Southampton are close to establishing some rather unwanted records. It’s difficult to imagine their return to the Premier League not reaching a fairy-tale ending conclusion. The Saints’ 12th league loss at St Mary’s Stadium this season. They only ratified one home win as late as November 2, when they defeated Everton. Under the stewardship of Ivan Juric, Southampton has been abysmal, setting a new low with a points-per-game average of only 0.25. With nine games to go, the team is on pace to post all-time low points and losses if their recently atrocious play persists.
A Season of Struggles
The current campaign for Southampton has been curatively contentious. The Saints have given up 24 more touchdowns than they’ve scored this season. If they continue this form into the next few games, they are on track to shatter their own records for losses. The team has netted just nine points after 29 matches—a record low. Perhaps even more worrisome, their goal differential is currently at a league worst minus 49. These numbers speak to the severity of their plight and the need for a reversal — and fast.
The Saints’ last home win was on 2 November when they could only squeak a 1-0 win against Everton. This continues to stand as their only victory at St Mary's all campaign, in sharp contrast to their 12 home losses. People have done a sideshow Derby comparison with Sunderland’s 2005/06 season. As a result, both sides only combined for a single home Premier League victory this season.
Managerial Challenges
Ivan Juric, who took over following Russell Martin's sacking after a 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham on December 15, has faced significant difficulties in reversing Southampton's fortunes. Juric has taken charge of 12 Premier League games so far, winning only one of those matches and losing 11. Under his leadership, the team has remained mired in perennial underperformance and has failed to meet expectations. So far, Southampton have only managed to collect four points from their home-ground games.
"We will go down, but [we want to go down] with more fight, more dignity and more everything," said Ivan Juric, acknowledging the challenges yet expressing a desire for improvement.
This left the Saints without a win from March 12, 2023 until November 2, 2024. This streak is now the third-longest in Premier League history. Juric and his team are under pressure due to their recent run of form. In the end, they have to produce outcomes and rebuild trust with constituents and fans.
A Race Against History
Now, with just five home games remaining in the season, Southampton finds itself at an undeniable crossroads. Only if they lose all four of their remaining fixtures will they not make history. That humiliating loss will represent the equal-most home losses in a Premier League campaign. The specter of eclipsing Derby’s infamous record for cumulative points total as the lowest in Premier League history hangs over them. Derby ended the 2007/08 campaign with a pitiful haul of just 11 points.
"Today was another game [that suggests] we are not ready to take points. There is always something missing," Juric admitted after a recent defeat, highlighting the persistent issues plaguing his team's performances.
There’s no doubt that Southampton is under siege right now. It’s not too late for them to finish the season out with pride and dignity.
"The will to play well and to attack is there. The lads want to win and do their best. There are moments when we are not good enough, and that's it," Juric stated, indicating the players' commitment to improving despite their current predicament.
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