Martin: We must build on Arsenal display for "vital" games ahead
Russell Martin wants to see his Southampton side replicate their performances against the Premier League’s biggest clubs when they face opponents closer to them in the table.
After this week’s international break, Saints will come up against Leicester (15th), Everton (16th) and Wolves (20th) in the next four league matches.
Having watched his team hold Arsenal for three-quarters of Saturday’s visit to the Emirates Stadium, Martin is targeting the same approach in the upcoming games that he’s labelled “absolutely vital”.
“We’ve had Newcastle away; Man U at home, where for half an hour we’ve been outstanding; and here,” he said.
“Now we have to transfer that into the games that are going to really define our season, and we have three or four of those coming up in the next block of games that are going to be absolutely vital.
“The league is so tight and is going to be so tight for so long, but today I saw so much in a lot of the guys and the team, the way it felt, to make me feel really excited about what’s to come.”
Saints temporarily led the Gunners courtesy of Cameron Archer’s first Premier League goal since his summer switch from Aston Villa.
“It will be a big moment,” Martin added. “It’s been coming, with the penalty (against Man United) and a couple of chances against Ipswich, but he’s a threat and he’s a really good player.
“He can operate out wide, he can operate as a 9; he did both very well today and that will do him the world of good because he’s so willing to learn, he’s such a great character, honestly.
“It’s a big signing for us and maybe it went under the radar a little bit. Obviously he had a couple of goals at Cardiff and in the league he’s been desperate to get off the mark, and he did that today. I think that’s going to be really important for him and for us.”
Archer’s opportunity came earlier than expected after he was called upon as a first-half substitute when Ross Stewart’s first Saints start was cut short due to injury.
“He’s got a muscle injury so we just need to assess how long that’s going to be and see how long it’s going to keep him out for,” Martin said of Stewart.
“He’ll attack it in the way he always does. I just feel really, really sad for him. But the guys that came on did great.
“Paul Onuachu did great when he came on – him and Ryan Manning showed that you can be out of the squad but ready to play, and we have to keep everyone ready. Ryan did a great job for the team in a role that he’s played a lot for us, so I’m pleased for those guys, but really gutted for Ross.”
