Why poor finish to historic win might actually be good for Southampton

The travelling supporters had spent all seven of the added minutes singing '21 undefeated, playing football the Southampton way'. 

Sensational signing Ryan Fraser was being hoisted to the sky by goalscorer Che Adams, during the traditional three fist bumps. 

Russell Martin's side had also climbed back into second place for the second consecutive weekend, ahead of Ipswich Town's fixture. 

However, it was something the boss said in an otherwise proud post-match press conference that piqued our interest. 

"I saw enough to know we still have a long way to go and some improvement we can make," the boss claimed. 

Saints defender Ryan Manning celebrates on his return to Swansea (Image: PA)

Southampton's first-half during the 3-1 win at Swansea City was one of the best 45 minutes a Championship team has produced this season.

They registered 17 shots with 10 on target, had 70 per cent possession, 43 touches in the opposition box and expected goals of 3.1.

Match stats at half-time of Swansea vs Southampton (Image: Fotmob)

All of those are Championship records this season and Swans boss Luke Williams could probably not believe his side were only two down. 

Martin labelled it one of the best halves he has been involved in across a 20-year career as a manager, coach, or player. 

However, the second 45 minutes - and particularly the final 20 - were miles off that standard.

Just as Carl Rushworth had saved the hosts before the interval, Gavin Bazunu earned his weekly wage with four big saves. 

Swansea mounted wave after wave of attacks as Saints lost the ball more than once a minute.

They won only 16 of 40 duels and allowed Swansea seven shots in the final 15 minutes. 

Match stats from second half of Swansea vs Saints (Image: Fotmob)

Martin made a change in his back four just before the hour mark, substituting the booked Taylor Harwood-Bellis for Jack Stephens.

It was only after Sekou Mara and Joe Rothwell came on for Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong that Saints lost control of the match. 

The momentum bar records the impetus of teams throughout the fixture (Image: Fotmob)

However, the skipper was at the centre of it - he only put two passes (out of 31) astray the whole game, but both gifted Swansea big chances. 

Martin accepted his changes did not work: "Our changes didn't have as positive an impact as they have done. That's on me and the timing." 

Named captain in the summer, following James Ward-Prowse's exit but before the arrival of Harwood-Bellis, Martin is a big fan of Stephens.

He has been unable to reclaim his starting spot but was shoehorned into right-back against both Swansea at home and Norwich. 

During the first few games of the season, before his injury, Stephens was critical to Southampton's bravery playing out the back.

Russell Martin clearly wants to play captain Jack Stephens

And since his injury return against Blackburn in December, Stephens has come on at some point in every single game. 

Martin got away with a mistake on Saturday - but it is his management that has the side in second and in full flow in the first place. 

They should have been much further ahead following an exemplary first half, while a goal a piece should have been ruled out for offside. 

It also should be added that, ultimately, Saints did not concede points or even a goal and Harwood-Bellis has avoided a red card. 

Even if he had not, the resultant suspension would have only ruled the defender out of next weekend's FA Cup clash with Watford. 

Martin's correct assertion that there is still more improvement to be had for Saints is also a tantalising prospect.

Russball™️ pic.twitter.com/VRQKduzwiU

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 21, 2024

They have taken 19 from the last 21 Championship points available and have scored 20 goals in those seven games.

It will be interesting to see Martin's response to the final 15 minutes at Swansea, with the boss receptive to on-pitch lessons this season.

When asked what unsettled his team, Martin told the Daily Echo: "Swansea were better. Their change of approach helped them.

"We looked like we were trying to see the game out rather than go for the jugular. If you aren't going to look after the ball, you need to run.

"It is a brilliant lesson for us and we have a lot of growth to have. I sweated way too much in the last 10 minutes and now I stink."

There will be calls to resist the temptation of rewarding the dressing room leader and captain by disrupting the back four. 

In addition, it was a stark reminder - on a day of otherwise pure congratulation for this reason - that Saints are not unbeatable.

Perhaps it will serve to help maintain their excellent standards after the catharsis of writing their names into the club's history books.