Downes insists players 'have to look at ourselves' and take responsibility

SAINTS midfielder Flynn Downes insisted the players have to "look at ourselves" and take responsibility after defeat at AFC Bournemouth.

Downes, 25, was elected by manager Russell Martin to captain the side for the 3-1 loss at Vitality Stadium in the absence of skipper Jack Stephens.

A sold-out away end of 1,307 travelling fans were only barely spared embarrassment with Saints three goals down and all at sea at half-time.

Saints wrestled back some control after the break but it was too much to ask to get back into the game and they slumped to a sixth game without a win.

Speaking after the match, Downes told BBC Radio Solent: "That first half, it's not acceptable at this level or any level to be fair.

"We let the staff down and the fans that travelled. We lacked the fight and there was no commitment or belief.

"We let everyone down. Going 3-0 down in the Premier League, you are asking for a lot. We started well, started sharp.

"We were caught out with a quick free-kick and then we sunk and it's exactly the same as against Manchester United.

"We have got to look at ourselves, there is nothing anyone else can do - it's on the 11 players out there, we have to line up quick.

"It was fight, commitment and heart. You can talk about tactics all you want but you have to fight and earn the right to play.

"Whether you are going to go long or try and play football, you have got to earn the right or you've got no chance in this league - and we didn't.

"The fans deserve to see that fight every week. It's a given at this level, there is no other option. That first half was nowhere near it."

Downes is likely to wear the armband again for Saturday's visit to Arsenal, who are chasing down Manchester City to end their Premier League dominance.

Stephens, 30, has been ruled out for two more matches with an additional suspension after admitting an FA misconduct charge.