We look at three things we learnt as Southampton lost at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Southampton’s poor form continued on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by struggling Middlesbrough.
4 Southampton suffer fourth straight defeat
After a fine start to the season, things have started to go wrong very quickly for Russell Martin on the south coast.
Heavy defeats against Sunderland and Leicester was followed by a narrow loss against Ipswich, but they had hoped to bounce back against a Boro outfit that were yet to win in the Championship.
A goal from Adam Armstrong offered hope that Southampton had turned their corner, but Riley McGree and a Jonny Howson penalty condemned the side to another loss.
The defeat means Martin’s men are now in the bottom half of the table, and here we look at THREE things we learnt from the clash…
3 Russell Martin is under pressure
It’s too soon to say Martin should be sacked, and it’s important to note that he was brought in to deliver a long-term project which included transforming the style of play.
Nevertheless, the results at the moment are unacceptable. Martin has a squad that, on paper, is better than the vast majority in the league, yet they’re simply not producing.
Ultimately, it’s on the boss, and the fans are growing increasingly frustrated at what they’re seeing. Promotion is the aim this season, and they’re already 11 points behind the top two. They need to get back on track quickly, as this run can’t continue.