SAINTS lost 3-1 to a well-drilled Gillingham side as they were dumped out of the EFL Cup in the first round.
Robbie McKenzie grabbed a second-half brace after Ashley Nadesan put the League Two side ahead before halftime.
Substitute Charly Alcaraz did pull one back late on, but it wasn't enough for Saints to mount a resurgence.
Here's how we rated every players performance as Southampton came undone at Priestfield Stadium.
Alex McCarthy – 5
Started in place of Gavin Bazunu. Will have been disappointed to concede three goals. Made a good stop late on to prevent the score from reaching 4-0.
James Bree – 5
Gave the ball away on multiple occasions, including for Gillingham’s first goal. Was part of a very poor defensive line.
Lyanco – 5
Drove forward from the defence with the ball well multiple times. Was beaten by Gillingham forwards in behind. Given captaincy when Che Adams was replaced.
Romain Perraud – 5
Playing in an unfamiliar centre-back position. Almost passed the ball into his own net during the opening 10 minutes of the game. Earned a booking for pulling a Gillingham player down after being caught out of position.
Jayden Meghoma – 6
Making his senior competitive debut. Wasn’t helped by his more senior teammates against a well-drilled Neil Harris side.
Shea Charles – 6
Coped well considering the amount of defensive responsibilities laid on his young shoulders. Aggressive in his pressing and tackling.
Stuart Armstrong – 6
Did very little during a disappointing first-half performance before coming off at half time. Was encouraging his young teammates during a brief break in play.
Sekou Mara – 6
Left Russell Martin frustrated with his industry during the early stages of the game. Saw a shot come crashing off the woodwork as Saints chased an equaliser. Was replaced by Kami Doyle at the break.
Moussa Djenepo – 6
Was lively in the first half without creating any chances. Allowed the ball to roll out for a Gills corner in the second.
Sam Amo-Ameyaw – 6
Wasn’t afraid to run at the defence when given the ball. Southampton’s most dangerous attacking player throughout the game.
Che Adams – 5
Wore the captain’s armband in the absence of regular skipper James Ward-Prowse. Was unable to trouble his opposing centre-backs before being subbed off.
Substitutes
Kami Doyle – 6
Looked promising against players much more senior than him. Was unable to create any chances.
Joe Aribo – 5
Did very little after coming on as a half time substitute.
Charly Alcaraz - 6
Allowed his frustration to show by getting into a scrap with a Gillingham player moments after coming on. Fired a shot well over from six yards out. Scored from the edge of the box to pull a goal back late on.
Paul Onuachu - N/A
Was brought on with Saints chasing a three-goal deficit. Had balls unsuccessfully aimed at him.
Tyler Dibling - N/A
Came on for his senior debut with six minutes of regular time remaining.
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