‘A big relief’ – Russell Martin assesses first Premier League win as Saints boss (against Everton)

Adam Armstrong scored the only goal in the 85th minute of a tense encounter, which saw a swift Beto equaliser ruled out by VAR for offside. It ended Southampton's 22-match winless run in the top flight and was the club's latest winning goal in the Premier League since December 2018. Three points also lifted Saints off the bottom of the league table with Wolves playing in the evening kick-off and handed Martin a timely boost. "It was a big relief, happiness, gratitude and pride in the players and the staff and the supporters and the owners and the board," said Martin. ABSOLUTELY HUGE.#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/RozlFCqLv3 — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) November 2, 2024 "We've been in a really tough period so for the guys to stick with... you guys spend a bit of time at the training ground and stuff and it's never felt any different. "The cloud of not having a win has hung over things but the way they work, the way they train and the way they interact with each other, they're amazing.  "They're an amazing group to work with. I love them and I love being here so I want to drag it out for as long as I can. A win will certainly help that." "We've been on the wrong end of a few tight ones," added Martin, assessing the VAR decision which ultimately helped Saints to the win.  #SOUEVE – 89’ VAR OVERTURNBeto’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and confirmed that Beto was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed. pic.twitter.com/O4vC7I031a — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) November 2, 2024 "It's a big bit of learning for us as well because it was so tight and we'd just scored and everyone's caught up in the emotion. "That could have completely taken this out and it would have been horrific feelings. It wasn't a nice feeling for us for a couple of minutes it was happening.  "Then after that, they threw everything at us and they're a good team. Strong team, organised and make it so difficult for you. "I think some of the football we played today was outstanding. A few sticky moments when they took the ball off us because they were well-drilled. "We recovered well from them and everyone stuck at it and we scored a goal from brilliant courage and composure in our own box. "Defending the set play, we head it down rather than clear it and play a one-two together for Matty Fernandes to drive up. I'm really proud of the players." "The players have been criticised so much sometimes for stuff they're trying that hasn't quite come off so I hope they get some credit when it does go right."