Southampton 1-1 Ipswich Town: Saints boss Martin left 'angry and annoyed'published at 19:43 21 September 2024
19:43 21 September 2024
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.
'It is a tough one - it feels like a loss'published at 19:34 21 September 2024
19:34 21 September 2024
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."
'We have to be angry with ourselves'published at 18:14 21 September 2024
18:14 21 September 2024
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."
Southampton 1-1 Ipswich - send us your thoughtspublished at 16:56 21 September 2024
Sutton's predictions: Southampton v Ipswichpublished at 11:21 21 September 2024
11:21 21 September 2024
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
'We will keep learning' - Martinpublished at 13:24 20 September 2024
13:24 20 September 2024
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."
Did you know?published at 08:58 20 September 2024
08:58 20 September 2024
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).
'Players need to be listened to'published at 08:05 20 September 2024
08:05 20 September 2024
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
Martin on his selection dilemma, Archer's promise and 'external noise'published at 15:55 19 September 2024
15:55 19 September 2024
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."
🎧 Saints and Sinners previews Ipswich gamepublished at 13:03 19 September 2024
13:03 19 September 2024
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.
'Fragile' Saints squad needs to be supported - Lallanapublished at 15:40 18 September 2024
15:40 18 September 2024
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."
'Got what we wanted'published at 14:06 18 September 2024
14:06 18 September 2024
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."
Everton 1-1 Southampton - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:08 18 September 2024
09:08 18 September 2024
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.
🎧 Success in the cup with Ipswich up nextpublished at 08:51 18 September 2024
08:51 18 September 2024
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.
'So excited about what's to come' - Martinpublished at 08:01 18 September 2024
08:01 18 September 2024
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."