Russell Martin was left bitterly disappointed by his Southampton side after their 3-1 defeat away at AFC Bournemouth on Monday night.
Southampton started brightly but Bournemouth kept control after taking an 18th-minute lead from a quickly taken free-kick finished by Evanilson.
From that point on Bournemouth had it almost all their own way as they raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis did score what proved to be merely a consolation goal just after half-time but it was a timid Southampton performance that is inexcusable in the Premier League.
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Russell Martin praises substitutes after Southampton lose to Bournemouth
Russell Martin was clearly angry after the game as he expressed his dissatisfaction with what he had seen from Southampton on Sky Sports.
The Saint boss claimed he did not recognise his team in the first 45 minutes and lamented their lack of fight.
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Martin made three changes at half-time as he replaced Maxwel Cornet, Ryan Fraser and Lesley Ugochukwu with Ben Brereton Diaz, Ross Stewart and Joe Aribo.
Adam Lallana also entered the fray in the second-half and was one of three substitutes that Martin reserved some praise for post-match.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Martin said: “Then a couple of guys come on and they should be playing. They should start. Joe Aribo is outstanding when he comes on.
“Ross Stewart is outstanding. Adam Lallana. They show fight. They show spirit. They show courage. They show aggression.”
Martin cited this as the key difference between the two sides, adding: “But Bournemouth make 20 fouls. We make 10. I think that sums up the whole game. It’s impossible if you’re not going to fight.”
Joe Aribo and Ross Stewart should start for Southampton against Arsenal
It does not get any easier for Southampton as they travel to Arsenal next weekend as the hunt for a first Premier League win of the season continues.
Lallana was a standout performer against Ipswich last weekend and Martin hinted that he did not start against Bournemouth due to fitness concerns so that will again dictate whether he plays against the Gunners.
However, Aribo and Stewart have now shown Martin they should be in the starting XI at The Emirates and their teammates should perhaps take a leaf out of their book.
Stewart made his longest appearance since signing for Southampton last summer with his 45 minutes against Bournemouth, whilst Aribo channelled his disappointment at coming out of the side into a positive contribution despite Southampton’s poor night.