Russell Martin insists he will not sacrifice his possession-based philosophy but he will surely need to modify it this season after his toothless Southampton team misfired on their Premier League homecomingagainst Nottingham Forest.
Martin will plead patience over his penchant for a short passing style – with his team having about two-thirds of the possession – but Southampton spluttered in front of their fans and were fortunate not to concede during a meagre first half. Nuno Espírito Santo’s Forest were rewarded with the winner through the midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with Southampton offering little in response. They still await a first goal and point since their return to the top flight.
