Yahoo News Annoyed Russell Martin singles out the big difference between Southampton and Nottingham Forest
Russell Martin believes Nottingham Forest’s greater attacking quality was the key to the Reds’ first win of the new Premier League season.
A goal from Morgan Gibbs-White 20 minutes from the end underlined the visitors’ undoubted dominance, which was particularly apparent in the first half. While the recently-promoted Saints had 65 per cent of the ball, it was Forest who enjoyed a 23-5 shot advantage.
In the end it was Gibbs-White’s smart reaction that took the points – but Martin says it was the presence of the likes of Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood and subs Taiwo Awoniyi and Jota Silva that was the most stark contrast.
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READ MORE: How the action unfolded against Southampton at St Mary's
"First half there was a lot of tension and it led to them transitioning a lot. After their goal, we were chasing it and it became a lot more open. It looked like we could cause problems,” Martin told Match of the Day.
"We don't possess the quality at the top end of the pitch that they do and I'm really annoyed to concede the goal from the set play after the amount of work we do on them.
"We're on top and they have some breakaway chances, We have two balls across the face of the goal and the guys are watching. We are going to keep learning but I've seen enough moments to feel enthused and with a little more belief and work, we'll be fine.
"We need that goal to relax everyone really. I get it after the last time the team was in the Premier League but we're here now. The performances have been OK and everyone will relax, I'm sure."
