Southampton were able to avoid relegation late in the season. But this was disappointing after the standards they’d set in previous campaigns.
The club ultimately finished 17th, just three points above the relegated Swansea. They almost paid the price for making the harsh decision to sack Claude Puel. This was despite an eighth place finish last season.
Mark Hughes narrowly kept the club in The Top Flight, after Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked in March. The question is, how can a side who had finished in the top eight for four seasons, nearly be relegated? This is the Southampton Premier League roundup.
In the Beginning
Pellegrino’s side began the season in poor form: They only accumulated 8 points from their opening 8 matches. Their second match was a home win over West Ham. Manolo Gabbiadini scored, whilst Charlie Austin and Dusan Tadic netted from the spot.
Hernandez got two back, but it was too late for the Hammers. Only 6 points were picked up in the next 6 games. Draws away at Huddersfield and at home to Newcastle, were followed by a narrow win over Crystal Palace. Steven Davis got the goal to deny Roy Hodgson’s new side any points.
The next victory was late in October, with a home match over West Brom. Soufiane Boufal scored a superb solo goal as he ran the length of the pitch and finished. The patchy form continued: they picked up 1 point in 3 games, but comfortably dispatched Everton with ease. Tadic, Davis and a brace from Austin secured a clinical 4-1 win.