SAINTS lost a striker during their 3-1 defeat at Arsenal when Ross Stewart was forced off through injury but appear to have gained another in Paul Onuachu.

Stewart, making his first start for Saints over a year on from his arrival, had his afternoon cut bitterly short inside the first half an hour when he pulled up feeling his right quad.

It was a desperately upsetting moment for a player who has been dealt too much bad luck with injuries over the last two years.

Stewart was selected for his physical profile. Southampton's game plan was to defend in numbers and hit the big man before getting teammates around him.

As is the nature of sport, heartbreaking injuries present other players with an opportunity to impress and stamp themselves onto the teamsheet.

While they initially turned to Cameron Archer - who took his chance off the bench by giving them the lead - Martin returned to the gameplan by introducing Onuachu.

After a summer of real uncertainty, 'Tall Paul' has earned his way back into Martin's plans this season with his performances in training.

The boss admitted on Thursday that he would turn to the Nigerian international should the game require a player with his 'unique strengths.'

Onuachu's first action was to hold up the ball and beat three Arsenal players with a spin before playing out to Tyler Dibling.

With Stewart seemingly set for more time on the sidelines - he will get a scan this week to determine the extent of his injury - Onuachu is a "serious option" for Martin.

Paul Onuachu scored 17 goals at Trabzonspor last seasonPaul Onuachu scored 17 goals at Trabzonspor last season (Image: Stuart Martin) Saints have often looked light up front but it's practically impossible for that to happen should they play six-foot-seven Onuachu up front. 

In Dibling, Yukinari Sugawara and Charlie Taylor, Saints have players capable of delivering dangerous crosses perfect for Onuachu.

The ball is regularly lost when Saints decide to go long - five-foot-four Ryan Fraser is usually the intended target. 

Onuachu can remedy that issue. The 30 year old still needs time to learn the system and his profile will not be suited to every opponent.

Although he has not yet scored for Saints in his 444 minutes played, goals have followed Onuachu wherever he has gone.

Martin turned to Archer with Stewart unable to continue due to his muscle injury. The 22 year old undoubtedly seized his opportunity.

Archer offers a different profile to Stewart and was shifted to the left when Onuachu came on as a more like-for-like replacement.

The former Aston Villa and Sheffield United man got his goal while running in behind the Arsenal defence on the left.

Found by a brilliant pass from Mateus Fernandes, Archer remained cool to slot past David Raya, prompting beautiful scenes in the away end. 

Archer was unlucky to drop out of the team following his performance against Ipswich Town, even though he missed chances to secure all three points.

His goal at Arsenal takes his tally for the season up to three. This was his first in the Premier League and should instil more confidence in a forward who likes to operate on instinct.

The heartwrenching disappointment of Stewart's latest injury cannot be overstated. 

No player deserves to get injured, but there is a deepened sense of unfairness when the same player is hit with repeated injury setbacks.

Stewart has worked his whole life to become a Premier League footballer - and has done so the hard way. His body is unfortunately not allowing him to act out that dream.

The Scottish forward received repeated praise from Martin following his substitute cameos this season and was handed a first Premier League start on Saturday.

Ross Stewart's afternoon was cut short at ArsenalRoss Stewart's afternoon was cut short at Arsenal (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

He only managed 42 minutes in the Championship following his arrival last summer and finally looked to be returning to consistent fitness.

Saints were patient with Stewart over the summer, unwilling to rush him back too quickly and exacerbate any small niggle he picked up.

Martin admitted he doesn't think anyone could "understand the level of frustration, hurt and pain he will feel right now."

READ MORE: Martin issues Stewart update as Southampton striker injured

For the third time this season (Newcastle United and Manchester United included), Saints can feel a sense of encouragement in defeat.

They once again showed signs that they can compete at this level before ultimately being punished by teams with superior quality.

They now set their sights on Leicester. Steve Cooper's side became the first promoted team to win this season when they secured a 1-0 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Saints were thrashed 4-1 and 5-0 against the Foxes last season and can ill afford another defeat - let alone one of that magnitude.

The positives taken from Arsenal will only remain that way if they can beat the teams around them in the division.