In recent years, Southampton have flirted with relegation from the Premier League on several occasions but have continually made it to mid-table obscurity by the end of the season. This year could prove to be the same, but it feels different, and on current form, the Saint’s could will find themselves in a whole heap of trouble come May.
This season the south-coast team, have drawn with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, but more importantly have lost to Norwich City, and failed to beat Burnley and Newcastle United — results that could come back to sting them.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men’s desire to ship a lot of goals when they lose, has left the team on 16th point, just four points above the relegation zone. Now, that may not look bad, considering the current form of those below the Saints, but their December could be a make or break for the team’s survival.
Southampton play seven games in the final month of the year; four of which are against clubs around them and only one game against a team in the top five. Games against Leicester City, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Brentford will be huge for the team.
So how does Southampton make it through the festive period?
For the Saints to make it through December, some tough decisions will have to be made, all but one of the teams below have changed their manager. Though a decision that drastic may not be the answer, the ever-changing line-ups, from formations to personal, has to stop.
Ralph Hasenhuttl insists he has never dwelt on 9-0 mauling ahead of Leicester return https://t.co/13xXZYbXzU
— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) November 30, 2021
There have been lingering questions over Alex McCarthy’s form, Hasenhuttl will need to put his foot down and sort this issue, as Southampton have shipped six goals in November.
A kick-starter is almost certainly needed up top too, as Southampton haven’t scored more than one goal in a league game since October, and have only done so twice all season.
The Saints are currently marching towards the trap door — but with a fix up — and they could be mid-table by the window. A huge month is in store for them, to see whether trouble is on the horizon or not.