FORMER Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy warned Saints that they will be relegated if they keep trying to play out from the back.

Nine-cap England international Murphy, 47, insisted Russell Martin's side are "not good enough" to persist with their style in the top division.

Saints won promotion from the Championship with more possession than any other team in England last season but have now lost their first three games.

They have conceded five goals in those matches, with four of those strikes coming from turning the ball over with a mistake in their own half.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy said: "They are not good enough to do that consistently week-in, week-out in the Premier League and stay in the division.

"They will have the same fate as Burnley (who finished 19th last season) if they carry on persisting with this in the Premier League."

Murphy's comments came after Saints were beaten 3-1 by Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, in which Yukinari Sugawara scored.

Bryan Mbeumo was gifted a brace with goals either side of the break before Yoanne Wissa bundled over the line from a long throw.

Former Man City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart assessed Southampton's vision, breaking down their performance in the capital. 

"Russell Martin believes his team are fully capable of playing against the incredible pressing teams in the Premier League," he said. 

Joe Hart is a two-time Premier League winner with Man CityJoe Hart is a two-time Premier League winner with Man City (Image: PA)

"Three minutes in, Harwood-Bellis and Bednarek believe they can create the extra man with Ramsdale who just joined.

"They have the belief of the manager, keep playing. Brentford smell that they can get into the team but they are still playing.

"It’s incredible from Brentford, they are asking so many questions and at any moment believe they can take the ball.

"It is relentless to the point that Ramsdale tries one long even though he has options. It’s understandable, even in a team that plays out," Hart added.

"Going down 1-0 is a big moment and many teams will go under there but Russell Martin has spoken to his players at half-time.

"He’s told them that he doesn’t care they they’ve conceded, they are still going to try and create the extra man.

"Stephens and Bednarek get in each other’s spaces for the second goal and that is what Russell Martin cannot account for."