Southampton head into the first international break of the season without a point after Russell Martin watched his side lose 3-1 against Brentford on Saturday.
The defeat at Brentford added to 1-0 losses against both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, with Southampton‘s only win this season the 5-3 Carabao Cup win over Cardiff City in midweek.
Russell Martin selected the same starting XI against Brentford as he did against Newcastle and Forest with the only exception being Deadline Day signing Aaron Ramsdale replacing Alex McCarthy.
It made little difference as a goal from Yoane Wissa added to a brace from Bryan Mbeumo to condemn Southampton to a third straight league defeat despite a late strike from Yukinari Sugawara.
That goals was Southampton’s first in the Premier League this season but it was merely a consolation on a disappointing afternoon.
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Russell Martin explains Tyler Dibling lack of Premier League starts after Brentford loss
One positive from the Brentford defeat was the performance of 18-year-old Tyler Dibling after coming off the bench on 56 minutes to replace Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
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Dibling enjoyed an impressive pre-season and has been unlucky not to start already in the league this season after a bright cameo against Nottingham Forest and two assists after starting against Cardiff in the cup.
The midfielder was again one of the standout performers after coming off the bench on Saturday and many feel he has now done more than enough to break into the struggling Southampton side.
Martin spoke about this possibility after the Brentford loss and explained the reason we are yet to see Dibling start in the Premier Leage, as he said: “I think with Tyler, he has a level of talent that is unique, for sure.
“He has a physicality where it’s not like many other 18-year-olds, but he’s not conditioned to keep repeating the action. So we need to get him to that and he’s 18, so it’s difficult.
“Because he does one amazing action, then he’s too long to recover to then get the next one. But he’s an incredible player. I love him as a young man as well. So it’s my job to get him ready and make sure he can help us and put himself in the team.
“And he’s doing that with his performances. So he’s probably unlucky not to play, not to start a game yet.”
Martin went on to explain that the players who got Southampton promoted have deserved their chance but admitted he can’t afford to be sentimental, adding: “I hope people understand that the guys in the team have been amazing for us. So there’s a level of credit that they’ve built up.
“But now, after three defeats, it doesn’t really mean much, unfortunately, in football it moves on quickly and now it’s about the best guys on the pitch that are in the best place.
“Tyler’s given himself every opportunity to be in the team or to really impact it straight away from the bench.”
Dibling has earned spot in Southampton midfield
Martin now has two weeks to devise a plan to beat Manchester United, with the Red Devils coming to St Mary’s for the early kick-off on 14th September.
Dibling’s performances are becoming impossible to ignore and all being well the attacking midfielder should have done enough to take up a spot in the Saints midfield against United.
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At Southampton more than most clubs there has always been an ethos that if you are good enough then you’re old enough.
Dibling is undoubtedly good enough, so perhaps now it is time for Martin to let him off the leash as Southampton look for a spark to help them get Premier League points.