Southampton will compete in this season’s play-offs in an attempt to earn a quick return to the Premier League, but the season might have been so much more for Russell Martin’s Saints, who went unbeaten from September 30th to February 13th.
Such a rich vein of form put the St Mary’s outfit in good stead to land an automatic promotion spot, but it wasn’t to be for Martin and co, who ended February on a sour note with consecutive home defeats to potential play-off opponents Hull City, and mid-table side Millwall.
The Saints managed to navigate March without defeat, but a dramatic Easter Monday loss to Ipswich Town was not the start to April Martin’s men had wanted, and came as a blow to their automatic promotion hopes.
The Hampshire outfit have now seen their top-two credentials completely scuppered as a consequence of three defeats on the spin to Cardiff City, newly crowned champions Leicester City and Stoke City.
The 5-0 hammering by the Foxes on 23rd April was a particular low-point in the Saints’ season, which came at a damaging time for them as they prepare for the play-offs.
Sandwiched between a 2-1 loss in the Welsh capital, and a home defeat to the Potters, that 5-0 drubbing means that the Saints have now conceded eight goals in their last three games, which is not the confidence boost they would like heading into the play-offs.
Martin will be concerned by Alex McCarthy performances
The Saints’ mainstay in between the sticks this season was Gavin Bazunu, who has kept 11 clean sheets in 41 Championship appearances this campaign.
But the Ireland international suffered a ruptured achilles injury during the warm-up prior to his side’s clash with Preston North End on Tuesday 16th April.
McCarthy kept a clean sheet that night as the Saints hammered North End 3-0, but since then, the 34-year-old’s stint in goal has been nothing short of disastrous as he has now conceded eight goals in four Championship appearances this season.
Martin will be concerned about heading into the play-offs with a goalkeeper who is currently conceding an average of two goals per game, while an away trip to Leeds United in the final game of the regular season will provide yet another stern test for McCarthy.
Failure to earn promotion would have grave consequences for the Saints
After being relegated from the Premier League last campaign, the Saints still boast a star-studded squad, meaning that promotion is an expectation rather than just a possibility for Martin’s side.
Furthermore, failure to make a top-flight return would likely see the south coast outfit having to sell some of their key assets, who will believe they are worthy of Premier League football.
Former Tottenham Hotspur man Kyle Walker-Peters is wanted by Premier League giants Manchester United, Chelsea and former club Spurs, so would surely leave St Mary’s if his current side do not achieve their promotion ambitions.
Another talented defender who would likely be playing his football away from the Saints next season if they do not make an immediate Premier League return is Manchester City loanee Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The 22-year-old lifted the Championship title during a loan spell with Burnley last season, and perhaps a move back to Turf Moor would be on the cards if the Clarets are able to secure their Premier League status.
Meanwhile, Saints forward Che Adams is the subject of transfer interest from Everton, according to The I, would likely favour a move back to the top-flight over a second consecutive Championship campaign.
