Southampton manager Russell Martin faces a test of principles

There was venom in the reaction of stunned Southampton fans when Anthony Taylor’s final whistle sounded. It was the most striking contract of the reception at halftime.

The stats illustrate Martin’s confidence in passing, as he ranks fourth in the Premier League with an average of 528 passes per game and sixth measured in ball 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, behind only Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A journey through Martin’s coaching career offers no suggestion that he will change his modus operandi, although there must be growing concerns at Southampton that such a poor start is the main ingredient in a recipe for relegation.

Since the start of his time at MK Dons in November 2019, his team has been top of the table for passes and ball possession in League One, averaging 469 passes per game and 58.5% possession up to the end of that season, then leading that measure again the following season with 544 passes per game and 64% possession.

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

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

It was Martin’s next stop, Southampton, their style reflected once again as they made more passes per game than any other team, 667, enjoying 66.1% possession, the highest in the division as they rose through the ranks. play-offs.