One Southampton player in particular struggled in the opening Premier League game of the season.
The Saints fell to a loss to fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, which saw Southampton unable to capitalise on a red card handed to the hosts, which saw Fabian Schar given his marching orders following an off-the-ball collision with the Swiss international and new signing Ben Brereton Diaz.
It will feel like a frustrating loss for Southampton, who despite bombarding their opposition throughout the game, were unable to work past a resolute Newcastle United defence, barring an effort that saw Brereton Diaz go close at the end of the first half.
There will certainly be questions asked of Southampton boss Russell Martin, who surprisingly decided to bring Yukinari Sugawara off after the first half, despite a brilliant performance that saw him gain plenty of positive reception from Saints fans.
Of course, as shown by the result, there were some players that didn’t cover themselves in glory, and one in particular has opened up discussion as to whether he is Premier League quality.
Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has horror moment against Newcastle United
The only goal of the game saw Joelinton open his account for the season, however it was made easy after what was a gift given to him by Alex McCarthy.
The goalkeeper more than contributed to the goal after he easily gave away possession in his own box before Joelinton received the ball and was able to pass it past McCarthy with ease.
His error in the lead up to the only goal in the game has been described as a ‘frustrating moment to undo a really good first half’ by Alfie House on X.
Alex McCarthy performance shows Southampton must bring in goalkeeper reinforcements
After what was a far from satisfactory performance by the shot-stopper, which was summed up by his costly error in the first half, it begs the question of whether Southampton will look to bring in extra recruits in-between the sticks before the transfer window comes to a close.
Southampton in the last week have done well to bring in attacking and midfield recruits in the form of Cameron Archer and Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, and as a result Southampton can now turn their attentions to the necessity of signing a goalkeeper, not just to provide competition, but to also improve their current options.
There were questions over whether McCarthy was up to Premier League quality, and he certainly hasn’t helped his case in the first game of the season. Whilst it is only one game in, the goalkeeper has cost the Saints a valuable point and reinforcements must be considered as a result.