Southampton

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton manager Russell Martin, speaking to Premier League Productions, said: "We have to win the game today. Their only threats were coming from set pieces.

"We had chances to kill off the game in the second half and when you leave it at 1-0 it was a problem. We have to be angry with ourselves. The detail with our defending was not right and it has cost us a goal.

"It was a good game. The first half was quite tight, second half I thought we were really good. It was really disappointing [to not win] and I feel like we're so close.

"The frustration and the disappointment overrides everything. We're off the mark, but we have to use this as a springboard as there was so much good about the performance.

"We're a team that has given everything, but we have to be more ruthless in both boxes. It's a big progress in our four or five games, just allow me to be annoyed."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Southampton’s performance, external

What did you make of Ipswich’s display?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Follow reaction and read the match report

Eight matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

All kick-off times BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries:

• Liverpool v Bournemouth

• Crystal Palace v Manchester United

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week five, he takes on singer-songwriter and West Ham fan James Smith whose debut album, Common People, is out now.

Southampton host Ipswich on Saturday at 15:00 BST.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

These are two more teams who are both waiting for their first Premier League victory of the season, although at least Southampton have had something to celebrate after beating Everton on penalties in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Ipswich have picked up a couple of points already, though, including an excellent draw at Brighton last time out. To go there and nullify the Seagulls attack is no mean feat, and they also had a big chance to score when Liam Delap crashed a shot against the post.

This was a Championship fixture last season, and Ipswich did the double over Saints, including at Portman Road in April when they nicked it 3-2 with a late winner after Southampton had played really well and battered them.

This time, it smells like a draw to me. I can't choose between either team, even though I know how much they would both give for all three points.

James's prediction: 1-2

I am 'Team Ipswich' this year, but only because of Ed Sheeran! 1-2

Read their full predictions and have your own say here

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton manager Russell Martin is keen for his team to continue growing in 2024-25, after the Saints' dramatic penalty shootout win over Everton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Before Saturday's Premier League encounter with Ipswich - also promoted to the top flight for this season - Martin is keen to focus on the positives from Southampton's start to the campaign.

"I'm convinced we will get better and keep improving, and the more time the players have together, the better they'll become," he said. "That's the evidence we have after five years of being a management team.

"It was the case last season, which was a bigger change. We were trying to implement something totally different to the players. Now a lot of them understand it but then we still have a lot of new guys who have come in.

"Then also us adapting to the Premier League and that's been interesting for us to learn. Certain bits that were really effective in the Championship are maybe less so in the Premier League against certain opposition.

"As well as the players, we're finding our rhythm. The players are enjoying playing around with stuff on the training pitch and working stuff out for themselves as well, so they're a big part of that.

"We will keep learning and we will keep adapting - but while remaining us. I said that to the players on Tuesday."

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton are one of two teams yet to lead for a single minute in the Premier League this season, alongside Crystal Palace.

The Saints have also spent more time in a losing position than anyone else in 2024-25 (208 minutes and 15 seconds, including injury time).

Image source, Getty Images

The issue around the footballing calendar and the demands being placed on players right now is a difficult one.

First, we need to take into consideration the really high demands on the body that go on all-year round with few breaks, especially for international footballers and those in teams competing on multiple fronts.

I know the men's and the women's games are different, but we got exposed to these issues when we went from amateur to professional. There was a lot of loading, a lot of games and the result of that was a higher risk of injury and we have seen a lot of anterior cruciate ligament injuries now in the women's game.

From the fans' side, their point is often that players get paid a lot of money but I think that is irrelevant. That is just the industry players are in and, if you take out the money, they are still human beings.

The governing bodies need to look at who they consult with about changes in the calendar such as World Cups being held in winter and summers where there is just a couple of weeks off before going straight back into it. The changes and fixtures that are put in are there to generate more money, which makes it difficult. As a business, it is about money.

We talk about mental health a lot and you wonder, where is the time to switch off and have that time away from playing? To have that family time which is a deep human need? At some point mentally, if not physically, it will take its toll.

None of us want to see players striking, but players need to be listened to. What do they need to do to make change happen?

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Emily Reilly-O'Donnell
BBC Sport Researcher

Southampton boss Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Ipswich Town (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Having beaten Everton on penalties in the League Cup on Tuesday, Martin is pleased with the "big progression" from his team since losing at Manchester United last Saturday: "It's given us loads of food for thought in terms of team selection and I think it's put a few of the players in a much better place than they were in, individually."

