Russell Martin's Southampton remain pointless after losing 3-1 away to Brentford, in what marks a forgettable return to Premier League life.
Only once in the Premier League era have Southampton gone the opening three games without scoring. That was in 2001, a season where they suffered relegation. Although Yukinari Sugawara put an end to their drought with a late consolation goal, many may think that a similar fate awaits the Saints this season.
Both sides set out with the same intent - to build up from the back, invite pressure and progress from their box to the other through short, incisive passes.
While Brentford dismissed the visitors press almost irreverently, the Saints did not have the same fortune, as mistakes playing out from the back were made costly by the ever-clinical Bryan Mbuemo.
It seemed that Southampton had not learnt their lesson against the equally opportunistic outfits of Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, and a similar outcome looked imminent as Yoanne Wissa bundled the third across the line following a long throw.
The team with the most possession in the league had nothing to show for it, as playing out from the back continues to do them no favours.
-
Southampton Player Ratings
Aaron Ramsdale - 6
While the scoreline does not flatter the debutant goalkeeper, he impressed with some smart saves and was alert from the first minute. Neither defensive errors were his fault but, perhaps, he could have done better for the third goal by getting a stronger hand behind the flicked-on header.
Not exactly a debut to remember, but not one to forget too hastily either.
Jack Stephens - 5
Southampton's skipper was the furthest forward centre-back of the three, almost partnering Flynn Downes at times in dictating the tempo of the game when his side had possession. He found himself in some nice positions too, and was unlucky to see a header sail over the bar midway through the first half.
Jan Bednarek - 4
The Polish international was lacklustre in and out of possession today, with Mikkel Damsgaard the culprit of his defensive ineptness.
Bednarek failed to track the Dane's run in the first minute of the game, and was bailed out of trouble by teammate Taylor Harwood-Bellis moments later, after being nutmegged by the attacking midfielder. Playing out from the back again proved difficult, with a careless pass to Jack Stephens being intercepted and the ball being picked out of the net shortly after.
A player who has looked shy of his Championship self thus far, and an away trip to Brentford did him no favours. He was greeted with an early yellow card after dragging down Kevin Schade and continued treading water until he was subbed off midway through the second half.
The defender was dispossessed for Brentford's first goal and despite a few neat interceptions, was ultimately a day to forget for the £20m summer signing.
For the second goal, his pass to Jan Bednarek lacked conviction and was readily turned over to Brentford colours. Missing his usual flair and agility, Walker-Peters offered very little both offensively and defensively. While left-back may not be his strongest position, it will be hard to dethrone his fullback partner Yukinari Sugawara with the way he played.
Yukinari Sugawara - 7
Southampton's best player today. He bombed up and down the touchline, and while he sometimes delegated his defensive duties to others, he was the Saints' only constant threat throughout the game. It takes a special player to take Kyle-Walker Peters' favoured position, and the volley he exhibited to score Southampton's first goal of the season was exactly that.
Joe Aribo - 4
A frustrating afternoon started when a glanced header hit the crossbar early on in the game, and from then on the midfielder offered little attacking threat. He was a competent ball carrier but was not quick enough in his decision making to find that all-important final pass. The Premier League, as it was in the 2022/23 season seemed all too quick for him today.
Flynn Downes - 6
Never has a bad game for Southampton. Was constantly running, searching and dispossessing. Did his job defensively with some nice interceptions and progressive carries too. He looked more comfortable on the ball than his opposing number, Christian Nørgaard, who was not as effective in controlling his sides tempo.
Will Smallbone - 4
Similar story to Joe Aribo in that he lacked the creativity and awareness to compete against a well-drilled Premier League midfield.
Smallbone was all too happy to make a few sideways passes, but was unable to compete effectively in both the first and final thirds of the pitch.
Ben Brereton Díaz - 5
The Chilean was quick, as he was away at Newcastle, to antagonise and rile others up, but his performance merely consisted of speculative long range efforts, ineffective in troubling Mark Flekken.
Seems happy enough to remain Southampton's 'Pantomime villain', but Saints fans will want more from him than that.
Adam Armstrong - 4
Struggled physically against his opposite men Nathan Collins and Ethan Pinnock, 6'4 and 6'2 respectively to his 5'8 frame. Scuffed a golden chance that fell to him in the six-yard box and failed to capitalise on anything else that found his feet.
Southampton will be praying for a return to form from the striker that was so good for them last season.
Substitutes:
Mateus Fernandes - 6
Only played 45' but his quality was exempt from the minutes he was given. Carried the ball with speed and linked up nicely with Cameron Archer.
Cameron Archer - 5
Was brought on at half-time with Fernandes who, together, looked a well-suited pair. Archer was ultimately short of service, but was effective when the ball was at his feet.
Saints fans will be hoping for more performances from him like at Cardiff in the EFL Cup on Wednesday when he got a taste for goal twice.
Tyler Dibling - 7
Seriously bright spark. The momentum swung in Southampton's favour when he was introduced to proceedings with 30 minutes to play. He waltzed through Keane Lewis-Potter every time he had space and had more shots than both Armstrong and Archer combined, who between them played a full match.
The 18-year old will definitely be 'One to Watch' this season.
Adam Lallana - 6
An extremely mature performance, despite not even being on the pitch for 10 minutes. Lallana exhibited some experienced touches and was crowned with an assist in the game's dying stages. One for the Southampton faithful to enjoy, who have surely missed seeing the midfielder don their colours.
