Southampton manager Russell Martin questioned his side’s character following their 3-1 defeat by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Monday.
Goals from Evanilson, Dango Ouattara, and Antoine Semenyo helped the home side race into a 3-0 lead after 39 minutes, with the away team being met with boos from their travelling supporters at half-time.
Southampton did pull a goal back through defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis but were unable to complete a comeback.
Martin’s Southampton side are yet to win a Premier League game this season, with their only point this campaign coming in a 2-2 draw against fellow promoted side Ipswich Town.
The Southampton manager said: “The first setback we have in the game, they (Bournemouth) score. We spoke about Bournemouth taking set plays and all of their strengths, which is why it hurt even more. I obviously haven’t given enough to the team in terms of mentality and fight, which really hurts me. So, that’s my fault and not theirs.
“I thanked the team for the fight in the second half when that should be the bare minimum. The players go in self-preservation mode and I hate that from my team. Dump the ball on each other, throw hands up at each other and I’ll never accept that from my team. It’s impossible if you’re not going to fight.
“Whatever team I picked and whatever formation I picked, if we showed that character, it really doesn’t matter.”
Southampton, who achieved promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season, have scored only three goals in the top flight in their seven games, the fewest in the division.
They have also conceded 12 goals during that time, the joint-third worst in the Premier League.
Southampton are next in action against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday before the October international break.
(Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
