The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Saints and Sinners podcast is available to listen to now.
On this week's show, Tom Deacon and Adam Blackmore discuss whether Jack Stevens' ban was justified and reflect on the defeat by Bournemouth on Monday night.
They are also joined by former boxer and Gunners fan John Ryder as they look forward to the Saints' trip to Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Adam Blackmore
BBC Radio Solent sports editor
Image source, Getty ImagesI have just received my first random email from a betting company with a list of potential new Southampton managers and their odds to replace Russell Martin. My first thought was 'blimey, they’re quick off the mark' and then I thought 'maybe I’m old and slow and believe every manager needs time and should get time'.
I prefer being old and slow and 25 years watching football for a living has taught me that rarely does a constant revolving door of managers benefit a club long-term. But I’m not the one who’s spent the money. I’m not Dragan Solak. I’m not a Serbian media mogul who bought a club in the Premier League and watched it self-implode and nose-dive into the Championship ignominiously. I’ve not spent £200m to see my club gloriously return to the top-flight at Wembley, and I’ve not then spent a good chunk of change in the transfer window having got my Premier League revenue back, only to see my team with no wins in six and swept aside by the American-owned club down the road.
But hang on a minute. Surely Sports Republic are building a multi-club business with Southampton as the figure-head club? A business with a playing style and academy ethos all based on a sustainable model of development, playing a way that improves players and adds value to great finds around the world, thanks to a wide network of scouting resources. I thought the appointment of Russell Martin by Sport Republic was exactly because of the way he played, as approved of by former (and briefly) director of football Jason Wilcox.
So what happens when the principles get blurred by pressure, by results, and by money? Will Saints' ownership hold their nerve and let Russell play the season out in the hope that they will come good in the end, even if the end is relegation? The last time Saints were under pressure in the Premier League Ralph Hassenhuttl was sacked in November 2022, only for Sport Republic to make a series of awful decisions that accelerated their relegation. And the legacy of those decisions are impacting Martin now. The bloated squad he has doesn’t help him. Paul Onuachu and Kamaldeen Sulemana are two of Southampton’s most expensive buys ever. They are still at the club, but you wouldn’t know it if you didn’t look closely.
Southampton have bought some very good young talent this summer, but you don’t win anything with kids, right? We can however hope they can win a game or two. But their policy of buying mid-ranged priced players who have plenty of potential upside is a business strategy that the manager has bought into and agreed to work with, not a strategy he devised for his own benefit. And if he is the right man to improve those players and earn the club some money when they sell them, does that come before staying in the Premier League?
Or is it on Martin to find a way to win games by moving away from his and the club’s principles to make sure they stay up? Isn’t the biggest principle in sport to win? Southampton has a great tradition for developing talent and want to do it again. But will fans be patient? Will Solak agree to that, as he watches his Premier League revenue streams float off into the distance?
Two of Southampton’s next three games are away to Arsenal and Manchester City. Good luck with that. The other three before the November international break are against Leicester, Everton and Wolves. Success in those games could dictate whether Saints take a break from their principles or not. They hired Martin because of his footballing principles – they aligned with those of the club. He is still playing with them. Is that naïve or authentic? Vincent Kompany stuck to his way and Burnley stuck with him last season. He ended up at Bayern Munich, they ended up in the Championship.
However much I admire Russell for having principles, history tells us the principle of money and owners always win in the end. So let’s hope he can adapt, learn, keep improving the team and getting results because if he can’t then I fear for him during that November international break. Remember remember…..just ask Ralph.
Listen to live commentary of every Saints game on BBC Radio Solent, and download and subscribe to Goin' Home With Adam and Jo on BBC Sounds to get all the post-match thoughts that matter
Ray Hunt
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWe’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, external
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Southampton player Jo Tessem tells the Goin' Home With Adam And Jo podcast that he wants Paul Onuachu to start in the Saints' next match against Arsenal: "Look at Bournemouth [on Monday], what did they do when they won the ball? They crossed the ball into the box and had someone there. It's classic, I think you need it.
"I don't want my striker in my own half of the pitch. I want a target man, I want someone who will stay [high up the pitch] and not come short. I think that's the wrong way.
"You've got to go more direct and get the ball where you create problems. We just need a threat up there."
BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore added: "I think that's about the work they [Bournemouth] do, not having a big striker. As soon as they get into the area, they bomb into the box to meet the ball. Their work rate is phenomenal. Their identity is there to see."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Southampton striker Charlie Austin says Russell Martin "needs to make changes" because the Premier League is a different level to the Championship and "you get punished" for mistakes week-in-week-out.
"It has been a tough start for the Saints, but it also shows the gap between the Football League and the Premier League," Austin told BBC Radio 5 Live. "What you can get away with in the Championship, you can't in the Premier League as you just get punished.
