Southampton

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

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

Follow reaction and read the match report

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

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

There 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 Images

We 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 Images

Former 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 Images

Southampton 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 Images

The 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

See the full draw

One draw and four defeats for Southampton from their opening five games with debate raging about the suitability of Russell Martin's style of play for the top flight.

However, they were seconds away from a first win last time out against Ipswich and youngster Tyler Dibling is impressing, notching his first goal for the club.

But you're the experts when it comes to the Saints so we want you to tell us, what is the one thing nobody is talking about - good or bad?

Have your say over here, external

Ray Hunt
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Games can swing on big moments and if you don’t take your chances, you’ll be punished.

This has been the subject all season for Saints as we were left to rue those misses and lose out on maximum points against Ipswich. Cameron Archer was again left frustrated by failing to convert his chances on the weekend to take the game away from the visitors. Unfortunately, all four forwards are still waiting to get going.

Adam Armstrong, Ross Stewart, Ben Brereton Diaz and Archer were brought in for a combined fee of around £45m over the past few seasons and have failed to be a consistent goal threat in the top flight.

Armstrong, the hero from last season in the Championship, scored 21 goals and grabbed 13 assists - a league best for goal involvements. His last was that Wembley goal which sent us back to the Premier League.

Since arriving from Blackburn in 2021, we’ve seen a trend with his goals - 70 in the Championship (four campaigns) compared to his meagre four in the top flight (two campaigns with Saints).

Stewart is another who thrived in the Championship, netting 10 times in his 13 appearances for Sunderland. He still awaits his first with Saints although injuries have hampered his chances.

Ben Brereton Diaz arrived in the summer off the back of an impressive 14-game stint at Sheffield United, scoring six times as the Blades failed to survive. He also enjoyed goal-heavy seasons in the Championship with Blackburn.

Archer is still waiting for that elusive first Premier League goal and has had the chances and minutes so far, even failing from the penalty spot. He has scored twice against Championship opposition in the Carabao Cup.

How can we get the four off the mark? Are they destined to be Championship-level forwards?

Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast, external

Antalyaspor and former Premier League midfielder Andros Townsend speaking about the Premier League's promoted clubs on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club: "I don't think at the moment (they should be concerned) because especially watching the Ipswich and Southampton game, both teams have got a clear identity of how they want to play and I think if you go back to Luton last season, we didn't get that until maybe the end of October, early November so I think they're already ahead of where we were.

"For Southampton, obviously it's just cutting out the silly mistakes. They're playing out from the back and they're losing it and conceding goals but I don't think they should just throw everything out that they learnt from the Championship. I think they should continue doing it and improving those players and players will improve.

"With Ipswich, the majority of that group have come up from League One into the Championship then into the Premier League so there's always going to be a bit of adaptation and I can see they're improving every game. I think it's still too early to see which teams are going to be in big trouble this season."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Southampton are hoping to convince English midfielder Tyler Dibling, 18, to sign a new contract amid interest from Manchester United. (GiveMeSport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Image source, PA Media

Five games into the Premier League season, Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton - the three clubs promoted from the Championship - are yet to win a league match.

They have taken a combined seven points from those games, which is the joint-second lowest tally from a set of promoted teams since the Premier League began in 1992-93.

Only last season's promoted trio - Burnley, Luton and Sheffield United - have collected fewer points from their first five league matches of a campaign.

The good news - for Leicester and Ipswich, at least - is their three points apiece are enough to keep them out of the relegation zone at the moment.

Statistics collated by BBC Sport statistician Chris Collinson

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Southampton picked up their first point of the season but failed to capitalise on their home advantage to take all three points against Ipswich Town.

Here are some of your comments:

Oliver: We should have won, but that is more a testament to how poor Ipswich were. The fact that it was a lucky deflection which won it, just shows that all we needed was to press home our advantage. We can't say that we didn't get those chances, but perhaps we are just lacking in the confidence in the final third. We're getting better but we need to start winning soon.

Neil: Saints should have won today. Martin's substitution of Mateus Fernandes for Joe Aribo has cost us the game. We were on top before that but afterwards there was too much space because Aribo cannot tackle and pass like Fernandes. Then Aribo ducked out of the way of the shot and the deflection gifted them their goal. It was a poor substitution.

Mark: This insane possession-based passing game has got to stop. Instead of making one positive forward pass, we make five or six backwards or sideways passes and lose the ball. The defending is chaotic, with players out of position most of the time. We are so lightweight in attack and it is embarrassing. Martin must change or be sacked - or else we're going back to the Championship!

Barrito: The usual fare. They cannot defend to save their lives. The sad thing is: it is the same old problem. And why are we not playing our top goalscorer?

Mike: A must win for Russell Martin and his coaching team. He keeps saying that we are getting better in his post-match interviews, but improvements - real or imagined - are not resulting in goals scored and clean sheets. I reckon he needed six or seven points before the end of October to save his job - that's gone now, if you look at the fixtures.

Corey: First half was a scrappy encounter between relegation rivals. Second half was dominant Saints doing what we do best but failing to put the game to bed. There are plenty of positives and much to be optimistic about. Roll on Bournemouth!

Scouts from Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham watched English midfielder Tyler Dibling, 18, as he scored for Southampton on Saturday. (HITC), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth

• Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton manager Russell Martin said he was "really angry and annoyed" after Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser to deny the Saints their first Premier League win of the season.

The hosts had been beaten in all of their first four top-flight games of 2024-25, but pounced on a mistake from the visitors to take the lead after only five minutes through Tyler Dibling's first goal for the club.

But Ipswich equalised in the fifth minute of seven added on to leave Martin's side in the bottom three, with just one point from five matches.

"It was our best performance, but it wasn't enough to get the win so I'm allowed to be angry and annoyed," said Martin afterwards.

You could see why he would be so upset.

A goal up against a fellow newly-promoted side, but two misses from Cameron Archer, one of which hit the post after he went around away goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, saw a failure to kill the game off prove costly.

However, Ipswich were good value for their equaliser, which finally came in the 95th minute in a match where Aaron Ramsdale had to make a number of good saves.

But while the away side celebrated as if they had won at the end, it felt like a defeat for Martin and his players.

Image source, Getty Images

Flynn Downes has been discussing the Saints picking up their first point of the season on BBC Radio Solent: "It is a real tough one to take - I mean, we need to see the game out. If we're not going to score, we need to just control the game but we didn't. We had chances in the second half and didn't take them. When you are 1-0 up, you know that you can always concede and that is what happened.

"I think we had tough spells in the game, but I think that is really positive because we had tough spells in the last four games and conceded. Today, we stuck to it and we were really solid. I think sometimes we have got to learn when to press and when not to press.

"It is a really tough one to take - it feels like a loss - but we will take the positives from it."

On his midfield partnership with Mateus Fernandes and Adam Lallana: "I thoroughly enjoy playing in the middle with them two. They are two unbelievable players. Adam has got that experience from playing in the Premier League for how many years, so he is really helpful out there and he is some player as well.

"It is a privilege playing with them two."

On Tyler Dibling getting his goal: "He deserves it. He is some player. I think everyone is seeing it now. For the last three or four games he has been unreal for us, so long may it continue."