Bournemouth blow away struggling Southampton as Russell Martin call backfires

Brazilian forward Evanilson netted his first Premier League goal as Bournemouth blew away strikerless Southampton with three goals in the opening 39 minutes.

And only a Taylor Harwood-Bellis header in an improved second-half display lifted the Saints back off the bottom of the table - and eased some pressure on Russell Martin.

But last year’s Championship playoff winners are still without a win in their first six games back in the top flight - and 19 in all dating back to March 2023. Martin, who signed a new three-year in July, is not responsible for most of that run.

But his decision to start this pseudo South Coast Derby without a recognised striker - and with Adam Lallana and several forwards on the bench - backfired badly during a shambolic opening period. And they visit Arsenal on Saturday in their last game before the international break.

READ MORE: Sky Sports fans can save £216 on their bill, here's three other reasons you'll want to pick it

READ MORE: Graham Potter issues telling response to question about replacing Erik ten Hag at Man Utd

By contrast, Andoni Iraola could enjoy his touchline ban by watching goals from Evanilson, Dango Ouattara and the excellent Antoine Semenyo lift his side above Manchester United into 11th place. It was a welcomed first home win of the campaign for the Cherries.

The early noise was for the notable return to the Vitality Stadium of two former Cherries stars. England keeper Aaron Ramsdale received a warm reception while every touch by Ryan Fraser, who refused to sign a short-term Covid contract extension before leaving for Newcastle, was loudly booed.

Saints started brightly but the game changed with Evanilson’s expert 17th-minute finish. There has been much talk of the dark arts in this Premier League season but Southampton were naive in conceding the crucial opening goal.

Downes fouled Semenyo and with the Ghanaian still rolling on the floor, the Southampton midfielders turned their backs and no-one stood over the ball. James Tavernier stepped up and chipped a quick free kick over the visiting defence and the former Porto striker steered a right-foot volley past Ramsdale.

The record £40m signing had missed a penalty against Chelsea in the last home game.

The second goal showed Southampton were also out of luck. Semenyo’s cut back saw Lewis Cook send in a low shot which deflected in off Ouattara. Two Cherries players were standing offside but not the Burkina Faso star.

Semenyo capped a fine first-half display by ending a twisting run by firing home his third goal of the season as Bournemouth scored three goals from five first-half shots.

Martin made a triple change at the break with Ross Stewart brought on up front to give the attack a needed focus and the Saints belatedly improved. Taylor Harwood-Bellis stooped to head home a Mateus Fernandes cross after 50 minutes to see Southampton stay above Wolves by only a single goal on goal difference.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.