New Delhi: After losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the Saints are at the bottom of the standings with just six points at the halfway stage of the season. At this point, even the weakest side in Premier League history, Derby County, had more points than they had in 2007/08. After a season in the Championship, Southampton’s return to top-flight competition has not been easy.
Russell Martin was fired earlier this month after just one Premier League victory because he refused to stray from his possession-based philosophy. Only Wolves and Leicester have given up more goals than the Saints, who have given up 39 goals and made 11 mistakes that resulted in goals this season, more than any other team in the big five leagues in Europe.
At the opposite end of the field, the difficulties persist. Southampton has scored 12 goals, which is a league low, even though they are rated 16th for big opportunities created (37). Adam Armstrong, Tyler Dibling, Joe Aribo, and Cameron Archer are the front-runners for the club’s top scorer award, each with just two goals.
Southampton might replace Derby County as the worst English team
Southampton’s James Bree looks dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Paul Jewell, who managed 24 games during Derby’s disastrous 2007–08 season, claimed his managerial career “never really recovered.” The Rams had the lowest league point total ever at the end of the season (11) and a goal differential of -69. They won just one game. After 19 games, however, they have seven points, which is now one more than Southampton.
However, Southampton should be encouraged by Sheffield United’s 2020–21 campaign. At the halfway point of the season, the Blades had just five points and appeared headed to overtake Derby as the Premier League’s poorest team. Sheffield United, although finishing last, had 23 points at the end of the season, which was unfortunate for Derby.
Although Southampton’s statistics might not seem as alarming as Derby’s, they nevertheless indicate the Saints’ chances of surviving in the Premier League are slim. Only five teams have finished an English top flight season with six points or less in the previous 122 years. Each of the five was later demoted. The odds of Southampton remaining up are 0.7%, according to the Opta supercomputer.
Will Ivan Juric turn the tables?
Southampton manager Ivan Juric looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska
Under Ivan Juric, the team is starting a new chapter after a turbulent first half of the season. Arriving on the south coast with optimism, the Croat claims Southampton can do “something exceptional” in their battle to avoid relegation. With 6′ 7″ striker Paul Onuachu up front and a more direct style of play, the Saints looked energetic in Juric’s debut game as manager, a 1-0 loss to West Ham.
They were also able to keep their opponents to just two shots on goal. However, the performance against Crystal Palace, who controlled play after rallying to take the lead, was less encouraging.
“We have players who can compete. We are competing and we have to be much better in the details,” Juric claimed.
“They are fighting every game. We have to believe, there is no other option.”
Despite his failed spell at Roma where he only spent 2 months and managed just 12 games at theItalian capital, this might just be his chances to show the fans what he is capable of.
Southampton’s current struggles have sparked speculation about whether they are on track to become Premier League’s worst-ever team. Analyzing their form, points tally, and historical comparisons sheds light on their challenging season. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
