Sunday 15th November 2009

Southampton's eight game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end earlier today as they went down 3-1 to Brighton in a very disappointing performance.
In front of Sky cameras, Saints were expected to take all three points, but there was room for complacency and on 16 minutes Glenn Murrays's volley gave Brighton the lead and silenced St Marys.
It was Murray who doubled the visitor's lead just minutes later, tapping in from close range after his initial shot had hit the post.
Saints pressed hard to get back into the game and were rewarded a penalty just before half time when Adam Lallana was fouled in the area. Rickie Lambert made no mistake from 12 yards out to halve the deficit going into half time.
Saints searched for the equaliser in the second half, but thanks to some good Brighton defending it never came and by committing more men forward they were left vulnerable at the back. Brighton took advantage of this five minutes from full time when Liam Dickinson ran to the byline then cut back for Dean Cox to strike and ensure victory in Gus Poyet's first game in charge for the Seagulls.

Saints player ratings-

Kelvin Davis - 6 - Made a great second half save to prevent further embarrassment for his team.

Lloyd James - 5 - Got skinned at right back far too often.

Radhi Jaidi - 5 - His lack of pace was exposed today by Brighton's fast attack.

Neal Trotman - 4 - Played a shocker and was subbed at half time to the relief of many.

Dan Harding - 5 - Not on top of he game, perhaps effected by booed by fans of his former club.

Dean Hammond - 6 - Didn't take control of the game like he often does.

Morgan Schneiderlin 6 - Played some good cross field balls, but that was about it.

Michail Antonio - 6 - Good long throws, but very poor crossing.

Adam Lallana - 7 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Put in a lot of effort which would have paid off if his team mates showed the same enthusiasm.

David Connolly - 6 - Did plenty of running, but didn't see much of the ball.

Rickie Lambert - 6 - Didn't look fully fit and wasn't very involved in the game.

Subs-

Wayne Thomas (on for Trotman) - 6 - Did better than the man he replaced.

Papa Waigo N'daiye (on for Antonio) - 6 - Found space on the right, but didn't receive the ball.

Joesph Mills (on for Harding) 6 - Not enough time to make an impact.

Southampton fans expected much better than this and I think the players were thinking they could walk it too. After going on a decent unbeaten run, there was a lot of complacency, but hopefully this result will have brought them down to Earth and made them realise that you don't win games just by turning up and have to work hard for victory.
Saints are next in action on Saturday at home to Norwich and fans will be expecting a much improved performance from today.