Martin annoyed Southampton concede two goals in win over Sunderland

Substitute Joe Rothwell grabbed a quickfire double to restore Southampton's lead after the Black Cats cut their two-goal lead from the first half.

The win has cut Southampton's gap to third-placed Ipswich Town, who dropped points at Cardiff, before an extended international break.

Martin was happy that Saints managed to get back to winning ways at home after two defeats but was furious their defensive woes have continued. 

The retired defender told the Daily Echo: “It’s a weird one because I feel we should have been out of sight at halftime. We let them have one shot inside the box, which hit the post.

Stuart Armstrong kicked off the scoring in the ninth minute (Image: Stuart Martin)

"It’s frustrating because we spoke to the players before the game that they have scored the most goals outside of the box in the league.

“They have a lot of players who are really talented at shooting from a distance. Their second goal is a brilliant one, but their first is scrappy and not good enough from us.

“We paid for a lack of clinical touch and that last bit of conviction in the final third. We had so many chances. We cut through them.

“They came with such an aggressive press. When we got it right it was brilliant - the rhythm of the game changed so quickly that it was almost like a counterattack.

“We need to make them pay from that. We scored from a set piece which was a reward for Gilly’s great work. He has put in so many hours of work on those since Andreas left.

“Big credit to the players for carrying that out. Then we scored a penalty, but it shouldn’t take that. We got behind the press on so many occasions. We need to make more of that."

Saints looked set for a comfortable win early in the second half, but Sunderland rallied with two goals in nine minutes to stun St Mary's.

Their first came from Romaine Mundle, who saw his effort deflect off Southampton captain Jack Stephens before beating Gavin Bazunu.

Martin was annoyed with how his side were unable to stop the Black Cats from getting a second, score by Jobe Bellingham, to level the game.

“Credit to Sunderland, they were great," Martin continued. "They kept at it. When I felt like they were starting to get tired they scored.

"They managed to keep it going and we weren’t clean enough. There was a bit of tension around the stadium which I can understand.

"It meant the subs had to come on and make a big impact. They did that and we started to look more fluid again. The third and fourth goals started with Gavin.

"We got our courage to play out again. Rothwell took his chances brilliantly. I’m delighted that we won the game but I’m frustrated we conceded two goals. We came through it and I’m proud of that.”