Russell Martin Manager
Archer, 22, missed from the spot to put Saints ahead after a quick start in their 3-0 defeat to United last Saturday. He sent a rebound header straight at Andre Onana – which transpired to be Southampton’s final effort on goal. Martin pointed out that missing chances is part of Archer’s job as a striker but insisted that his response is the most important thing. Martin explained:
Russell Martin said “The players really care. He’s brilliant to work with and he wants to get better. He’s missed a penalty but he’s a striker, he’s playing in a position where he’ll miss chances, maybe some in big games at points in his career. Your response to disappointment is the most important thing. I don’t think as a group we responded anywhere near well enough on Saturday. Cam’s trained brilliantly. We’ve looked at his clips and we’ve had a couple of really good discussions about it. I think between the time the penalty was given and it was actually taken allowed a bit of tension to creep in. I think it’s brilliant learning for him and we have a really top young talent in our hands and it’s up to us to manage him. “I’ve got no doubt if he plays on Saturday for however many minutes he will bounce back and it’ll be brilliant for us.”
Archer could return to the starting lineup to face Ipswich Town on Saturday having played no part against Everton on Tuesday evening.