"There is so much difference in the quality and I understand they want to play a style of football but if that doesn't come off in the top flight then it doesn't matter who you play as they will be stronger.
"The way it has gone so far is not ideal but I can see why Russell Martin was so disappointed in the performance against Bournemouth. They just weren't very good. They weren't even passing the ball so it didn't look like Southampton. They need to make changes, but Martin could also be stubborn and say he is going to continue that style of play. My worry is that.
"They also need a striker. You look at the team and you do wonder who is going to get them 15 Premier League goals. Other than Tyler Dibling, who is still young, I don't see anyone else."
Image source, Getty ImagesTom Parker, from the Saints FC Podcast, does not believe Russell Martin "knows what he should be doing" and needs to change his style and principles now if they are to push to stay in the Premier League.
Reflecting on Monday's 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth, Parker told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We have averaged 60% possession across all of our games in the Premier League so far, so I felt pretty confident ahead of last night.
"I thought Russell Martin was starting to learn from the mistakes he has made and finally starting to piece together a team. But that performance showed that is not the case at all.
"He made a number of bizarre decisions in the team line up and way we played. We nullified our two best players of the season so far, Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes, and brought in players who are not up to the needed standard of quality.
"We had a very strong five or six minutes and then we completely fell to pieces.
"I don't think Martin knows what they should be doing? Kyle Walker-Peters is our best player so he needs to be playing. We just completely lack structure.
"Martin is famous for not sacrificing on his principles but something needs to give now. It is one point from six games with Manchester City and Arsenal next. Where do we start to pick up points?"
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Southampton were beaten 3-1 by Bournemouth on Monday.
Here are some of your comments:
Simon: I have been a Saints fan for over 50 years, and the first half was possibly the worst display I’ve ever seen. Russell Martin has been sticking to his playing out from the back style. This is fine when not being pressed, but unfortunately this team do not have the composure or skill to execute this. On this form, relegation beckons!
Keith: Another truly shocking performance. Our possession-style football is just completely ineffective. The only team it hurts at this level is ourselves. All of our forwards are simply not good enough. I cannot see Martin surviving but also I can't see any other manager turning this team around. It's looking very much now like a long, depressing season.
Ray: As soon as the first goal went in we just went to pieces and Bournemouth took complete control. After the interval Saints did play better but it was like watching a team with little idea. I think the manager either needs to change his thoughts or the club need to change him.
John: Not good enough. Martin has to go... talk of Graham Potter coming in but I'm not sure Harry Potter could save us.
Michael: Bournemouth better all over the pitch. Saints better second half but that was only because Bournemouth took their foot of the gas. Back to the Championship where we belong.
Bob: Utterly useless. How can we play with no strikers but have five on our bench? Ridiculous! Ben Brereton Diaz should never touch the pitch again either.
Carl: Love Southampton, love RM. But this is the Premier League and is cut-throat. Clearly the philosophy isn't working and I can't see it working in the very near or distant future. Time for him to go I'm afraid - before it's too late. He will always be a Saints legend for what he has done for the club.
Peter: Sad.
Dan George
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesSouthampton midfielder Flynn Downes said the performance at Bournemouth on Monday was "not acceptable".
Saints were well beaten by their south coast rivals, losing 3-1 to Andoni Iraola's side.
"We let everyone down. There was no belief, a lack of fight and no commitment," said Downes.
"We have to look at ourselves. We've got to liven up quick."
Russell Martin's side are yet to win a league game this season, only picking up a point in a draw with Ipswich Town, and are 19th in the table.
Saints did have more possession than the Cherries on Monday, but only registered three shots on target.
One of the talking points around the game for Southampton was at how Martin opted to set up without a recognised striker, with five of his centre-forwards on the bench.
The starting forward line at times involved Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes, who are more known for playing out wide and in midfield respectively, operating through the middle.
Martin introduced Ross Stewart and Ben Brereton Diaz at half-time, before eventually also bringing on Cameron Archer in an attempt to trigger a comeback.
"I just wanted an aggressive bench," Martin said.
"We need to win a game and we need to score more goals. That was pretty self-explanatory."
However, Downes felt the system of play was not the most pressing issue.
"You can talk about tactics all you want," he added.
"If you're not going to earn the right to play and fight then you have no chance in this league.
"The fans deserve to see commitment at this level every week. There is no other option."
Image source, Getty ImagesSouthampton boss Russel Martin after Southampton's 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth on Monday: "We started the game really well, but there was a spell where we stopped doing the stuff we worked on. They then score and the response from us was outrageously poor.
