Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace: Three match takeaways

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Ralph Krueger chairman of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Let the battle commence

Social media often presents a polarised view of fan opinion. Some in the Saints Twitter community have been predicting a relegation dogfight for much of the season, but their negativity is becoming a reality. In retrospect, the match against Crystal Palace was a six-pointer.

As with Pellegrino’s supporters, even the most positive Saints fans are gearing themselves up for a nervy few months. Changes are certainly needed, but there is a limit to what can realistically be changed in January.

In his recent comments to the media, Ralph Krueger has attempted to deflect some of the blame for the club’s plight onto himself. He claims that the board’s decision not to sell Virgil van Dijk in the summer left a cloud over the club and that the emotional effect has played out in the results.

Now is apparently the time to get back to the positive Southampton environment that has been sold to fans and the media for the past few seasons.

Rallying cry or transparent excuse from a failing regime?

We can agree or disagree on social media as much as we like, but only the performances over next few months will truly answer that question.