Southampton’s ‘behemoth’ was Russell Martin’s one shining light in 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.
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
Martin altered the team for the trip to Arsenal after being dissatisfied with his Southampton players on Monday.
Consequently, Kyle Walker-Peters, Ryan Manning, Joe Aribo, and Ross Stewart took the places of Charlie Taylor, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ryan Fraser, and Maxwel Cornet.
The most significant modification, however, came in the form of Martin, who unexpectedly moved Walker-Peters to left center-back and adopted a back five.
Despite giving up three goals, seasoned defender Jan Bednarek played in the middle of the defense and put on a fairly good show.
The Daily Echo rated Bednarek’s Arsenal performance an eight out of 10, writing: “A behemoth at the back for Saints.”
“Very unfortunate to be a part of a defense that gave up three goals and hard to put a foot wrong.” made innumerable blocks and interventions during crucial times.
Statistics behind Bednarek’s Southampton display vs Arsenal
Martin feels most confident in Bednarek among Southampton’s center backs, and his performance against Arsenal demonstrated why.
The Poland international was a major factor in Southampton having a chance in the game as he was always available to clear the danger.
Bednarek cleared a whopping 13 balls, nine more than any other player, according to Sofascore.
In addition to his two blocks and one interception, the defender was just as effective with the ball, logging 98 touches and connecting on 92% of his 78 attempts.
In a performance that should motivate his colleagues, Bednarek also finished four of the five long balls he tried.
The next game against Leicester City will present a completely different task, and Bednarek will once more need to perform at the highest level as Southampton looks to secure that elusive first Premier League victory.
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