Russell Martin will be targeting his first Premier League win as Southampton manager against AFC Bournemouth on Monday night.
Southampton got off the mark last weekend as a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town finally saw Russell Martin get his first point as a Premier League manager in the fifth game of the season.
It was agonisingly close to all three as Tyler Dibling’s fifth-minute strike was cancelled out by a deflected Sam Morsy effort in the 95th-minute.
Martin has come under criticism for his playing style due to a perceived naivety around his possession-based tactics in the top flight but will continue to stick to his principles in the huge game against Bournemouth on Monday night.
Despite promotion last season, this is not the first time Martin has felt the pressure as Southampton manager and he should use an experience from last season as motivation to kickstart the new campaign.
Southampton should look back at Leeds United win ahead of Bournemouth clash
Southampton beat Leeds United three times last season with the most memorable of these of course the 1-0 play-off final triumph at Wembley.
However, it was the first of these wins that Martin should use to show his players how one win can transform a season.
Exactly one year ago to do the day from Monday’s game against Bournemouth, Southampton welcomed Leeds to St Mary’s with Martin’s side on a run of four straight defeats.
The pressure was starting to mount on Martin and Leeds had started the season in fine form so no one could have predicted that Southampton would win 3-1 in a quite remarkable performance.
This result kickstarted the Martin era at Southampton and from that day the Saints went on a record-breaking 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions that would not end until February.
Russell Martin needs first Southampton win at Bournemouth
If there is an argument for trusting the process then that win and subsequent run a year ago to the day is exactly that.
However, the fact Southampton have just one point from a possible 15 and have scored just two goals in five league games is a real worry.
Bournemouth will be a tough test and the game should present a real contrast of styles with Andoni Iraola more focussed on his side’s out of possession work whilst Martin is obsessive about what his side does with the ball.
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A first win would really lift the mood at Southampton – especially against their south coast neighbours – and would see the club climb out of the relegation zone.
The game at the Vitality Stadium could well be make or break for Martin’s job security, especially with Arsenal up next.