SAINTS produced a valiant performance at Manchester City but were ultimately unable to arrest their winless start to the Premier League season.
Erling Haaland’s 11th goal of the season gave the reigning champions Man City a narrow 1-0 win.
The Norwegian struck after only five minutes when he was played in by Matheus Nunes, holding off Jan Bednarek before prodding the ball home.
Cameron Archer hit the crossbar for Saints on the stroke of half-time before they turned to Paul Onuachu in search of a late equaliser.
Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance at the Etihad Stadium...
Aaron Ramsdale - 7.
Could do little about Haaland’s early winner. Has a few shaky moments with distribution but avoided any disasters. Produced important saves to stop City from extending their lead.
Kyle Walker-Peters - 6.
Returned to the right of defence with Yukinari Sugawara unfit to start. Had a tough time against Matheus Nunes in the first half. Helped in attack after the break.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 7.
Performed well on his return to the Etihad. Cleared a Haaland header off the line and made other key defensive contributions. A strong Premier League performance.
Jan Bednarek - 6.
Also did well in the main but fingers could be pointed at him for Haaland’s goal - he grabbed hold of the forward yet still failed to prevent the shot. Also hauled someone down in the second half.
Solid on his return from suspension. Headed away set-pieces, popped up in several good areas and set Archer free for his chance.
Ryan Manning - 6.
Didn’t have much of the ball - Tyler Dibling was the only starter to make less passes. Was caught out defensively by the brilliant Savinho. Deployed his long throw but it didn't come to much.
Flynn Downes - 6.
Put himself about and ended the game battered and bruised. Was given an undeserved yellow. Lost the ball in a few key areas but also was an option throughout the game. Hopefully didn't suffer a problematic knock.
Came back into the starting lineup and managed an hour. Offered much-needed experience but didn’t dictate the game as much as previous fixtures.
Mateus Fernandes - 7.
Produced an outstanding recovery tackle after Dibling played Manchester City through with a poor pass. Got stuck in and showed the defensive side of his game. His first full 90 minutes.
Tyler Dibling - 5.
Saw little joy against two of the best left-sided defenders in the world. Replaced at half-time but is only 18 and tough games are par for the course. Could be a good learning experience.
Cameron Archer - 6.
Cracked the crossbar just before half-time with what would have been an impressive equaliser. Could have cut the ball back sooner in a later attack. Continues to look a real threat.
Adam Armstrong - 6.
Booked no sooner than he came on. A danger with his runs in behind. Had a few efforts but was slightly reluctant with his crosses. Made a positive impact.
Joe Aribo - 6.
Came on to replace Lallana and offered energy when the veteran began to tire. Was up and down the field without making an eye-catching contribution.
Made his first league appearance of the season. Grew into the game after giving the ball away in Southampton's own half.
Paul Onuachu - 6.
Caused a lot of problems in the 10 minutes he played. Became the focal point of everything Saints did in the attack. Won plenty of headers without really testing Ederson.
Kamaldeen Sulemana - N/A.
Came on at the same time as Onuachu but provided less of an impact. Committed a smart foul to deny a City counterattack.
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