By kickspoll 
Southampton were poor as they lost 3-1 to AFC Bournemouth, extending Russell Martin’s winless run as a Premier League manager.
Russell Martin made a change to how his Southampton side set up at Bournemouth, playing in a 4-4-2 formation with Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes operating as false nines.
Southampton started better, but a quickly taken Bournemouth free-kick led to Evanilson firing the Cherries ahead in the 18th minute. This turned the game as Bournemouth extended their lead to 3-0 by halftime. Martin made changes at halftime, and the Saints improved, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis scoring a consolation goal. However, Southampton couldn’t mount a comeback, losing 3-1.
Graham Potter, on pundit duty for Sky Sports, commented: “Bournemouth were worthy winners. Southampton started well, but the first goal really damaged them. They came back in the second half with a bit of pride, but they were beaten by the better team.”
The loss leaves Southampton with just one point from six Premier League matches. With upcoming games against Arsenal and Manchester City, pressure is mounting on Martin, and a win against Leicester City is seen as crucial for his future at the club.
Southampton player ratings:
– Aaron Ramsdale – 6
– Yukinari Sugawara – 5
– Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 6
– Jan Bednarek – 5
– Charlie Taylor – 5
– Maxwel Cornet – 3
– Flynn Downes – 5
– Lesley Ugochukwu – 4
– Ryan Fraser – 3
– Tyler Dibling – 5
– Mateus Fernandes – 5
Substitutes:
– Joe Aribo – 7
– Ben Brereton Diaz – 6.5
– Ross Stewart – 6
– Adam Lallana – 6
The defeat has increased speculation about Russell Martin’s position, and his team’s upcoming fixtures could determine his future at the club.