Martin, reflecting on the recent performance at Vitality Stadium, credited substitute Ross Stewart’s exceptional impact despite being down 3-0 at half-time. Stewart’s extended time on the field marked his longest appearance for the Saints.
Russell Martin said, “I should have played with a nine, whether that’s Ross, Paul Onuachu, Adam Armstrong, or Cam. It’s really easy with hindsight, but I should have done that.”
When questioned about the effect of constant changes on team cohesion, Martin was firm in his response:
Russell Martin said, “No, not really because we played that system a lot. We played it a fair bit last season at times. We build up like that. I think the formation would have changed as we got through the thirds. But in terms of being counterproductive in the shape and system and all that? No, they all played together enough. The concept doesn’t change.”
However, there was an acknowledgment of the difficulties in achieving consistency:
Russell Martin said, “The occasion and the moment took over, really, so it sort of negated any tactics. I maybe could have, after the second goal, maybe made a sub or two. That’s my learning, but it’s never a nice feeling to have to do that in the first half. Looking back, I should have, so I take responsibility for that.”
With the Saints positioned as the lowest scorers in the Premier League this season, Martin addressed how they could improve:
Russell Martin said, “I think we’re one of the lowest performers in terms of chance conversion. We’ve created a lot relatively for the Premier League, but we haven’t made the most of that, so we have to keep doing the things that have got us there. I think the guys just have to keep believing in what they’re doing and be willing to really make the most of that moment. We have some exceptionally talented players but maybe there’s that bit of tension in the last action right now, so we need to find a way to free them up.”