• Jack Stephens is the only member of the squad currently unavailable but having made 10 changes for Tuesday's cup tie, Martin was "very pleased" that the team looked "so similar, in the way it plays." He says it has given him a lot of problems in selecting a team for the Ipswich match.

• Discussing how having a big squad impacts the players, Martin said: "I think they understand that it's a real competition now and no one can feel comfortable, myself included, for any period of time at all."

• Speaking about Kieran McKenna's Ipswich, Martin said: "They're tough opposition- as we found out last year. They've really improved, in terms of what they've recruited. They have a really excellent manager and they're really good at what they do. It's going to be really interesting to come up against them this year in the Premier League and see what changes."

• Sitting 19th in the Premier League table as a newly promoted side, Martin believes the only real difference between the two leagues is "the external noise and the scrutiny". He added: "Everyone in the building really believes in what they're doing. Everyone's probably been guilty of over-thinking and building up the Premier League to an extent where it's probably affected things a little bit."

• With his side yet to pick up any points this season, Martin said: "Everyone's feeling really frustrated at the results but everyone's feeling really pleased about so many aspects of the performance."

• Discussing the readiness of his players after the midweek fixture, Martin said: "It's no coincidence that we had a brilliant performance and we ran the most that we have ran on Tuesday. I think that has to be the backbone of any player. Physically, they're all in a really good place."

• Cameron Archer's penalty was saved by Manchester United's Andre Onana last Saturday but on that, Martin said: "Your response to disappointment is the most important thing. We have a really top young talent on our hands. He will bounce back and will be brilliant for us."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news here

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Saints and Sinners, Tom Deacon is joined by Formula 1 commentator and Ipswich Town fan Alex Jacques to preview Southampton's home fixture against the Tractor Boys on Saturday.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Adam Lallana believes Southampton's first Premier League win of the season "is around the corner", stressing the need to support the young group of players at St Mary's Stadium.

The 36-year-old "loved" making his first start for the club in 10 years in Southampton's Carabao Cup success at Everton on Tuesday, admitting he "didn't want to come off," after 45 minutes but appreciates the need to build his fitness.

"I feel so fearless with nothing to lose," he said. "I just feel we need to be calm. We're good players - there's been a lot of anxiety and tension around.

"We've got a young group so it's important we get support them, like at the weekend they were fragile in that moment. I know I can help a lot with my experience and it's a big reason why I'm here.

"The win will be around the corner - I'm convinced."

Lallana also referred to himself as "the daddy of the group" and that he has a sense of responsibility he cannot shy away from, even though he joked he was "quietly relieved" to not have to take a penalty against Everton.

"If I was on the pitch, I would've taken a pen, not that I like taking them," he said. "I feel responsible and you cannot shy away from that."

The Saints face Ipswich on Saturday, another team who are yet to pick up a victory in the league this season and Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Lallana said: "It's a big game - a lot of our players will think that.

"There have been positives [but] there's lots of areas we need to improve on. There's been bits of naivety - [being] new to the league, to the level.

"We know we need to 'man up' as a whole and take responsibility. It's not Russell [Martin]. It's us as individuals."

Image source, Getty Images

Jo Tessem believes all that mattered from Southampton's Carabao Cup tie at Everton was "coming out with a positive outcome."

The Saints won 6-5 on penalties after the game finished 1-1, with Alex McCarthy saving Ashley Young's spotkick to send Southampton through to the fourth round.

Speaking on BBC Radio Solent's Goin' Home With Adam and Jo podcast, former Saint Jo Tessem said: "I would've taken anything with the situation we are in. I would've taken a poor football game and a 1-0 win.

"I would take anything that feels positive against another Premier League side - that's all we came here for. We got it, winning in penalties and all the players composed themselves very well."

Defender Armel Bella-Kotchap and striker Paul Onuachu, were both left out of the squad and host Adam Blackmore believes this shows "they are waiting for their move in January."

Tessem agreed: "Yes, of course, that's the situation. They're not on the pitch - they're not included. That means, January comes - you go."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, PA Media

We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Carabao Cup game between Everton and Southampton.

