SOUTHAMPTON'S substitutes made a difference at Nottingham Forest but they still fell to a 3-2 defeat due to a dreadful first-half performance.

Lesley Ugochukwu and Paul Onuachu helped them pull two back after Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood put Forest 3-0 up at half-time.

Jan Bednarek was inches away from a dramatic late equaliser but Southampton had given themselves too big of a mountain to climb.

Here's how we rated every player's performance at the City Ground following their 18th Premier League defeat of the season...

Aaron Ramsdale was saved by VAR after he dropped the ball into the net.Aaron Ramsdale was saved by VAR after he dropped the ball into the net. (Image: PA) Starters

Aaron Ramsdale - 4.

Conceded three goals from 0.72 expected goals faced. Beaten twice from the edge of the box and got a hand to Wood's goal. Got away with dropping the ball into his own net from Nikola Milenković's header. Did make an important save to deny Wood.

Yukinari Sugawara - 5.

Delivered a good ball into the near post which was turned around for a corner but gave the ball away with lax passing, allowing Forest to counter. Lost three of his four duels. Replaced by Ryan Manning on 66 minutes.

James Bree - 4.

Stayed at right centre-back ahead of Nathan Wood. Made early runs into the box but was eventually pinned back by the Forest attack. Overplayed the ball to Jan Bednarek for his costly error. Replaced by Will Smallbone as an attacking change.

Jan Bednarek 5.

Contributed to their second goal when he failed to control Bree's pass and handed the ball straight to their attack, when Hudson-Odoi scored from the edge of the box. Scored his first of the season when Lesley Ugochukwu's shot deflected off him. Denied an injury time equaliser.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 5.

Part of a defence which conceded three goals again. Tried to feed balls through to forwards that were stood behind defenders in the first half. Had the second most touches on the pitch, behind Neco Williams.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 5.

Wriggled into space for a shot on the edge of the box just before half-time. Struggled when forwards ran at him, as he did against United, although perhaps to a lesser extent. Was more suited to playing on his more natural right side.

Flynn Downes - 4.

His first start since returning from injury and it was a tough one. Really struggled and was lucky to avoid a red card when he shoved Morgan Gibbs-White in the face. Committed four fouls in the first half before being subbed at the break.

Joe Aribo - 6.

Grew into the game in the second half when partnered with Lesley Ugochukwu. Looked to drive at the Forest defence and typified the change in intensity. Will probably keep his place ahead of Downes for next week's Premier League meeting with Newcastle. 

Mateus Fernandes - 7.

Beaten by Anderson's driving run for his goal but created the most chances of any Saints player (three), including Paul Onuachu's goal. His corner also found Bednarek for his late chance to equalise - very good deliveries and continues to be a useful player throughout.

Cameron Archer - 4.

Started for the first time under Ivan Juric but struggled to get up to speed in the game. Tracked all the way back to cut out an Ola Aina cross but that was probably the highlight of his match as he was limited in attack. Subbed a few minutes into the second half.

Adam Armstrong - 4.

Also failed to make a real impact on the game and serious alarm bells must be ringing about his viability in the Premier League. Managed just five touches in the Forest box and one pass into the final third. Also subbed a few minutes into the second half.

Adam Armstrong struggled against Nottingham Forest.Adam Armstrong struggled against Nottingham Forest. (Image: Nick Potts/PA) Substitutes

Lesley Ugochukwu - 8.

Fantastic off the bench and made a real difference. His long-range effort flicked off Bednarek to get Saints back into the game. Won the ball back and put Forest on the back foot. Needs to start every game he can.

Paul Onuachu - 7.

Scored his first Southampton goal to set up a grandstand finish. Gave them a much-needed option up front, allowing them to break down a compact Forest backline. Another who needs to start. 

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 6.

Did not start due to Juric's fear of injury after completing his first 90 minutes against Manchester United. Looked to use his pace and although it didn't work on every occasion, his threat helped turn the game on its head.

Nottingham Forest's Murillo and Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana (right)Nottingham Forest's Murillo and Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana (right) (Image: Nick Potts/PA) Ryan Manning - 7.

Gave Saints a better balance down the left when he came on to replace Sugawara, meaning Walker-Peters went across to the left.

Will Smallbone - N/A.

An extra body in midfield when he replaced Smallbone with four regular minutes to go. Completed all six of his passes but didn't play long enough to judge.