Even though Mara played for a pitiful 11 minutes on the field, Martin was impressed enough to start him tonight at Ashton Gate over the possibly inexperienced Adams.
After the barnstorming contest subsided and Martin disclosed that Adams had taken a small hit, it makes sense to replace the Scotsman with Mara following the Frenchman’s game-changing appearance.
In rapid succession, Mara would help himself to a goal and an assist. He would first capitalize on a chance that was laid on for him by fellow replacement David Brooks, then he would deliver the assist by staying composed on the ball and setting up Samuel Edozie for the crucial fifth goal.
That being said, Mara needs to be given an opportunity to shine right away tonight, regardless of whether Adams is well enough to start the game, after this incredible bench-warming effort.
Due to his similarly impressive run-out from the bench against the lowly Terriers, Joe Rothwell will also start the game against the Robins. The Saints are grateful that they signed the AFC Bournemouth loanee in January despite it being a late decision.
Joe Rothwell’s statistical performance against Huddersfield
When Downes was forced off the field due to an injury, Rothwell was called upon sooner than anticipated to fill in for Southampton’s standout number four.
The highlight of his outstanding 57 minutes on the St. Mary’s field came with his second goal of the afternoon. The £8k-a-week new signing scored his first goal of the season so exquisitely that Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Nicholls could only watch in disbelief as the ball rippled in.
