Russell Martin left unhappy as Southampton repeat Ipswich Town mistake

Recently, Southampton again conceded three second half goals in the Premier League to face back-to-back comeback defeats. In-form striker Cameron Archer again gave the lead to the Saints, who couldn't manage to hold on to their 2-0 lead and faced their seventh league defeat. The final half an hour was one of Southampton’s underwhelming defensive displays this season, as they repeated their previous mistakes against the Championship winners Leicester City. 

While Russell Martin’s side couldn't keep Abdul Fatawu Issahaku from giving key passes inside the box, Southampton were again lacklustre while defending corners in this match. With the score level at 2-2, Southampton still had the opportunity to secure a draw and take an important point, but they made the same defensive mistake on the third goal as against Ipswich Town last month.

Russell Martin left unhappy as Southampton repeat Ipswich Town mistake

Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks took the corner and laid off a pass towards Jordan Ayew, who again took an attempt on goal which found the back of the net despite the presence of nearly ten Southampton players. This was the case against Ipswich Town as well, where the Southampton defenders didn’t manage to block Sam Morsy’s long-range attempt and the Saints had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Thus, the Saints were expected to take that last-minute goal as a learning, and manager Russell Martin was also left unhappy with that mistake, saying, 

"Even at 2-1, it's ok, it was fine. Ryan gets sent off and it changes everything. We defended really well after Vardy scored his penalty.

We concede because someone doesn't do what they are asked to do from a corner again, which was the same against Ipswich."

- Russell Martin

Southampton gave one of their best performance in the first half, as they created huge chances and finished them well to take a comfortable 2-0 lead. The defence also put in a rock-solid performance, but as has been the pattern with the Saints this season, Russell Martin’s side couldn’t maintain their defensive solidity after conceding the first goal.

A win at the St. Mary’s Stadium in front of the Southampton fans would have been a massive confidence boost, however, another comeback defeat has increased uncertainty regarding Southampton’s aim to avoid relegation this season.