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Flynn Downes insists players ‘have to look at ourselves’ and take responsibility after defeat against Bournemouth

Downes, 25, was elected by manager Russell Martin to captain the side for the 3-1 loss at Vitality Stadium in the absence of skipper Jack Stephens. A sold-out away end of 1,307 travelling fans were only barely spared embarrassment with Saints three goals down and all at sea at half-time. Saints wrestled back some control after the break but it was too much to ask to get back into the game and they slumped to a sixth game without a win. Speaking after the match, Downes told BBC Radio Solent: "That first half, it's not acceptable at this level or any level to be fair. "We let the staff down and the fans that travelled. We lacked the fight and there was no commitment or belief. "We let everyone down. Going 3-0 down in the Premier League, you are asking for a lot. We started well, started sharp. "We were caught out with a quick free-kick and then we sunk and it's exactly the same as against Manchester United. "We have got to look at ourselves, there is nothing anyone else can do - it's on the 11 players out there, we have to line up quick. "It was fight, commitment and heart. You can talk about tactics all you want but you have to fight and earn the right to play. "Whether you are going to go long or try and play football, you have got to earn the right or you've got no chance in this league - and we didn't. "The fans deserve to see that fight every week. It's a given at this level, there is no other option. That first half was nowhere near it." Downes is likely to wear the armband again for Saturday's visit to Arsenal, who are chasing down Manchester City to end their Premier League dominance. Stephens, 30, has been ruled out for two more matches with an additional suspension after admitting an FA misconduct charge.

Premier League Museum Admin October 2, 2024

Flynn Downes

Flynn Downes, 25, was selected by manager Russell Martin to captain the Saints in their challenging 3-1 defeat at Vitality Stadium, stepping in for the absent skipper Jack Stephens. The match saw a significant setback with the team trailing 3-0 at halftime, causing distress among the 1,307 traveling fans who filled the away stands. Despite a more controlled performance in the second half, the Saints were unable to overturn the deficit, leading to their sixth winless game. Jack Stephens, 30, who was unable to play due to suspension after admitting to an FA misconduct charge, is expected to be out for two more matches. Consequently, Downes is likely to continue as captain in the upcoming match against Arsenal, a team in hot pursuit of dethroning Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League.

Following the match, Downes reflected on the team’s performance.

Flynn Downes said “That first half, it’s not acceptable at this level or any level to be fair,” Downes stated. “We let the staff down and the fans that travelled. We let everyone down. Going 3-0 down in the Premier League, you are asking for a lot.” He acknowledged the team’s initial strong start but noted, “We were caught out with a quick free-kick and then we sunk and it’s exactly the same as against Manchester United.”

Downes emphasized personal responsibility among players.

Flynn Downes said “We have got to look at ourselves, there is nothing anyone else can do—it’s on the 11 players out there, we have to line up quick. You can talk about tactics all you want but you have to fight and earn the right to play. Whether you are going to go long or try and play football, you have got to earn the right or you’ve got no chance in this league—and we didn’t.”

He concluded by underscoring the expectations at this level of competition: “The fans deserve to see that fight every week. It’s a given at this level, there is no other option. That first half was nowhere near it.”

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Premier League Museum Admin

English Premier League fan since 1992. Travel enthusiast, sports buff and blog writer with deep interest in watching sports – English premier league, American Football, Basketball, Tennis, Cricket.. you name it.. Firm believer in giving back to the community which gives you happiness and identity.

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