Southampton's Martin hopes win over Coventry 'releases' tension

Che Adams inspired Saints to a 2-1 victory over fellow Championship promotion chasers Coventry – who missed a penalty.

Striker Adams claimed the opener after he had deflected in a Kyle Walker-Peters blast before more decisively bagging a second.

Haji Wright had missed a spot-kick for the visitors and Jake Bidwell ended his year-long run without a goal to pull one back, but the hosts held on.

Speaking after the match, Martin said: "That will release a lot of tension. 

Russell Martin's side recorded only a second win in the last five at St Mary's (Image: Stuart Martin)

"In the first half, we played so well. It was the opposite of Saturday, there was so much energy and purpose and some brilliant football.

"We created a lot and should have scored another goal. After the break, we started well but they had spells where they were really good. 

"It was looseness on the ball at the point, some tired legs - Joe Aribo, Che Adams, they haven't played a lot of minutes recently. 

"I should have changed it a bit earlier, something in terms of the way we build up but it's more learning for me. 

"They changed a little bit at half-time and we concede in that moment, which is really frustrating. He's in the box," he continued. 

"Adam Armstrong has stood up in the dressing room and apologised for the goal because that's the type of guy he is, but it shouldn't happen. 

"He played really well tonight, was full of running and back to where he needs to be in terms of performance.

"Coventry are a good team and there were some moments that got a bit open, we should have killed the game off but we didn't.

Che Adams added two goals to his tally (Image: Stuart Martin)

"There is a bit of tension at that point because we haven't got over the line recently, but we have only lost one in five. 

"It's the two draws either side of Ipswich that have been so frustrating and led everyone to feel differently about the season so far. 

"We showed resilience and character and defended really well and I am really happy with the guys." 

Martin and his side had come under fire this week after three matches without a win since the international break.

"It's a big response, I said to the players before the game that I am fed up of people questioning how willing we are to run for each other," he said. 

"It has come such a long way since the start of the season. We get questioned on it after every game and I didn't want it again tonight.

"We can be questioned on tactics and technicals but not on mentality and spirit, and we showed that in abundance tonight."