Here are some of your comments:

Everton fans

Mike: Another dismal performance from Everton. Why does Sean Dyche persist with reliance on breakaways? Why take off your centre-forward to bring on Ashley Young when you are not defending a lead? No shape or substance and it made Southampton look like the home side. Dyche must go!

Gerard: How low can we go? It's the sheer certainty that we are going to play awful, non-league style football against every team we come up against... and then lose. All hope is gone.

Michael: We had 25% possession at home in one of the only realistic competitions we could win... I really don't know what the plan is? For me, it's time for someone else to take charge and get back to playing football and restore some confidence. It's Dyche's tactics so, for me, time is up.

Ed: Speechless. It just gets worse. I genuinely think Dyche wants the sack. The substitution of Young for Beto is ludicrous and then the inevitable - Young missed the penalty! Why not bring Jordan Pickford on for the penalties? How do we give Southampton 75% possession at home? The club is a total mess. Maybe the worst run club ever. But Dyche has to go - David Moyes in.

Southampton fans

Ross: Moving the ball was brilliant to watch and it looked like we had so much fight. The mistakes need to stop but everyone makes them. Tyler Dibling was absolutely class when he came on.

Ian: Poor overall. We need to stop playing out from the back every time. Let the forwards find a little space and play a long ball at times. Might not come off but keeps opponent guessing and makes us less predictable. Need to do something or we're likely to lose Dibling to a big side. Need to use the pace of the front players to get in behind.

Isaac: A win is a win, but a turgid performance that has left me no hope for the rest of the season. If I was an Everton fan, I would be feeling the same.

Darren: Again, we had the ball and we were facing our own goal many times. Better teams will take advantage of this. Yes, our talent shows when pressing, but as soon as we are on the back foot, we look like a League One team. Even when we are trying to create the perfect shot, we need to start taking chances more if we want to stay in the league. On to Ipswich now.

The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Goin' Home With Adam And Jo has arrived, discussing Southampton's penalty shootout success at Everton and the positive effects it may have on the squad before Saturday's game against Ipswich.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Russel Martin spoke to BBC Radio Solent after Southampton's Carabao Cup victory over Everton: "I saw so much character, spirit, fight and togetherness and the game looked how we wanted it to look, apart from a few moments where we wanted a bit more attacking intent.

"I was really pleased with a lot of the performances and the way we reacted to conceding. I'm delighted for the players - they were brave and aggressive.

"I'm so excited about what's to come. We just need that first win [in the Premier League] and everyone will relax a bit. I've got no doubt they will continue to grow.

On Paul Onuachu and Armel Bella-Kotchap's absences from the squad: "I have to balance the short, medium and long-term plans for the club and who fits the style of play the best. Tonight it's these guys - on Saturday [against Ipswich] it will be someone different. The door isn't shut for anyone. I have to make decisions based off what I think is best for the team and club.

"I like them both. They train hard but I was really honest with them before the transfer window closed and I've been honest with them since it closed."

Listen to the full interview with Martin here

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Everton’s performance, external

What did you make of Southampton’s display?, external

Come back to this page on Wednesday to find a selection of your replies

Follow reaction and read the match report

Image source, Getty Images

Six Premier League teams are in Carabao Cup third-round action on Tuesday:

• Brentford v Leyton Orient - 19: 45

• Everton v Southampton - 19:45

• Preston v Fulham - 19:45

• QPR v Crystal Palace - 19:45

• Manchester United v Barnsley - 20:00 (listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra)

All kick-off times BST

Follow all the action live

We asked for your views on who you want to see in Southampton's attack going forward.

Here are some of your comments:

Nick: Give Paul Onuachu a go. He has scored loads of goals everywhere else he has played. We have wingers galore but we need a centre-forward. The solution is right here, staring us in the face.

Daz: Russell Martin should swap Fernandes and Lallana's positions and play them up front and play traditional 4-4-2. Or, if he decides to play three up front, then he should keep Archer with them. Lallana has got the experience which the other two could bounce off and hopefully learn a thing or two.

Mike: We have no Premier League-class strikers in our squad, even after spending £100m, so that is unacceptable. Diaz is woeful. Armstrong is a good Championship striker but not at this level. Archer same as Armstrong and all 5ft 6 - so no height, no aerial threat and no-one to hold the ball. Shocking frontline, especially after spending that money.

