Saints boss calls for support

Nigel Adkins has asked his players to stay positive after being embarrassed by Arsenal, making it four games without a point this term.

Saints have had a tough beginning to life back in the Premier League, which has seen them take on Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in the opening four games. Although Adkins' side made a good account of themselves against the two Manchester clubs, narrowly losing 3-2 on both occasions, they were taught a serious lesson at the Emirates last weekend in a 6-1 hammering. With no points from four and the new-boys rooted to the bottom of the table, the pressure has been stepped up on Adkins, who is favourite to be the first Premier League manager to get the sack. The next fixture at home against Aston Villa could be the turning point. "I've had a conversation with the players in the dressing room and the reality was what many of you journalists already highlighted - it was quite a challenging start to the campaign," reflected Adkins. "It has proved that way in respect of the results but we believe we have got a good group of players who play football in the right manner, we have scored yet again so we know we can score and as a unit we have got to make sure we become more resilient in our defending." "We have played against the three best teams in the division and it just highlights that you will get punished." He added: "I think we've got belief we can play in this division. Obviously this scoreline is not ideal but I think if you know me I'm a very positive person, a very positive character and we will analyse this game and will quickly move on from it. "We have good football players and we will work very hard for each other and next week I'm sure St Mary's will be bouncing because the supporters are with us on the journey we are on."