'Unfair' Aaron Ramsdale treatment slammed as Southampton boss left "feeling sick"
Aaron Ramsdale has shipped seven goals in three games since joining Southampton from Arsenal on deadline day but Russell Martin says the England international has not gotten his just rewards
by Alan Smith · The MirrorSouthampton manager Russell Martin has said it is unfair on Aaron Ramsdale that he has conceded seven goals in his opening three games for the club.
The England international joined Saints from Arsenal on deadline day and left in three in a defeat against Brentford 24 hours later. He then shipped another three against Manchester United before going close to keeping a clean sheet against Ipswich Town at the weekend.
But the Tractor Boys’ skipper Sam Morsy struck late to ensure a share of the spoils - and Martin said his new stopper is not getting just rewards for his performances having made a host of impressive saves in all three appearances.
“He’s a top goalkeeper," Martin said. "He’s played three games and I don’t know how he’s conceded three goals. It’s not fair on him really. The stuff he does with the ball at his feet, the decisions he makes, help us as a group and as a team.
“He’s a top goalkeeper and he’s showing that. I’ve only watched the equaliser once and that was enough because it made me feel sick."
The Ipswich draw was Southampton's first point of the campaign after opening with a quartet of defeats. Six teams are yet to win a game but the pressure is already on ahead of next Monday’s south coast clash with Bournemouth.
Former star Theo Walcott told Mirror Football earlier this month that he fears for Martin’s side the longer they go without getting a win. And Walcott, now a pundit for BBC and Sky Sports, said he could see concerning similarities with the team that was relegated two years ago.
“I didn’t have them as one of the clubs going down in pre-season,” he said. “But I’m noticing a lot of similarities with the year we were relegated.
“There are a lot of young players without much experience and there’s a pattern they need to get out of. It’s always going to be difficult for these clubs, we understand that, but I still feel it will at some point click.
“The personnel maybe isn’t just quite suited to the Premier League yet. In time they will, experience will help. But do you play a certain way in games to get results or continue to play the way you want to play as a manager?
“I like the way he sticks to his guns – a bit like Ange [Postecoglou] at Tottenham – but he will need to adapt at some point. There needs to be a balance. I’m concerned about their start but it’s early days. They have a structure, in time I think it will click. Hopefully.”
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.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.