IF Adam Armstrong is the answer, what exactly is the question? And it is not ‘Who is the current bookies’ favourite for Championship top goalscorer?’ although that is true too.

What do you do when you lose your two best midfielders to Premier League transfers and your next best two to injury all within a week of a vital league fixture?

Manager Russell Martin had already hinted at the answer, speaking to the Daily Echo while we were out covering their pre-season tour of Turkey over a month ago.

“We know that Adam can do it, he’s a really outstanding footballer. He can play wide for us, play nine and play 10 so we want him comfortable in as many positions,” he said.

Will Smallbone was long ruled out of the weekend’s contest by an injury versus Norwich City while Martin only learned of Charly Alcaraz’s absence on Thursday.

Step forward the £15million striker signing – who inherited the number nine shirt from Danny Ings two years ago – for we have got a job for you.

Daily Echo:

Armstrong’s central midfield performance, involved in defensive duels in both boxes, was a man-of-the-match winning one even if he did not get awarded the official prize.

Initially penned to start the game left of a front three with Che Adams, his four shots towards goal were the joint-most of any player and his four chances created the same.

His no-look pass to Nathan Tella on the edge of the area was made even better by the 24 year old’s finish, putting Saints ahead in Devon.

It was Armstrong’s driving run – he made six progressive carries, bettered only by Tella – and scoop turn that set up the move which saw Stuart Armstrong thump the crossbar.

Armstrong, stepping into the shoes of captain James Ward-Prowse, followed type and forced goalkeeper Conor Hazard into the save of the afternoon with a direct free-kick.

It was Armstrong’s header, with its power generated by the neck of the Geordie meeting a looper, that was saved into the path of best friend Adams for the late winner.

His best moment was still yet to come, trumping his 50-yard run and tackle from the prior weekend with last-minute defensive work in his own box to save two points.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him making tackles in our box in the last seconds of the game, he deserved a goal and he is an incredible footballer,” Martin told the Daily Echo.

“As a person… I love him. He’s brilliant for the group, for the mentality, great experience of the league and hopefully he is getting an opportunity to show his best version.

“Perhaps he has not been able to before. In football, it’s all about timing, style and fit. He played in another position today and was brilliant.

“He was incredible so I’m grateful for him and I’m pleased for him. Charly will be back next week and it’s a nice problem to have.”

Armstrong completed 30 out of his 32 attempted passes, including four out of four passes into the final third and eight out of eight progressives. He also won all three of his aerial duels.

Southampton’s 2-1 victory at Plymouth Argyle was helped by a third late goal (94’) in three matches, after 87’ and 97’ versus Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich.

As well as winning successive league games at Argyle for the first time since 1932, it is first successive league wins on the road full stop since lockdown in June 2020.

Martin has won more points (7) than any of his previous 29 predecessors from the opening three league games in charge, albeit in the Championship.

Daily Echo: Martin wasn't surprised that Saints bounced back to win late on at Plymouth Argyle

Armstrong’s goals have played a big role in that – the first at Wednesday was nothing but fortune, but added to his two penalties has helped inspire a long-lost confidence.

With Martin wrestling a squad somewhat riddled with uncertainty after relegation, it is players like Armstrong – clear on their future – that have helped him.

The 26 year old has always wanted to remain here, refuting any suggestion of links to the likes of Ipswich Town to the Daily Echo, towards the end of last season.

“I want to stay, it doesn’t matter what happens to the club. I want to stay and hopefully do well for this club," he said.

“There’s always a lot of rumours and the rumours that have been out about me have been totally false, so I don’t know where that’s come from.”

Former under-21 international Armstrong has embraced being asked to step up and lead by example, in a division where he has racked up 189 appearances and 59 goals.

Full league debutant, Charles, 20, told us: “He’s very good and has been ever since I came in. He said to me ‘If you ever need anything, then I’m always here’.

“Even on the pitch, it’s so easy to play with him. He’s so versatile and can play in different positions. He has started the season very well.”

Armstrong made no bones about his desire to play as a number nine this season – but, more than that, he just wants to play.

He will get that wish. After two disappointing years in the Premier League, Armstrong is showing the promise of paying back his price tag in a slightly different way.