
One month down, four games in, and only one win to their name - it is safe to say it hasn't been the most breathtaking start to life back in the Premier League for the Saints.
Although performances have surpassed many people's expectations, the results have severely underwhelmed, particularly as the root cause of these defeats have come from mistakes within Russell Martin's possession-based philosophy.
The Saints have conceded five goals in three Premier League games, with three of these coming from being dispossessed as they play out from the back, whilst the other two have come from set pieces that were poorly defended.
Their only win so far this season has come in the second round of the Carabao Cup where they edged past Championship side Cardiff 5-3, with more poor defending on the night making it much harder than in should have been.
With the international break now upon us - something that will be welcomed by many at the club - now is as good a time as any to dissect the Saints' highs and lows of the month.
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Player of the Month - Yukinari Sugawara
Given the month they have had, there hasn't necessarily been a standout performer amongst the squad, but the Japanese fullback has certainly impressed since his arrival in the summer.
Not only has he scored their only Premier League goal this month, Sugawara is yet to have a bad game and looks like a really astute buy.
He is a proper 'modern day' fullback who likes to get down the wing with pace and energy, whilst also possessing a watchful and defensive eye which helps maintain a good balance.
The Saints look most threatening when trying to utilise either Sugawara or Kyle Walker-Peters down the flanks, with strong wing-backs a necessity for Martin's style of play.
If the opening three games are any indications, Sugawara could be vital in helping create chances in the final third of the pitch, particularly as this is an area that needs improvement if they are to stay in the Premier League.
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Goal of the Month - James Bree vs Cardiff City
The Saints may have only netted once in the Premier League during August, but they scored five away to Cardiff in the Carabao Cup - with the quality of goals from both teams being out of this world.
However, due to the technique, the timing and the improbable boot the ball left, James Bree takes Southampton's 'Goal of the Month' rather comfortably.
With the score at 3-3 in the dying minutes and the game seemingly heading straight for penalties, the ball sat up nicely for the right-back around 25-yards away from the goal, with the only real option being to 'hit and hope'.
Bree did exactly that, although his technique would say otherwise, and the ball dipped beautifully into the top-right corner, sending Southampton on their way to the third round.
What made this goal even more impressive was that it was the 26-year-old's first goal for the club and only his seventh in his almost-300 game career, with the strike and celebration perhaps conning neutrals into believing that he does this on a regular basis.
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Key Takeaways
Above all, the main takeaway from the first month for Saints fans is not to panic.
Performances have been good and they always dominate possession, the players just need to cut out the silly mistakes and be more creative in the final third.
The addition of Mateus Fernandes has certainly helped this as Southampton look more dangerous when he is on the pitch, and the same can be said for when young Tyler Dibling has entered the field.
Cameron Archer is a capable goalscorer and springs into life when he receives the ball, whilst the goalkeeping situation has been addressed with the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale.
These additions and adjustments will only help the Saints kick-on and embed the Russell Martin philosophy much more easily in the top-flight, suggesting to keep the faith in what he has built.
A move away from a five at the back formation and into the previously-used 4-3-3 could also happen very soon, hopefully solving the problems they have in the attacking third and helping them score more goals.
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What is next for the Saints?
The September international break has, perhaps, come at a good time for Martin and his side, with this pause giving them a few weeks to re-group and be ready for their return to action on the 14th of September.
Fixtures:
Sept 14th - Manchester United (H)
Sept 17th - Everton (A)
Sept 21th - Ipswich (H)
Sept 30th - Bournemouth (A)

