SAINTS hit the self-destruct button twice as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Brentford on Saturday.

Bryan Mbeumo benefited the most from Southampton's sloppy play out of the back on an afternoon marred by errors.

Yukinari Sugawara did score a late consolation goal to offer one moment of brightness - while Russell Martin's substitutes impressed again.

Here are the key talking points from a disappointing afternoon at the Gtech Community Stadium...

Saints the architects of their own downfall

Southampton have conceded five goals this season - four of those have come from errors playing out from the back.

Alex McCarthy passed straight to Alexander Isak leading to Joelinton's winner in the opening game at Newcastle.

Joe Aribo ran into two Forest attackers on the edge of the box last week which was punished when Morgan Gibbs-White followed Yukinari Sugawara's clearance on the line.

After another decent start at Brentford, Taylor Harwood-Bellis gifted the Bees an opening goal when he dawdled on the ball.

Saints didn't learn about Brentford's relentless press and played straight into them again when Jan Bednarek tried a pass to Jack Stephens - the ball was pinched and seconds later the hosts had a second.

Mistakes while playing out from the back are to be expected across a 38-game season - and in the Premier League, they will be punished.

Saints have been given a stark reminder of how big the step up to the Premier League is. They need to cut out these mistakes soon or we could be set for a long season.

Ramsdale has added confidence between the sticks

Although he conceded three goals on his debut, it's clear that Aaron Ramsdale has added confidence between the sticks.

The England international was thrown straight into the starting lineup following his deadline day move from Arsenal for an initial £18million.

Ramsdale demonstrated he can be a reliable shot-stopper - from close range and distance - as he kept Brentford at bay until the opening goal, which he could do little about.

Martin was pleased with his maiden performance and insisted Saints supporters will fall in love with Ramsdale quickly.

Club captain Jack Stephens also pointed out that his arrival has added real quality and experience to a squad lacking some top-level know-how.

Aaron Ramsdale had a solid Saints debutAaron Ramsdale had a solid Saints debut (Image: PA)
Do Dibling and Fernandes need to start against Manchester United?

Martin was quick to turn to youngsters Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes as Saints went in search of an equaliser.

Fernandes, on at the break, was more proactive than Will Smallbone and looked to drive at the Bees defence.

The Portuguese youth international also offered another passing option with runs in behind - important movement given Brentford's willingness to sit off Saints.

Dibling came on before the hour mark and caused a lot of problems with his direct and confident running.

Saints lost control after changing to a back four but the goals did come from a moment of madness and a set-piece.

Making your first Premier League start against Manchester United is a tough gig, however, the dynamism Fernandes and Dibling offer could be key to catching them on the break.

Tyler Dibling (right) and Russell Martin (left)Tyler Dibling (right) and Russell Martin (left) (Image: PA)