Southampton's Martin wants to address 'negative' from Birmingham win

Substitute Joe Aribo struck at the death to seal the Championship promotion hopefuls a dramatic, much-needed victory against 10-men.

Martin’s Saints were in desperate need of a morale-boosting win having lost four of their five games in all competitions since their 25-match unbeaten run ended. 

They showed spirit and togetherness to keep going until the end but the result highlighted current defensive frailties. 

"Let’s get the negative out of the way, we concede three rubbish goals so we have to stop that," Martin told the Daily Echo. 

Saints manager Russell Martin and his team at St Andrew's (Image: PA)

"We have gone from being one of the meanest in terms of giving up chances to giving up too many recently.

"We will address that for sure. It’s down to lots of things, it’s not a tactical thing as we aren’t getting carved open - it’s rubbish goals.

"Against Millwall, it was a free-kick and a penalty and today it’s a big mistake early on in the game and a good counterattack.

"The second goal - I love them both but it’s nonsense. The third goal, they’re down to 10 men and have two guys in the box."

Martin continued: "One hits the post and the other puts it in. That is unacceptable for us. If it was one thing, we would have addressed it and sorted it.

"Against Millwall, we looked toothless and against Hull we didn’t build up very well so there has been a big focus on both of those.

"At Liverpool, we created so many chances but didn’t score enough. The final third is a big focus and we have created so many chances today.

Joe Aribo netted to make it 4-3 in the 95th minute (Image: PA)

"Birmingham’s home form was tough as well. You have to prioritise time on the training pitch to what you think you need and the guys were amazing on the ball today.

"This group is so amazing, they feel everything together when football has a tendency to make you into a robot emotionally."

Aribo's match-winner was the Nigerian international's second since returning from international duty this year. 

The 27 year old started the St Andrew's fixture on the bench despite a strong performance at Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round. 

"I love all the players so I don’t mind who gets the winner," Martin joked. "He was brilliant today and unlucky not to start after Wednesday.

"I am also so pleased for Will Smallbone, two assists and a great performance. He got kicked a few times and was booed by the home support."