SAINTS required a second-half turnaround to preserve their record-breaking unbeaten run at Watford.

Substitute Stuart Armstrong scored the equaliser in the final minutes after the Hornets took the lead through Matheus Martins.

Manager Russell Martin will have learned a lot about his starting XI but perhaps nothing new about his initial four substitutes. 

He expected them to make an impact and they did - here are how we rated the players following the 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road... 

Joe Lumley - 5.

Poor wall set-up and save attempt for the Watford opener. Later over-committed to a ball he couldn't reach outside of his box but was not punished. Ended the match with 100 per cent pass accuracy and did make three saves - was undermined by his start. 

Mason Holgate - 6.

Bear with me, would have been given a four at half-time but pushing eight for second half. Gave away the free-kick for the opener and was booked for the challenge, six minutes in. Performance did not improve until the final 20 minutes, when he became a serious threat going forward.

Jack Stephens - 7.

Good game in defence for the captain. Tidy in possession and won both of his ground duels. There were a couple of moments where it was clear his range on the ball is not as good as the likes of Harwood-Bellis but can have no complaints with his performance. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 8.

Southampton's best starter - there is a reason he plays every game despite rotation. Great tackle on Vakoun Bayo and was Southampton's most reliable player in a poor first half. Set Mara up for a chance with a trademark diagonal pass. Won a couple of headers in both boxes. 

Jayden Meghoma - 7.

Great sliding tackle in front of the away fans early on to stake his claim. Looked comfortable and not like a 17 year old playing in a back four. Won his duels and was sometimes a threat going forward, he should be very happy. 

Shea Charles - 5. 

Ended the match with no notes for Charles. Touched the ball only 55 times in the six playing for Southampton, which is not a lot. Game bypassed him - not a great afternoon for him in the absence of Flynn Downes. 

Joe Rothwell - 4. 

Touched the ball even fewer times than Charles (38). Tidy enough in possession and actually had a decent rate of tackles and recoveries but nowhere near enough involved and it showed. Still learning the system after signing 14 days ago. 

Charly Alcaraz - 4. 

Had Southampton's first shot but a disappointing appearance back in the side. Wasted an early free-kick from a good area after the break. Missed with a couple of other shots and was a constant liability in possession. Credit, however, for constantly trying - he was always involved, even if it wasn't positive. Also carried on through injury after Saints had made all five subs. 

Tyler Dibling - 5. 

Making his first start for Saints. The 17 year old should have had a first-half chance to shoot and score from the edge of the area but tried to pass back to his more experienced teammates - perhaps lacking confidence. Played 63 minutes but struggled to get into the game. 

Sekou Mara - 4. 

Completed a full 90 minutes playing out of position on the left. Started poorly with a loose pass in his own box that gifted Watford possession. Struggled to get into the game, tried too much and got a lot of things wrong. It was his shot that was scored from the winner for the rebound. 

Che Adams - 4.

Again, did nothing of note. One of only two players to start the last game and would have been expected to grab the bull by the horns. Had only one shot in 63 minutes and it was blocked about a yard away from its launching point. 

Substitutes

Adam Armstrong - 6. 

Did fine with the 30 minutes he was given. Had two shots blocked and created one or two chances but nothing crazy. Part of the four changes that turned the game in Southampton's favour and cannot complain with that. 

Stuart Armstrong - 9. 

Excellent and man of the match for the minutes he was on. A strong track and recovery tackle was almost as good as his equaliser. Almost. Great touch and expert finish to wrong-foot the Watford goalkeeper and preserve the unbeaten run in the 89th minute. The Scot was a constant threat.

Will Smallbone - 8. 

Midfield dynamic completely changed after the Irishman came on in the 63rd minute. Added forward thoughts as well as sturdiness. Had a 97 per cent pass accuracy rate and won all of his duels. Excellent. 

Ryan Fraser - 6. 

Similar to A Armstrong, did nothing wrong and was part of the wave that brought about change. A natural in his position, getting down the wing and whipping balls in. Attempted five crosses and none were successful, though. Will be back in the starting team next week. 

Sam Amo-Ameyaw - 8. 

Played completely without fear, looking to pick up the ball all over the pitch. Tidy set-up for Holgate to strike from range. Curled one just over the bar from just outside the area. Can be very happy with his nearly 20 minute cameo.