FIVE of the biggest talking points from Southampton's entertaining but ultimately frustrating trip to Arsenal, in which the hosts ended as 3-1 winners.
A more pragmatic approach
On his way out from the pre-match press conference on Thursday, Russell Martin joked that he was going to go 4-4-2 and "bank up" at Arsenal.
It was not quite that but it was not far off. Although the chaotic second half was more even, Saints had just 31 per cent possession before the break.
Martin had set Saints up in a more defensive mindset than previously while retaining his principles of playing out with the ball.
They might have got no points but it was an encouraging mix-up of his game. After the match, Martin alluded to the fact he has learned to take joy from it.
Manning back in from the cold
As part of that more pragmatic approach, Martin opted to name both a full-back and a wing-back on the left to counteract Bukayo Saka.
Ryan Fraser was set to start but when he was struck down by illness, Martin reckoned Ryan Manning was the next most natural fit.
It shows stern commitment to the gameplan, with Manning earning his first minutes of the season and being named in a squad for only the second time.
Manning did well and there were no real teething issues. It was a bold and surprising call but showed some tactical nous from the boss.
Encouragement for the future
Saints can take encouragement for the short-term and long-term future despite suffering a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches.
They need to transfer the performance levels into the games that really matter, including Leicester City up next, but there are some talents there.
Cameron Archer, 22, took his first league Saints well. Mateus Fernandes, 20, set him up brilliantly. Tyler Dibling, 18, was great again.
Combine that with strong performances from senior pros like Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Aaron Ramsdale and Joe Aribo and they have a core.
Onuachu has plenty to offer
Paul Onuachu's first touch from the bench this season was a stop-and-turn to beat the opposition. Next, he was performing step-overs.
The 30 year old Nigerian did not get a chance to score in his 25 minutes but he looked much more at home in the Saints system.
We know he can score goals. He has 79 in league competitions across the last four seasons, a far better pedigree than anyone else at the club.
They might not have come in major European leagues but Martin now sees Onuachu as a serious option - and why not? He can be useful this year.
Stewart faces another setback
One can only imagine the thoughts going through Ross Stewart's head when he was sat in the Saints dressing room alone at 3:30pm yesterday.
The 28 year old was given his first Premier League start, and first start for Saints, after an almost two-year journey to return to full fitness.
Stewart has looked good in his cameos this season but picked up a new muscle injury just 26 minutes into the match at Emirates Stadium.
Martin says he will require a scan and it is very difficult to remain optimistic for the Scot. He will fear he is now trapped in a cruel cycle. Fingers crossed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel