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.
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