Russell Martin will be far from pleased with Southampton’s sluggish start to life in the Premier League, having suffered four consecutive losses. To make matters worse, the Saints have managed just one goal during this dismal run, drawing another blank in their most recent defeat against Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.
Manchester United eventually cruised to a 3-0 win, but the match might have unfolded differently had Cameron Archer converted a penalty at 0-0. It was a tough day for the former Aston Villa striker, who struggled leading the line.
Archer’s showing against Manchester United
It likely came as a surprise to the home crowd at St. Mary’s when Archer was chosen to start up front, marking his first Premier League start since joining Southampton in the summer. Unfortunately, after a disappointing performance, including a weak penalty attempt, it’s doubtful he’ll make back-to-back starts as Southampton head to Goodison Park.
Andre Onana easily saved Archer’s penalty, and aside from that moment, the 22-year-old had little influence on the match, managing just 16 touches and completing nine accurate passes before being substituted shortly after the hour mark. In contrast, Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had 47 touches and made seven saves, preventing a heavier loss.
Archer’s lack of impact in duels, winning just one of six, allowed players like Matthijs de Ligt to gain confidence, with the defender eventually scoring the opener. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho then sealed United’s victory.
Now, manager Russell Martin must decide who will start in place of the underperforming Archer. Although Archer netted twice in Southampton’s 5-3 win over Cardiff City last month, his poor display against Manchester United puts his spot in jeopardy ahead of the Everton match.
Potential Archer replacements
With Everton also desperate for a win, Martin will be weighing his options carefully. It’s possible Southampton won’t field as weakened a side as they did against Cardiff, with players like Adam Armstrong potentially stepping in for Archer.
| Alternatives to Archer + their goalscoring records | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Career games | Goals scored |
| Armstrong | 430 | 139 |
| Brereton-Diaz | 277 | 64 |
| Ross Stewart | 244 | 93 |
| Sourced by Transfermarkt | ||
Armstrong could be in line for a start, especially given his strong standing with Southampton after scoring 24 goals last season to help secure promotion. This match at Goodison Park could present the opportunity for him to finally break his scoring drought this season.
Ben Brereton-Diaz is also a contender for the striker role, having started against Manchester United, while Ross Stewart, who replaced Archer over the weekend, might also be considered despite his injury history.
Whoever gets the nod midweek will be eager to impress and stake a claim for a regular spot in Russell Martin’s starting XI, especially as Archer’s lackluster performance against United has left his position far from secure.
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