"There's so much stuff that I've seen that really surprised and hurt me. The lack of aggression, fight, courage, intensity. There was too much self-preservation, feeling sorry for ourselves and poor body language.
"I didn't recognise our team. I didn't like a lot of what I saw, and I was hurt by the lack of spirit and fight.
"You always choose how you respond to certain moments and obviously I haven't given some of them enough belief.
"In the second half, they [the substitutes] showed that. They came on and made the right choice by fighting and being good team-mates. It was actually a good [second-half performance] but it's irrelevant when you're 3-0 down.
"It's all learning. They'll either learn from it or they won't. We have an incredible challenge on Saturday [at Arsenal], so we'll see what choice they make."
Did you know?
With just one point from six games, this is Southampton's joint worst start to a league campaign (also one point in 1998-99 in the top flight).
Saints striker Ben Brereton Diaz has now played 20 Premier League games without being on the winning side (D5 L15), the most of any player in the history of the competition.
Listen to all the reaction on Goin' Home With Adam And Jo on BBC Sounds
Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesSouthampton have taken one point from their first six Premier League games
Southampton's defeat ensured their joint worst ever start to a league campaign and on this evidence it is hard to see how they can arrest their dismal form.
With just one point collected from a possible 18, a trip to title hopefuls Arsenal awaits at the weekend and there are serious issues for manager Russell Martin to address at both ends of the pitch.
Not only have his side managed a meagre three goals this term - the lowest in the Premier League - only Everton and Wolves have conceded more than the 12 goals Saints have shipped to date.
In a recurring theme this term they caused their own downfall with some charitable defending and by putting themselves under pressure attempting to play out from the back.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was caught on his heels for Bournemouth's opener but even worse that several of his team-mates were not even facing play or alive to the possibility of a quickly-taken free-kick.
The visitors were also far too passive for Bournemouth's second and third goals and in truth were deservedly beaten for the way they collapsed in 10-minute period before half time.
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
What did you make of Bournemouth's display?, external
Have your say on Southampton's performance, external
Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
For week six, he takes on Maximo Park singer Paul Smith, whose latest album, Stream Of Life, is out on Friday.
Bournemouth host Southampton at 20:00 on Monday.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
I can't see past Bournemouth here. I actually think they carry a threat, even when they were being hammered in the first half against Liverpool.
I just feel like they will have too much firepower for Southampton, who were desperately unlucky not to hold on and beat Ipswich last week.
Saints are another team who desperately need that first win, but they are not getting it here.
Paul's prediction: It is hard to back against a Bournemouth home win. Again it feels like they are one of those sides like Brentford who play some good stuff and they are not necessarily rewarded for it. 2-0
Image source, Getty ImagesThere has been a lot of conversation this week about "dark arts" in football following the draw between Manchester City and Arsenal on Sunday.
Realistically, everyone who has watched football for longer than one game has seen things they would perceive as "dark arts"; whether it is a player always going down winning free-kicks to take the sting out of the game, kicking the ball into row Z when there was no multi-ball system or time-wasting on goal-kicks.
These are things we see all the time but our perception of it is dependent on the context of a game. You always see some version of it somewhere, and you hope your team would be doing the same thing if in the same situation - because why should you do something that would benefit the opposition you are against?
It is the same as going down a bit more easily to win penalties - some people will say "this guy is a cheat", but then on the other side of their mouth, if it is something that could benefit them, they say "he has tried too hard to stay up, he needed to go down there".
You can have rulings, Ifab can get involved to change this and that, but there will always be a way to push the rules to their limits.
What we saw with Arsenal in that game, where David Raya sat down to get some treatment while the teams gathered, we have seen those moments before. It is not just new to Arsenal - other teams do it.
It is always based on certain moments. You do get more frustrated if it happens against you, but when you need to do it, you encourage people to do it. That is one of the beauties of football - the way you see things is always going to be down to perception, context and just whether you think it is benefiting you or not.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Phil Cartwright
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you what one thing nobody is talking about but really should be when it comes to Southampton?
Here are some of your comments:
Danny: Now is not the time for knee jerk reactions. The first couple of games were unacceptable from an effort and tactics point of view. However, as Russ proved last year he will learn and get it right. The last performance was much better. I believe once we get a win, deserved or not, they will flow and Russ is the man to keep us up with the squad he has built.
Lynne: We might not have Premier League quality players but we have an excellent set up, manager, coaching staff and a squad that are happy. Tweaks need to be made but with all the newcomers, Martin needs time. Fans need to get behind the team and have faith.
Stuart: Sacking Martin would be ridiculous. Five games in? We play attractive football and have competed in every game. A proven goalscorer is all we need. Midfield and defence are fine. Get behind the team and act like supporters!
