This was harsh on Belmadi who has shown geniune class on the ball and great understanding with Nigel Quashie, who was himself still suspended.
In their place, youth found its way into the squad with Walcott as usual starting, this time alongside world cup bound Kenwyne Jones, and Martin Cranie, forgotten man Chris Baird and fit again Leon Best on the bench.
With Rory Delap suspended after his two yellow cards, this should provide Martin Cranie with the chance to regain his place at right back. He was first choice before his hamstring injury and has been unlucky to have been kept out by Delap, who, while much improved of late, is no right back.
Bassett could quickly get the supporters on his side by recalling youngsters Nathan Dyer and Dexter Blackstock from loan. With Dyer earning rave reviews at Burnley and Bassett favouring playing two out and out wingers, Dyer is now a serious option for a place and deserves to be at least on the bench to inject his pace and no little skill into the side. And in a side still lacking goals, it is time Blackstock got his chance to impress.
Whether or not the selection was part of his job application, it will have done his chances little harm. At least Bassett has shown the ability to change tactics during the game, even if the team has actually been playing less attractive football.
This game is all about results and having played well all season and got nowhere, Bassett's more direct brand of football may finally turn Saints' endless run of draws into wins. A scrappy 1-0 win over Luton is a good place to start.