Southampton fell to their third straight defeat against Middlesbrough and manager Russell Martin has tried to find the route of that problem.
The Saints went ahead early through Adam Armstrong but failed to make the lead count as they eventually lost the game.
Riley McGree grabbed the equaliser before half time, resulting in a flat end to the half at St Mary’s.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was on the wrong side of the referee’s decision in the second half. He was penalised for a challenge on Josh Coburn.
Johnny Howson made it 2-1 from the spot and that is how the match finished.
What has Russell Martin said?
It felt that Southampton never felt comfortable in the game. They seemed even less sure of themselves after taking the lead.
Martin shared this view: “When we go 1-0 ahead, the mentality of the entire team totally changes.
“We didn’t keep hold of the ball. If you’re not going to press you need to look after the ball.”
It was clear that Martin wasn’t happy with the way his side plays at the moment.
“That’s ultimately what hurt us. I can’t put the game down to one thing. We had the game where we wanted it and the crowd were anxious.”
Speaking further about his team, he said: “We didn’t keep the ball well enough, we forced it, and when we didn’t have the ball, we didn’t show the same intensity that we showed in the first 20 minutes.
“That’s a mentality problem, it’s not a technical or tactical problem.”
With all that being said, it isn’t clear that it is anyone’s fault: “I think it’s a subconscious decision, I don’t think it’s a conscious one.
“We need to get back to doing what we were doing. We started the second half really well and then we conceded the goal and it hurts again.”
It is a tough time for the Saints right now, especially after a seemingly positive start.
Martin is working to rectify this: “We are going through a really tough period at the minute, maybe more than ever, but I understand the frustration.
“We have to keep working. It’s as simple as that.”
Leeds United are next and will be another stern test for Martin’s men to face.