Glenn: We don't have a clinical finisher. We play tippy tappy in the opposition penalty area and don't try to shoot. We were shouting shoot at St Mary's and our forwards and midfielders didn't have a scooby. Same problem in our own penalty area - playing tippy tappy with no idea of how to defend and get rid if appropriate! Play Dibling more often!

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton manager Russell Martin has challenged Adam Armstrong to earn a recall to his league lineup, after the striker was "annoyed" to not play in the Saints' loss to Manchester United.

Armstrong, who scored 24 goals last season as the Saints secured their return to the top flight, was one of four men left out of Saturday's starting line-up - Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Joe Aribo and the injured Will Smallbone were the others - as Martin looked to end the club's search for a first point of the new campaign at the fourth attempt.

The 27-year-old could return to face Everton at Goodison Park on Tuesday night (19:45 BST) and Martin is expecting a response. He said: "Armo's annoyed he's not playing, and rightly so after everything he's done for us. But as a manager, you have to make calls and it was the hardest bit of the week this week. I didn't enjoy it.

"Taking four players out of the team that I love and that have been so good for us is the most difficult thing because genuinely I have a lot of love for them and respect and care for them and to take them out is not easy.

"Now they have to put themselves back in and Tuesday will give them a brilliant opportunity."

In the circumstances, the third round tie might not be the greatest priority for either side involved but Martin does not see it that way. He said: "It's the most important thing now. There will be changes, there'll be players who need to stake a claim for their place in the team because we haven't won, albeit there's so many positives.

"Then there'll be some players who need to build on Saturday and grow again and try to improve on their performance and learn again in our way of doing things."

Ross Stewart, who returned on Saturday after the injury problems which sidelined him for much of last season, is unlikely to start but will be involved at some stage. But, defender Jack Stephens is unavailable following his red card on Saturday.

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Aldar asked: Russell Martin is receiving a lot of stick for "lack of pragmatism". We heard this song all last season about Vincent Kompany at Burnley. Well, he’s at Bayern Munich now, only one of the biggest clubs in the world, so worked out for him just fine. Why shouldn’t a young coach stick to principles that have won him success in the past no matter the cost, develop players in a more progressive system, and get himself on a shortlist for a top job in management? It's not like ‘pragmatism’ is a magic guarantee of safety and success. Or is it?

Phil replied: It is a real double-edged sword. Martin has a style and set of principles that he is determined to stick to and I thought Southampton looked very good until Cameron Archer missed the penalty against Manchester United.

I don’t happen to think Martin will change his approach, which is admirable, but if you are constantly losing this cannot be an enjoyable experience for him, his players or Southampton’s fans. So I believe an element of pragmatism has to come in - unless results come of course - if Saints want to stay in the Premier League.

Kompany did the same last season, refusing to budge on style, and it was a thoroughly miserable season for them. The players who played in such a fashion to stroll to the Championship were not good enough to pull it off in the Premier League.

As I said, I thought Southampton looked really good for 35 minutes on Saturday and Martin will believe if they play like that against teams in and around them, and in the middle of the table, they will get results.

I honestly believe the Kompany appointment was a bit freakish because Bayern Munich messed up their search for a new manager, even trying to persuade Thomas Tuchel to stay after announcing he was leaving.

It’s a great job for Kompany and there will be no excuses for failure.

Image source, Getty Images

On the latest episode of the Goin' Home With Adam And Jo podcast, BBc Radio Solent sports editor Adam Blackmore spoke about Southampton's frontline: "I'm just wondering how we're going to get more goals out of this team. We've tried something different in this game with the 4-3-3 and they definitely created more openings and got deeper in the pitch.

"You've got a lot of forwards, some who aren't even involved. The thing we have to find is consistency in selection. Within the next few games, you need to know the best team. We need to find the combination that scores enough goals to keep Saints in the division.

"I'm looking at it and I'm not sure who is the best to play on the left, or the best to play down the middle. I'm pretty sure Tyler Dibling is going to become the best to play on the right. Where are the goals coming from and what is the best front three in a 4-3-3?

"Ben Brereton Diaz needs to show more. Cameron Archer needs to bounce back. Does Adam Armstrong need to come back in?

"There's too many questions and not enough answers."

Saints fans, who do you want to see in Southampton's attack going forward?

Let us know your thoughts here, external