The St Mary's side were beaten 5-1 by the visiting Blues with more than half of Martin's usual starting league team either injured or suspended.
The result leaves Saints bottom of the division and already seven points from safety with just one win and two draws from their first 14 matches.
Martin took the opportunity to directly name those players he felt emerged from Wednesday's horror evening with credit when speaking after the match.
"I learned a lot about some people and I thought Nathan Wood was outstanding on his debut, James Bree was excellent coming into the team for us," he said.
Russell Martin reaction: "We have to be realistic and put it in perspective. We've played against one of the best teams in the country at the moment with 10 men for an hour. They see a team that is absolutely together and fighting so hard."#SaintsFC https://t.co/6qtwJ4RVdo
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) December 4, 2024
"Joe Aribo was the same, the guys that have come in from not playing so much were really outstanding and I'm proud of them for that.
"Ryan Manning wanted the ball, Nathan Wood did, Kyle Walker-Peter, James Bree and so many of the team. Mateus Fernandes, and Joe Aribo.
"They're the six brilliant performances that I'm really pleased with and I think we just have to keep working and getting better.
"The team has grown a lot in the last four or five weeks, objectively and subjectively. They're really together and a brilliant group to work with."
Wood signed for Saints from Swansea City in the summer for a modest fee of £3million having impressed under boss Martin at his previous club.
Martin was prepared to spend £10million to acquire Wood last summer directly after switching clubs but the Swans refused his direct offers.
The 22 year old former England youth international had been limited to two Carabao Cup appearances before making his top flight bow on Wednesday.
All six players, bar any training ground injuries, are expected to be available and could retain their places in the side for Saturday's visit to Aston Villa.