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Southampton: Opinion – A positive defeat remains a defeat for the Saints

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /
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The last two weeks Southampton have improved their game but have still tasted defeat to two of the league’s big boys. All positives must be disregarded at this point of the season.

The Saints were embarrassed at the hands of West Ham in Mark Hughes’ first league game in charge, but since then they have played with much more determination and grit.

This could be down to many factors – the change of formation to a more direct 5-4-1, or the element of ‘nothing to lose’ that comes when smaller teams face those in the top six.

Either way, the Saints have scored four goals in their last two games despite facing Arsenal and Chelsea, however they have also conceded three in both matches and have therefore come away with nothing.

The former was much more of a to-and-fro affair, whilst the match this past weekend against the Blues was more of a capitulation from Southampton. Fans have seen positives from the results but at this point of the season, a defeat is a defeat.

Next: Saints vs. Chelsea: Opposition threat

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea applauds fans after the Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /

Whilst this may sound like a negative outlook, Southampton are now five points off the pace with just five games remaining, and they simply need results at this point. It doesn’t matter whether they get battered or defend badly, if they get the the win at this point that’s whats crucial.

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Had Mark Hughes taken over closer to the new year then the positives that we have drawn from these two defeats would’ve provided more foundations which the side could build upon. However, at this point of the campaign we need to focus purely on results.

Following their shock win over Manchester United which also handed Manchester City the title, West Brom are now closer to the Saints than the south coast side are to safety – a worrying statistic as even with a win over Swansea (the team in 17th) they would be two points clear of Premier League survival.

At this point of the season optimism is important of course, but realism is also key. As positive as these two performances may of been, they add nothing to the points tally come the end of the season and that’s the important part.

Relegation has become more of an expectation than a concern at this point and therefore we need to start winning rather than just playing well.