MANAGER Russell Martin admitted his “disappointment” after Bristol City ended Southampton’s 25-game unbeaten run, before adding: “One result is not going to change how I feel.”
Second half goals from Sam Bell, Rob Dickie and Harry Cornick helped the Robins to a 3-1 win on Tuesday.
Adam Armstrong did grab an injury-time consolation goal from the penalty spot in the final moments of a sorry evening at Ashton Gate.
The result has seen Leeds United leapfrog Southampton into second place, although Daniel Farke’s side have played an extra game.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said: “My immediate thoughts are that I’m really disappointed. I’m gutted for the players and the fans, who were amazing tonight – right until the very end.
“The run has come to an end, but I am really proud of the players and the staff – I’ve got so much love for them.
“I love the feeling we have at the club. Where it was to where it is now is night and day. It is completely different.”
Martin continued: “One result is not going to change how I feel about that at all – in fact, I feel even more grateful that the supporters are there until the end.
READ MORE: Bristol City end Southampton’s unbeaten run with a resounding 3-1 win
“The players fought until the very end. We have come away from home and had more shots on target, but we had to score first. They had moments, but we had two really good chances.
“Sam Edozie has the best chance of the game until they score. If those chances go in, it is a very different game. Then we give away a really poor goal. I am really disappointed with the goal.”
Southampton have now conceded three times in back-to-back fixtures, having previously kept seven clean sheets in their last 13 games.
“We can’t go from being so solid defensively to conceding six goals in two games – that is madness,” Martin added.
“At 1-0, I thought the game was there for us. I thought the longer it went on we would have a real chance, but then we conceded another bad goal.
“We shouldn’t concede from a corner – we have been so good at those recently. I’m annoyed by that.”
Southampton have a chance to bounce back on Friday evening when they face fifth-place West Brom at The Hawthorns.
