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.”
