Southampton have failed to win in their previous eight games including a disappointing 3-0 loss to Leeds United last time out. The Saints are now only eight points above Scott Parker’s Fulham, who sit in the relegation zone and are struggling for form.
Southampton Dropping Down the Premier League
Saints Struggling for Form
Southampton has picked up one point from the last twenty-four. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side last won a Premier League game against Liverpool, at the start of January. Danny Ing’s scored against his former club, with a fine lob that sailed into the top corner, past a motionless Alisson.
While keeping the Premier League champions quiet is an achievement. Perhaps the win was slightly misleading, considering Liverpool’s players have been far from their best this season, even looking burnt out.
Although, no doubt the Austrian manager would have been thrilled with the win over Liverpool. The result didn’t suggest Southampton were about to embark on a six-game Premier League losing streak.
In fact, a steady win over the Premier League champions could have sparked Southampton’s ambition, making the Saints push for a Europa League place.
However, Southampton failed to build on its momentum. Defeats to Leicester, Arsenal and Aston Villa followed the Saints win over Liverpool.
Before the biggest defeat of all rocked Southampton. Manchester United ran riot, winning the game 9-0. Although, a humiliating scoreline. Losing nine games in a row would be worse than conceding nine goals in a game.
Either way, Southampton weren’t far from doing both. A 3-2 loss to Newcastle United, was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Wolves.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton then came up against Chelsea. Since the arrival of Chelsea’s newly appointed manager, Thomas Tuchel, the Blues have shown some good form.
However, against the run of play, Takumi Minamino finished brilliantly from a Nathan Redmond through ball.
Although Chelsea controlled large parts of the game, they failed to create anything meaningful until Danny Ings carelessly chopped down Mason Mount in the box. The game finished 1-1, Southampton had ended the losing streak but failed to get a much-needed win.
Will Southampton Sack Ralph Hasenhuttl?
A 9-0 defeat would give many Premier League clubs enough cause to sack their manager. However, Ralph Hasenhuttl survived a 9-0 thumping to Leicester last season.
Therefore, the Southampton board seems willing to deal with the current dip in form. Southampton’s table finishes have been varied in their recent Premier League spell.
Last season, the 53-year old carried Southampton to a respectable midtable finish. For obvious reasons, Southampton would have expected to gradually build on last season’s finish.
A good start to the campaign saw the Saints sit in the first position in England’s top domestic league for the first time in 32 years. With a good number of points secured early in the season, Southampton enjoyed their best start to a Premier League campaign.
Therefore, Hasenhuttl has proved his side can compete at a high level. However, the poor form is no doubt a concern to the Southampton board.
Although, if Southampton were to sack their manager, they most likely would have pulled the trigger after the recent loss to Manchester United.
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing concern for many football clubs, the priority for Southampton would be to remain a stable Premier League club.
As long as Southampton don’t drop into the relegation zone, Hasenhuttl’s managerial ability will be trusted to continue driving the Saints forward.
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