The Southampton attacker is yet to hit the ground running so far this season.
The Saints’ key issues this season have been a result of the struggles in front of goal.
Russell Martin’s have scored just one goal so far in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with full-back Yuki Sugawara bagging a consolation goal in the away defeat against Southampton.
All-in-all, Southampton simply have not been able to create enough of a threat on the attack so far this season, despite the arrival of Premier League experienced attackers Cameron Archer and Ben Brereton Diaz, who both suffered relegation last season in South Yorkshire with Sheffield United.
As well as the new signings, Southampton star Adam Armstrong has not been performing well, despite finishing as the clubs top scorer last season, and Russell Martin must look into why he has been unable utilise the attacker more this campaign.
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Southampton boss Russell Martin must play into Adam Armstrong’s strengths after poor start to the season
It is certainly not fair to single out individuals when regarding who is responsible for the poor start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, however one of the players who have not lived up to expectations is Armstrong.
Whilst his finishing has been sub-par in the opening three games of the season and he has shown struggles on the physical side, it is clear that Martin is not playing to the attacker’s strengths.
It is clear that the Southampton boss thinks very highly of Armstrong, after he referred to him as ‘brave’ last season, per BBC, however Martin’s reluctance to change up his style of play in the Premier League has meant that the former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker has often been vacant.
Southampton simply aren’t getting as many chances in front of goal in comparison to last season , where they short and intricate passing often led to an opportunity, however the Saints are struggling to break through enemy lines, and Armstrong is struggling as a result.
Southampton must revert to simple tactics in order to be successful
It is clear that any side that will be up against the cosh and involved in a relegation scrap, as Southampton will likely be this season, they must transform their style of play in order to get as many chances in front of goal as possible, whilst also utilising a formation that keeps you tight and compact in the centre-of-the-park.
Neither of these are currently being utilised by Martin and it could drastically affect their season as this reluctance to play the ball forward and make the most of route-one football is limiting the chances on offer for Armstrong, as well as the other attackers who have also been unable to find the back of the net.
It certainly worked for Southampton in the Championship, however not only is it limiting Armstrong’s abilities at this level, it has meant that the entire team has struggled, and that is shown by the amount of goals conceded as a result of mistakes from the Saints.