Southampton will head into the second international break of the season winless after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against Arsenal.
Russell Martin was left incredibly frustrated by his Southampton players after the 3-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth on Monday night.
The Southampton boss demanded a reaction and he made four changes to the starting XI from Bournemouth as well as changing to a 5-4-1 formation.
Away at title-contenders Arsenal Southampton showed far more fight and battled well before taking a surprise lead through Cameron Archer on 55 minutes.
Unfortunately it was short-lived as Kai Havertz levelled three minutes later before goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka completed the turnaround.
Yukinari Sugawara praises Takehiro Tomiyasu after Southampton lose to Arsenal
There were a few surprises in Martin’s starting lineup against Arsenal, with Ryan Manning a starter despite not having made a Premier League squad in the six games before this one.
Kyle Walker-Peters was also recalled but played as a centre-back, with Yukinari Sugawara continuing on the right of the defence.
Sugawara has been one of Southampton’s star performers since signing from AZ Alkmaar but was at fault for Saka’s goal at The Emirates.
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Sugawara was joined on the pitch by one of his international teammates with six minutes remaining as £20 million Takehiro Tomiyasu entered the fray.
After the match Tomiyasu took to Instagram to post a picture from the game with the caption: “Back. Thanks for your support Gunners.”
Sugawara clearly admires Tomiyasu and commented “the best” on the post, whilst former Saints loanee Takumi Minamino commented: “Steady. Just one step at a time.”
Sugawara to come under increased pressure from Kyle Walker-Peters
Sugawara has started every league game so far this season, all on the right of the defence.
This is also Walker-Peters’ favoured position but the 27-year-old is yet to start a game there given the form of Sugawara.
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Walker-Peters missed out against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth but played in an unorthodox centre-back role at Arsenal in order for Martin to accommodate both players.
Sugawara has not been able to match his early season form in the past two games and that could see Martin consider whether it is now time to give Walker-Peters a run in the side in his best position, with Sugawara then dropping to the bench.