'It’s not going to be good enough at this level'

We’re six games into the season and Saints sit 19th, with five losses from our opening six to equal the worst start since 1998-99. The latest, a 3-1 humbling at Bournemouth, and with away trips to Arsenal and Manchester City before October is finished, things look bleak.

Following the collapse on Monday night, questions will be asked on the future of Russell Martin. The dismal record is one thing, but in fact, it’s the manner of the defeat, with the lack of fight and how quickly things can turn sour. Bournemouth had the points secured inside 40 minutes as we continue to leak goals at an alarming rate with just three scored ourselves, two of which, mere consolations.

Martin’s team selection and system change were also hot on the agenda. Adam Lallana, who leads the team in assists, was benched. Last season’s top-scorer Adam Armstrong and arguably our best defender Kyle Walker-Peters remain sidelined. The latter is reported to have snubbed a contract extension.

Martin named a very attacking bench consisting on five forwards but no recognised striker from the off. With goals hard to come by, this seemed unusual.

Martin gave a very candid and honest post-match interview in which he felt “hurt by the response to conceding” and took responsibility for not making adjustments sooner.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis also took some of the blame for the way they conceded the first. He said: “It was a quick free kick. I kind of turned my back and he’s done that. That’s what happens in the Premier League.”

The response in the second half was better but it was damage limitation by that point.

Will Martin get the time to turn things around before it’s too late? Is it time for a fresh approach and a new vision? In my honest opinion, this group of players and the system under this manager hasn’t been working. It’s not going to be good enough at this level.

Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast