Southampton slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Stoke City this afternoon and one Saints player was labelled as ‘disappointing’ for his performance.
Southampton’s rotten run of form continued at St Mary’s after they fell to a 1-0 loss against Stoke City.
Russell Martin‘s men have now suffered defeats against Cardiff City, Leicester City and Stoke in the space of a week, prompting concerns about the player’s mentality heading into the play-offs.
Saints supporters wanted their side to build momentum but it looks as though they’ve have run out of steam at the wrong time.
The South Coasters fell behind in the first half as Tyreese Campbell put the visitors ahead. Southampton huffed and puffed to get back into the game but they ultimately didn’t test goalkeeper Daniel Iversen enough, recording just three attempts on target in the match.
Martin chose to rest some of his big hitters, including Che Adams and Adam Armstrong while fielding a front three of Ryan Fraser, Samuel Edozie and Sekou Mara.
Unfortunately, that trio failed to take their chance, as did another player who slotted into midfield.
David Brooks lauded as disappointing against Stoke City
David Brooks enjoyed a largely productive loan spell from Bournemouth, usually slotting in down the right flank.
The Welshman has scored twice and assisted five in 17 Championship appearances however, he had an afternoon to forget against the Potters.
Martin chose to start the 26-year-old centrally, slotting him alongside Shea Charles and Will Smallbone in midfield. Brooks was given license to get forward and create chances in attack, although journalist Dan George was left ‘disappointed’ by his display, despite being ‘excited’ to watch him before the game.
Writing on BBC Sport, George put: “A poor result and performance from Southampton today, they lacked any urgency after going behind and never really threatened Stoke keeper Daniel Iversen’s goal.
“I was excited to see how Bournemouth loanee David Brooks would get on centrally today but he was disappointing, the Welshman failed to stamp his mark on the match and was substituted in the second half. It’s really a shame to watch Southampton limp towards the play-offs like this, three defeats now on the spin.”
Southampton have a big problem
Southampton are missing the legs and energy of Stuart Armstrong in midfield – who is currently out injured – but that isn’t an excuse to serve up this display against Stoke.
It is hugely concerning because Saints travel to Leeds United next weekend, who could potentially need to win to secure automatic promotion and as it stands, it’s looking like a daunting fixture.
Although Leeds were drubbed 4-0 by Queens Park Rangers, Southampton have lost their last three matches and that is alarming for a side who were right back in the promotion race after beating Preston.
For Martin to pick up his players after this latest setback, it’s going to take an incredible effort as carrying momentum into the play-offs is crucial and currently, they have none of it.