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Southampton go into the second international break of the season 19th in the Premier League after a 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal on Saturday.
Southampton are on just one point after seven Premier League games and Russell Martin knows the pressure is building on him.
Monday night’s 3-1 defeat against Bournemouth was a real low point as Southampton put in a timid display against their neighbours, but defeat by the same scoreline against Arsenal is no embarrassment.
Martin will be pleased with the reaction from his Southampton players after he called them out publicly for their lack off fight against Bournemouth and they took the lead through Cameron Archer on 55 minutes having defended well.
Unfortunately, the Saints were unable to hold on for a result as they ultimately lost 3-1, but one player in particular stood out for Southampton despite the defeat.
Jan Bednarek Southampton star performer against Arsenal
Having been left disappointed with his Southampton players on Monday, Martin made changes to the side for the trip to Arsenal.
This saw Kyle Walker-Peters, Ryan Manning, Joe Aribo and Ross Stewart replace Charlie Taylor, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet.
The biggest change, though, was in the shape, as Martin switched to a back five and surprisingly played Walker-Peters as a left centre-back.
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Experienced defender Jan Bednarek played at the centre of the defence and put in a really strong display despite conceding three.
The Daily Echo scored Bednarek’s Arsenal performance an eight out of ten, commenting: “A behemoth at the back for Saints.
“Hardly put a foot wrong and unlucky to be a part of a defence that allowed three goals. Made countless interventions and blocks in important moments.”
Statistics behind Bednarek’s Southampton display vs Arsenal
Of Southampton’s centre-backs, Bednarek is the one who Martin has the most trust in and the display against Arsenal showed why.
The Poland international was constantly on hand to sweep up the danger and was a huge part of the reason Southampton stood a chance in the game.
According to Sofascore, Bednarek made a massive 13 clearances; nine more than any other player.
The defender also made two blocks and one interception, but was equally as impressive on the ball as he had 98 touches and completed 92% of the 78 passes he attempted.
Bednarek also completed four out of the five long balls he attempted in the type of display that should inspire his teammates.
It will be a very different challenge next time out against Leicester City and Bednarek will again have to be at his best as Southampton continue to hunt that elusive first Premier League win.
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