Matthew: The lack of points is disappointing, there’s no denying that, but overall I’m not too worried about relegation at this stage. The performances have been strides ahead of how we performed during our relegation season two years ago. Now we’ve started to cut out mistakes at the back, taking chances in the oppositions’ box is the next point of focus.
Jack: Russell Martin is a brilliant manager and should not be sacked. Set us up perfectly against Newcastle, United and Ipswich, making some bold calls in the way that almost all paid off. It’s the players to blame, never Russell. In my opinion the board shouldn’t sack him just like how we should’ve never sacked Hasenhuttl.
Arthur: We need to trust the process, we are getting better each week and have lots of individual talents that can keep us up such as Dibling.
Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist
Southampton boss Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Bournemouth (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
"The team news is very much the same, I have just got to pick the right team to win the game," said Martin.
Asked how much of his work with his players this season will be about psychology, Martin said the "psychological game is the most important bit".
He later added: "I'm learning more all the time about the group and we're learning more about what's required at this level. I hope, in the five games we've had, they have enough to know that to feel fear of the Premier League, certain players and teams is completely natural - but you have to embrace it and really seize the opportunity we have. I feel more and more that they are doing that and the results will follow."
Martin said teenager Tyler Dibling's "ceiling is so high" if he continues his current rate of progression: "He has an incredible belief in himself, in a humble, modest way. He has to just keep giving 100% and understand what has got him this far. At this moment he couldn't play for every team, he suits the way we play a lot, and he's getting so much better at the stuff he needs to improve on."
Martin added: "He needs to continue to grow and develop and stay so hungry - that's always a challenge with young players when they have a quick rise. With Tyler, I don't see that being a problem."
Saints boss Martin said of Monday's opponents: "Andoni Iraola has done a brilliant job, but it took him some time, in the same way it has taken us a bit of time to adapt and adjust. They had a bumpy start under Andoni but they've been brilliant ever since and they've kept building on it."
On the local derby element of the match, Martin added: "The fans will be desperate for us to go there and put in a performance, but not just because of the locality of the team we're playing against - we want to win. I haven't been given any extra motivation by anyone here and I haven't placed any extra onus on the game because of that."
Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Southampton and Bournemouth defender Kevin Bond says he expects Monday night's south coast derby between the two sides to be a "tight" game.
Saints are still searching for their first win since returning to the Premier League while the Cherries are looking to respond after back-to-back defeats at home to Chelsea and last time out at Liverpool.
"I think it will be tight," Bond told the Saints and Sinners podcast. "With the exception of Liverpool, in all of Bournemouth's games they've been right in it. Five points from their first five games - they look all right for me to be fair. I thought the comeback against Everton after being two down was terrific. I thought that would have done them the world of good.
"Sitting here right now I don't fear for Bournemouth, I do a little bit for Southampton though. It will be a tight game, they always are, and a good occasion. I wouldn't want to call it at the moment."
As a player, Bond represented the Cherries in the old second and third divisions and went on to manage the club in League One and briefly in League Two between October 2006 and September 2008 during a period of deep financial struggle at the club which saw a series of heavy points deductions.
Now an established Premier League team with aspirations of consistent top half finishes, Bond is impressed with Bournemouth's rise and believes they have possibly overtaken their South Coast rivals.
"It's remarkable where Bournemouth have come from," he said. "But, through the previous and current owner, they have bought well, they pay players well and pay big money for them players. That doesn't necessarily guarantee you anything and Bournemouth have spent well.
"It wasn't until recent years that Bournemouth have been, quite literally, in the same league as Southampton and now they've arguably overtaken them.
"In truth, it is very much is a derby now."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesSouthampton have conceded the most goals from corners (four) and set pieces (five) in general in the Premier League this season.
They are also one of four teams, including Monday's opponents Bournemouth, who are yet to score a goal from a set piece in 2024-25.
The latest episode of the Saints and Sinners podcast has landed.
Radio Solent's Jono Holmes is joined by former Southampton and Bournemouth player Kevin Bond to discuss the south coast showdown on Monday.
He also catches up with St Mary's Stadium DJ Martin Starke.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesThe draw has been made for the Carabao Cup fourth round, with 12 Premier League clubs having made it through and Newcastle set to play their postponed tie against Wimbledon on 1 October.
There are four confirmed all-Premier League fixtures, including Tottenham hosting Manchester City and holders Liverpool travelling to Brighton.
Ties are scheduled to take place the week commencing 28 October.
All the fixtures featuring top-flight sides are shown below:
Brentford v Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton v Stoke
Tottenham v Manchester City
AFC Wimbledon/Newcastle v Chelsea
Manchester United v Leicester
Brighton v Liverpool
Preston North End v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
