SAINTS lacked a threat in the final third as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on their return to St Mary's.
Morgan Gibbs-White put Nuno Espirito Santo’s side ahead with 20 minutes remaining of a game in which only one team looked like scoring.
Here are the key talking points as Southampton's search for a point goes on...
Walker-Peters crucial to how Saints want to play
Saints could be in danger if they lose Kyle Walker-Peters this summer given how important he is in the current system.
Playing as a left wing-back, Walker-Peters is tasked with inverting into midfield with Ben Brereton Diaz asked to stay wide on the left.
Against Forest, the former England international was excellent on the ball. On two occasions he twisted into space for a shot as Southampton struggled to find their forwards in danger areas.
Walker-Peters had been linked with a move to West Ham before the Hammers signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.
With only a week left in the transfer window, Saints will be hoping they can keep the 27 year old. If they don't, they will have a tough task trying to replace him.
Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters during the Premier League match between Southampton and Nottingham Forest (Image: Stuart Martin)
Southampton's lacking a focal point up front
Just like they did against Newcastle last week, Southampton started with Adam Armstrong and Brereton Diaz on Saturday.
The former Blackburn teammates were asked to stay wide which often left Saints light through the centre.
When Armstrong or Brereton Diaz did get on the ball, they had to beat at least one man in order to work a shooting opportunity.
Although they changed to a more traditional front three in the second half, Saints still only managed one effort on target all game.
Dibling ready to be utilised as an impact sub in the Premier League
With Saints still chasing an equaliser, Martin turned to 18 year old Tyler Dibling - and the teenager delivered an impressive performance.
From the moment he entered the field, Dibling got at the Forest defenders in a way no other Saints player had done all afternoon.
On one occasion, he won the ball deep before galloping up field but his ball for Cameron Archer was a yard behind the forward.
Martin praised the England youth international and described him as their "best attacking threat."
Dibling only made his Premier League debut last week and is already showcasing what he can do when given a chance.
No Alcaraz in the squad
Argentine midfielder Charly Alcaraz did not make the squad on Saturday as new signings Mateus Fernandes and Lesley Ugochukwu came in for the first time.
Martin admitted ahead of the game that talks were progressing over Alcaraz's proposed move to Brazilian side Flamengo.
In the hours following the game, further reporters emerged suggesting that the 21 year old is nearing a return to South America.
It appears likely that his final action at St Mary's was being sent off in a pre-season friendly against Lazio - not a fitting way to go out given how he started life on the south coast.
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