
“I’m coming off the pitch at the end of the game and I thanked them for running and fighting in the second half and actually I don’t think you should ever thank them for that, that should be the bare minimum.
“We put ourselves in a situation in the Premier League that’s almost impossible to come back from. It’s ridiculous.
“Bournemouth make 20 fouls, we make 10, I think that sums up the whole game. It’s impossible if you’re not going to fight.”
Aside from surrendering local bragging rights, a resounding defeat in Dorset leaves Saints with a solitary point, while stretching their club-record Premier League winless run to 19 games, dating back to the 2022-23 season, which ended in relegation.
Bournemouth record signing Evanilson capitalised on a quick free-kick from Marcus Tavernier to volley his first goal in English football before Ouattara doubled the lead in fortuitous fashion.
The impressive Semenyo, who was involved in the opening two finishes, then rifled in his third strike of the campaign to stretch the advantage in the 39th minute.
Harwood-Bellis salvaged some pride, but Southampton never looked likely to mount an improbable fightback and were well beaten, much to the delight of gloating home fans.
Cherries assistant coach Tommy Elphick was delighted to see Brazil international Evanilson open his account following his big-money arrival from Porto in the aftermath of Dominic Solanke’s departure to Tottenham.
“When you come with such a price tag (an initial £31.7million) and you’re trying to fill the boots of someone who’s served the club so well, there’s always pressure with that,” said Elphick.
Say the line 😍 pic.twitter.com/t59R751O34
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) September 30, 2024
“But there’s no surprise to us. There’s been a little bit of noise outside, but the way he’s been training, what we’ve seen daily, it’s not a surprise that he’s got the type of goal that he’s got tonight.”
Bournemouth’s maiden home victory of the season was an emphatic response to successive defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool.
Speaking about the overall display, Elphick added: “It’s a performance that’s been coming. The first 45 minutes was electric from our point of view.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
