It’s madness – Russell Martin rues mistakes as Southampton lose at Aston Villa

Russell Martin described the mistakes which are costing Southampton dear this season as “madness” after his side slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

The key moment came in the 24th minute when Diego Carlos’ long ball forward caused confusion between Nathan Wood and Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jhon Duran seized possession and lifted a calm finish over Joe Lumley.

Things could have got worse for the Saints late on but for two brilliant pieces of defending from Wood to deny Ross Barkley and Ollie Watkins what looked certain goals, but Southampton still fell to a fourth defeat from their last five games.

Martin revealed his frustration at his team adding what he regarded was another poor goal to their growing catalogue.

“Another mistake and not a shot on target is madness really,” Martin said.

“For all the football we played in the first half and at the start of the second half, we just give teams a lead too many times with such poor goals.

“At some point when a team scores a really good goal and bit of individual quality you can maybe accept it, but the goals are just so poor.

“It’s madness. It’s just those fine lines that hurt us too many times and the goals we concede are just so poor. The effort was brilliant.

“I love Taylor (Harwood-Bellis) and I don’t want to criticise him, but what happened can’t happen, so you either smooth the game out and pass or defend and clear it and we do neither.”

Southampton failed to register a shot on target in the game and were limited to just four efforts, despite having more possession than their opponents.

Martin added: “We don’t have enough conviction or quality and decision-making in the final third at the moment.

“I don’t know what more I can give the players to make them believe