Southampton earned their first Premier League point against Ipswich Town last weekend and Russell Martin will now be keen to build on that with Monday’s trip to Bournemouth.
After four defeats from their first four league matches, Russell Martin knew something had to change against Ipswich Town.
Having already changed formation and personnel a week earlier against Manchester United, Martin made four more changes to the Southampton starting XI for the 1-1 draw with Ipswich.
Whilst the team for the first three league games very much resembled the one that got promoted last season, in the last match Southampton had nine summer signings in the side; although Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes and Ryan Fraser were at the club on loan last year.
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This shows that Martin is in no mood for sentiment as he continues the search for a first Premier League win as a manager and his ruthless streak must now continue against Bournemouth.
Russell Martin should again start Charlie Taylor for Southampton vs Bournemouth
Southampton look to have made one of the bargain signings of the summer in right-back Yukinari Sugawara, with the Japan international immense since his £6 million move from AZ Alkmaar.
With Kyle Walker-Peters the subject of intense interest in the summer, Sugawara was perhaps signed as a replacement for the full-back rather than an alternative.
However, with Walker-Peters remaining at the club past the end of the transfer window Martin tried to accommodate both players by playing Sugawara on the right of the defence and Walker-Peters on the left.
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With Martin starting the season playing a 3-5-2, both players operated as wingbacks where they could demonstrate their attacking qualities, but the switch to a back four gave the side a less balanced feel with a right-footer on both sides.
That led to a surprise decision by Martin for Ipswich, as experienced summer arrival Charlie Taylor started at left-back and Walker-Peters dropped to the bench.
Taylor had played well days earlier against Everton in the Carabao Cup and was rewarded by keeping his place, with the fact he is naturally left-footed giving Southampton a more balanced feel.
Walker-Peters may be one of Southampton’s best players, but Martin knows he must put the needs of the team ahead those of any one player and should therefore continue with Taylor against Bournemouth.
What Martin said on decision to replace Kyle Walker-Peters with Taylor
Walker-Peters’ future remains an uncertain one as, despite staying this summer, he has entered the final year of his contract.
That means the player is free to talk to foreign clubs in January and could leave for free next summer.
Contract talks are said to be ongoing and Martin was asked by the Daily Echo whether this was a factor in his decision to drop the 27-year-old against Ipswich.
Martin played this down, though, as he responded: “I think it’s a coincidence, really. It was about putting out the team that I thought would give us the best performance.”
Martin went on to explain the reason behind the change, saying: “On Tuesday, I told the guys that they need to put in a performance that can put them in the team on the weekend.
“I thought Charlie did that. With a natural left-footer on that side, I think it gives us a different option there with more balance.
“Yuki has been outstanding (at right-back). I think he’s been one of our best players so far this season.
“Unfortunately for Kyle, he misses out. Now it’s up to him to force his way back into the team.”
Walker-Peters will not be happy at coming out of the side, but Taylor has earned his chance and should keep the shirt for the trip to the Cherries.