Southampton news: Flynn Downes on defeat at Bournemouth

Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes said the performance at on Monday was "not acceptable".

Saints were well beaten by their south coast rivals, losing 3-1 to Andoni Iraola's side.

"We let everyone down. There was no belief, a lack of fight and no commitment," said Downes.

"We have to look at ourselves. We've got to liven up quick."

Russell Martin's side are yet to win a league game this season, only picking up a point in a draw with Ipswich Town , and are 19th in the table.

Saints did have more possession than the Cherries on Monday, but only registered three shots on target.

One of the talking points around the game for Southampton was at how Martin opted to set up without a recognised striker, with five of his centre-forwards on the bench.

The starting forward line at times involved Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes, who are more known for playing out wide and in midfield respectively, operating through the middle.

Martin introduced Ross Stewart and Ben Brereton Diaz at half-time, before eventually also bringing on Cameron Archer in an attempt to trigger a comeback.

"I just wanted an aggressive bench," Martin said.

"We need to win a game and we need to score more goals. That was pretty self-explanatory."

However, Downes felt the system of play was not the most pressing issue.

"You can talk about tactics all you want," he added.

"If you're not going to earn the right to play and fight then you have no chance in this league.

"The fans deserve to see commitment at this level every week. There is no other option."