Martin: Disappointed but proud
Southampton manager Russell Martin took a philosophical look at the night's events as his side's 25 game unbeaten run was ended by Bristol City.
An end-to-end first half was bound to see chances taken in the second, something hosts City did first on 52 minutes through Sam Bell.
Two more followed from Rob Dickie and Harry Cornick, before Saints' Adam Armstrong grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
"Tonight that last little bit wasn’t there, it was a really tight game," said the manager. "The longer it went on at 0-0 I thought we had more of a chance, then we concede and it becomes difficult.
"That last bit of energy, that last bit of zip, in the final third wasn’t quite there and we didn’t deal with the transition well enough. They had a few too many moments and ultimately it’s ended up costing us.
"I’m most disappointed about the corner because at 1-0 it’s game on. Then at 2-0 the energy totally changed, the atmosphere here, they were a huge credit. Thank you to our supporters, they were amazing right till the very end.
"I feel real pride in that because where we were at the start of the season, as a club, to where we are now is very, very different. In terms of feeling and energy and connection. I’m really disappointed for everyone, but I’m really proud of the players and what they’ve done.
"I said to you there’d be bumps in the road at some point, tonight definitely is one. We need to make sure it doesn’t take us off track or make us go on a huge detour. We just need to stay on the process we’ve been on, whether we’ve lost four in a row or have gone 25 unbeaten. Now it’s about making sure the players feel ready to go and perform on Friday."
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