Russell Martin knows that his possession based style will divide opinion as he looks to keep Southampton in the Premier League this season.
After three defeats from three in the Premier League Russell Martin made changes to both formation and personnel against Manchester United.
Southampton‘s principles remained the same though and a bright start was turned on its head as Cameron Archer missed a penalty before United went on to win 3-0.
Up until the penalty Southampton were well on top and 18-year-old Tyler Dibling played a starring role as he won the spot-kick by beating Diogo Dalot before being brought down.
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Ultimately, though, Southampton lost yet another game which sees them 19th in the table and one of just two teams without a point in the top flight.
Robbie Mustoe a big fan of what Russell Martin is doing at Southampton
Martin has seen his style of play criticised by many since promotion to the Premier League, with some viewing it as naive or arrogant.
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The 38-year-old will not change his philosophy however, and former player turned pundit Robbie Mustoe thinks this is admirable.
Speaking about the Southampton performance against United with Robbie Earle on The 2 Robbie’s podcast, Mustoe said “Listen, I love a man that’s proactive and Russell Martin is being proactive. They’re having a go, Rob.
“How many times have we been on these shows and said ‘oh you know, Burnley of old, sitting behind the play’ – they’re having a go.
“And I can sit here and make notes that say ‘they’re pretty open when they turn the ball over’ – they are, but for them to get possession and to try and create something they have to throw people forward and it’s a consequence.
“What are you going to do? You could still lose 3-0 to Manchester United – or anyone – sitting back, sitting in a 4-5-1, 5-4-1, whatever the defensive system, try and get them on the counter-attack and never look like scoring and still lose a game.”
Mustoe understands the counter-argument, but added: “Yeah, you’re right, can he play with a little bit more insurance? I love the style of play, try and play, try and create something, and by the way they came into the game, they had plenty of possession in the first 20 minutes.”
Martin must take positives from Man Utd defeat
Whilst Mustoe’s view is the exception rather than the rule when compared to many pundits this season, the performance against United certainly had more reasons for optimism than prior results.
Until Archer missed the 33rd-minute penalty Southampton were dominant, with United unable to play through their press.
However, the miss drained the life out of the Saints who failed to register a single shot in the rest of the match after United had scored the opener just two minutes later.
The performances of Dibling, Lesley Ugochukwu and Mateus Fernandes were all promising too, meaning Martin has plenty to be positive about ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.