DEFENDER Yukinari Sugawara set the standard for Saints in their 3-1 defeat at Brentford on an afternoon marred by individual errors.

Southampton's centre-backs gifted the Bees two goals before Yoane Wissa scrambled home a third to kill the game.

Japanese international Sugawara did pull one back in injury time to round out a good individual performance and open Southampton's account for the season.

Flynn Downes also impressed in midfield while teenager Tyler Dibling delivered his latest eye-catching cameo from the bench. 

Ultimately errors at the back cost Russell Martin's side another chance to earn some points. Here's how we rated every Southampton performance...

Aaron Ramsdale - 6.

Produced two important saves at 0-0 to deny Mikel Damsgaard and Wissa. Claimed crosses confidently and came out to meet attackers before they could shoot. Showed a good passing range and dealt rather well with Saints going back to him too often after the third goal.

Aaron Ramsdale had a solid Saints debutAaron Ramsdale had a solid Saints debut (Image: PA)
Yukinari Sugawara - 8.

His best performance since stepping up to the Premier League. Did enough to put Wissa off when shooting after a smart free-kick and threw himself in front of other efforts. Provided a real attacking threat down the right. Took his goal really well.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 5.

Brilliant through ball for Kyle Walker-Peters to create Southampton's first real effort. Continued to take risks with his passing and paid the price when he dithered on the ball for two long leading to the opening goal. Replaced before the hour - having been booked - as Saints went more attacking.

Jack Stephens - 5.

Continued to play in midfield when in possession - which led to him pressing high up the field when Saints lost the ball. Headed over from a corner at 0-0. Made a key block to deny Mbeumo before being involved in the mixup for the Cameroon international's second.

Jan Bednarek - 5.

Had been rather faultless until his error which handed Brentford a second goal. Lost the ball playing a needless one-yard pass to Stephens and was punished. Did some good stuff stepping out but ultimately undid a lot of good work with a moment of madness.

Jan Bednarek made an error which lead to Brentford's second goalJan Bednarek made an error which lead to Brentford's second goal (Image: PA)
Kyle Walker-Peters - 5.

Started well and saw an early effort blocked from a tight angle. Created his own chances with those trademark runs inside. Made two important interceptions to deny Mbeumo more glory. A lot of Brentford attacks came down his side. Struggled more as the game progressed - perhaps a result of his lack of pre-season.

Flynn Downes - 7.

Made the most tackles of any Southampton player while also looking to find players in behind with longer passes - just lacked a bit of quality with some balls forward. Couldn't do enough to help Ramsdale for Wissa's goal but didn't falter after mistakes around him. 

Will Smallbone - 5.

Struggled to impose himself in midfield. Caught napping on the edge of the box and conceded a chance to Wissa which would have been punished by a more clinical side. Replaced at half-time.

Southampton's Will Smallbone was replaced at halftimeSouthampton's Will Smallbone was replaced at halftime (Image: PA)
Joe Aribo - 6.

His performance was better upon second viewing. Admittedly thought he lacked impetus on first viewing but did look to progress and was let down by a lack of movement around him at times. Headed onto the crossbar. Struggled with crosses in the first half.

Adam Armstrong - 4.

Didn't do enough with Southampton's biggest chances. Stayed on his feet when he could have gone down under a slide tackle from Ethan Pinnock which prevented his shot. Then got a four-yard effort totally wrong and missed the ball. Didn't do enough off the ball for a team with two forwards.

Ben Brereton Diaz - 6.

Played in a more narrow position - as did Armstrong. Did a lot of good work off the ball. Pressed like a monster and offered the most movement in the final third. Deserved more from a good pass to Armstrong.

Substitutes

Cameron Archer - 5.

On for Armstrong at the break and looked really positive in the first 10 minutes he was on the pitch. Looked to link up with fellow sub Mateus Fernandes but saw his chances to get on the ball restricted after the third goal. Ended the game with just eight touches.

Mateus Fernandes - 6.

Similarly bright after his introduction. Created a chance with a good drive forward before trying to feed Archer. Showed a mixed passing range - needs to be more neat but tried things others didn't. Knocked off the ball a few times.

Tyler Dibling - 8.

Another brilliant performance off the bench. Offered an immediate threat with his confident running. Had no right to beat three players and feed Brereton Diaz but managed it anyway. Involved with the goal. Played the initial cross which was cleared before clipping the ball forward again for Adam Lallana.

Adam Lallana - 6.

Would have ranked higher had he been on the pitch for longer. Added real voice once again and could be heard over the supporters. Tried to break the lines with his passing and provided the knockdown for Sugawara's goal. Wouldn't be surprised to see him start against United.