SAINTS lost more ground in the Championship playoff race on Saturday after their 2-1 defeat to Millwall - their second home league defeat of the week.

Zian Flemming converted from the penalty spot late in the first half after Che Adams pulled Saints level from Japhet Tanganga's opener. 

Southampton went close to scoring twice after the break, Joe Rothwell firing straight at the goalkeeper and Adam Armstrong being denied a late header, as they stumbled to a third defeat in four games.

Here is how we rated every Southampton player's performance at St Mary's...

Gavin Bazunu - 5.

Questions have to be asked about Millwall’s first goal. Sent the wrong way by Flemming’s penalty, although a striker has the advantage from the spot. Came up for the late corner.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 5.

Started on the left as Martin elected to start with a different defensive system. Switched out to a more natural right-sided position in the second half. Created a chance for Adam Armstrong to equalise, which he sent over.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 6.

Played as the defender furthest on the right at the start, but was not a right-back as Southampton played without a true full-back on that side. Did not look as good as he has done when playing in a more settled defensive - which is true for the whole backline.

Jan Bednarek - 6.

Handled the ball for Millwall's penalty. Recovered the ball 13 times and made three clearances. Completed the most passes (121) of any player, but was crucially part of a defence that conceded two goals.

Jack Stephens - 6.

Played a very interesting role. Started as a left-back but was often seen in holding midfield. He dropped into defence when Millwall were preparing to take set pieces. His role was praised by Martin post-match. Withdrawn on 71 minutes for the most attacking Ryan Manning.  

Will Smallbone - 5.

Delivered the cross which resulted in Adams having a shot cleared off the line. Dropped into the right-back area when building from the back. Committed two fouls without registering a successful tackle.

Joe Aribo - 5.

Making his first start since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. Floated a dangerous cross to Stu Armstrong which won a corner. Only managed to complete 24 passes in 60 minutes for a team that completed 713 passes across the whole game.

S Armstrong - 6.

Delivered the cross which Adams headed in from close range. Was a rare creative spark in Southampton's midfield. Lost the ball a few times while getting ready to shoot. Had a mix-up in the box with Sam Edozie which saw a chance wasted.

David Brooks - 6.

Created three chances. Denied a penalty shout when he went down in the box. Bent a shot just past the far crossbar. Played a low cross for Adams early in the second half, which the Scottish international fired over from close range. Replaced on 71 minutes. 

Ryan Fraser - N/A.

Only lasted 19 minutes before he was forced off injured after being assessed by the medics. Had been fouled twice. Was replaced by Edozie.

Che Adams - 6.

Had a shot cleared off the line before heading Saints level from a good cross from Stuart Armstrong. His threat waned as the game progressed. Replaced by Adam Armstrong just before the hour.

Substitutes

Sam Edozie - 6.

Added some pace and impact when he first came on but started to run out of ideas as the game progressed. Completed six dribbles but also lost seven duels. Booked for a foul on Flemming late in the second half.

Adam Armstrong - 5.

Managed just eight touches after coming on. Denied a headed equaliser by a brilliant save from Matija Sarkic. 

Joe Rothwell - 5.

Could only fire straight at Sarkic when the ball fell kindly to him inside the box - a chance that later cost Saints a point. Failed to test the Millwall keeper with any of his corners. 

Ryan Manning - 5.

Came on to add some attacking impetus in the final 20 minutes with Southampton still trailing. Did not create any chances of note against a Millwall team that sat back and soaked up pressure.

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 5.

Failed to deliver an impact after coming on from the bench beyond his cross which set up A Armstrong for a back post header. Was a good cross to open up the space to give him credit. Offered little more beyond pace but did not have the space to use it.