Southampton boss Russell Martin faces test of principles

There was venom in the reaction from Southampton’s stunned fans when Anthony Taylor’s final whistle sounded. It was the sharpest of contrasts from the reception at half-time.

The statistics illustrate Martin’s reliance on passing, as they rank fourth in the Premier League with an average of 528 passes per game and sixth measured in possession, 55.6%.

Martin must now reflect on the more telling statistic that Southampton are bottom of the Premier League with one point from eight games, conceding 18 goals, second only to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A journey through Martin’s managerial career does not offer any suggestion he will change his modus operandi, even though there must be increasing concerns around Southampton that such a poor start will be a main ingredient in a recipe for relegation.

From the start of his time at MK Dons from November 2019 his team were top of the table for both passing and possession in League One, averaging 469 passes per game and 58.5% possession until the end of that season, then heading that measure again the following season with 544 passes per game and 64% possession.

MK Dons finished 19th in 2019-20 then 13th in 2020-21, his approach earning him a move to Swansea City, where he succeeded Steve Cooper, Leicester City’s manager here, before the start of the following season.

The trend continued in south Wales, Swansea finishing top of the Championship passing standings with 598 per game and also the possession statistics with 63.9% as they finished 15th. The following season they were top of passing with 594 per game and second in possession on 64% as they finished 10th.

It was next stop Southampton for Martin, his style reflected once more as they played more passes per game than any other team, 667, enjoying 66.1% possession, the highest in the division as they came up via the play-offs.