Russell Martin issues bold Southampton verdict after win over Stoke City

Southampton defeated Stoke City 1-0 at the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday night, thanks to midfielder Stuart Armstrong’s first-half free kick.

Southampton’s 1-0 win over Stoke City on Tuesday night, according to Russell Martin, was “the most complete performance” the club has put on this season.

 

The Saints scored the game’s first goal in the 41st minute when Stuart Armstrong smashed a free-kick past Mark Travers from 25 yards out, although they had chances to extend their lead in the second half through Kamaldeen Sulemanan and Sekou Mara.

 

The second goal, though, was unnecessary, as Southampton came through ten minutes of extra time to clinch their second Championship win in a row for the first time since August.

Three points moves the team up to ninth in the table with 16 points, with Rotherham United their next opponents at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

 

“It’s been really nice, I think it’s probably the most complete performance we’ve had,” Martin remarked after Stoke’s win. “Perhaps another goal or two could’ve been added, but I’m really proud of the players.”

“They were so brave, the way they built up and played out from back to front for the first 70-odd minutes was incredible at times.” I am quite proud of them.

 

“It’s a difficult place to come – two really tough games, but the way we’ve come through it, the way they stuck together, the way they fought, they deserved that clean sheet tonight, and I’m really happy for Gavin [Bazunu] because he’s involved in so much with the ball and he’s incredible at it, so brave.”

 

“They moved, they ran for each other, and we’ve learned a lot together, we’ve been through a lot already, and hopefully now we just need to keep driving, keep kicking, and everyone can start having fun.”

 

 

“I don’t believe they produced much. It didn’t feel that way in the game; it felt like the men were excellent in transition, defended effectively, and the lads put their bodies on the line when they needed to, especially at the end when Stoke threw caution to the wind and put so many bodies up forward.

 

“The game could’ve been made a little bit easier by then finishing one of those chances that we had – some of them were brilliant, beautiful moves and it would’ve been the icing on the cake, but they dug in and stuck at it.”

 

“Gav had one proper save to make, I think, in the second half and the togetherness, the connection of the team is growing all the time. They really enjoyed that, and they deserved it.”