Southampton’s return to the Premier League also means they are back on Match Of The Day, with the performances of Russell Martin’s side coming under more scrutiny than they did in the Championship.
Southampton opened the season with a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in what was widely viewed as a display that should cause optimism given the performance even before Newcastle went down to ten men.
However, defeat by the same scoreline in the first home game of the season against Nottingham Forest has not been viewed quite so favourably, as Southampton were really disappointing at St Mary’s.
A second-half Morgan Gibbs-White goal proved the difference, with Southampton failing to ever really create any meaningful chances despite having 65% possession.
It is a worry for Russell Martin and could see the club eye more quality in the final third prior to the transfer window closing on Friday.
Micah Richards raises concerns with Southampton lack of chances in Nottingham Forest defeat
Southampton managed just one shot on target in the home loss to Forest and never really looked capable of unpicking an organised Nuno Espírito Santo defence.
Whilst the 3-5-2 Southampton have started the season playing should theoretically make them more resolute defensively, it means there is not a natural creator in the side.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin already knows he has a ‘special’ solution to Southampton issue exposed vs Forest
Southampton’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Forest was shown last on Match Of The Day, perhaps telling you all you need to know about the contest.
Gary Lineker was hosting the show, with Micah Richards and Southampton academy graduate and Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer providing analysis.
Speaking after an interview in which Martin claimed Forest had superior attacking players, Lineker said: “Yeah, he [Martin] said there that the difference between the two teams was the quality in the final third.
“Obviously Southampton dominated the possession – you can see there 65% against 35% – but the other aspects there are quite alarming, so he’s got a point probably.”
Richards voiced his concerns, responding: “Yeah he’s got a point. The game against Newcastle last week they had a lot of possession but they don’t score a goal.
“I mean, today, if you look at the stats there, 128 passes per shot.
“You need to bring a little bit of what they did last season in terms of keeping the ball, but they need to get forward a little bit quicker because that’s exactly what Nottingham Forest did today and that is the difference.”
Shearer agreed, adding: “I think from a Southampton point of view, their general play – particularly against Newcastle last week when it was 11v11 – they were the better team.
“They had a couple of chances [against Newcastle], they couldn’t finish them off last week. They didn’t really have any big ones today and that would be the big concern.”
Russell Martin must find way for Southampton to create in Premier League
Last week against Newcastle Southampton’s failure to score was put down to a ten-man Newcastle protecting their lead by defending deep and making themselves very hard to break down.
Forest were not particularly expansive at St Mary’s – relying on transitions to spring attacks – but Southampton found little joy when trying to create against an opponent likely to be near the bottom of the table come the end of the season.
Mateus Fernandes was signed last week and made his debut off the bench, with Martin hoping the Portuguese youngster can be a creative force for his side.
- READ MORE: Who is Mateus Fernandes? The ‘complete’ £16m gem set to become Southampton’s 11th summer signing
However, it was 18-year-old Tyler Dibling who looked the most likely to make something happen in his 15 minute cameo.
Martin may have to change something to make his side more threatening in the final third moving forward; perhaps sacrificing one of the five defenders for an extra attacker.