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Southampton: Saints have made worst start for 6 seasons

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Maya Yoshida of Southampton looks dejected after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Maya Yoshida of Southampton looks dejected after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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Southampton will have to put right their worst start to a Premier League season for six years if they are to avoid another relegation scrap this campaign.

Their total of five points from a possible 24 in the opening eight games of the 2018/19 Premier League is their worst total since the 2012/13 season and has seen a number of worrying traits carry over from previous Southampton sides.

One league win has come so far at Crystal Palace, whilst two draws and five losses have also materialised. Too many points have been lost from winning positions again, and this continues to be one of the main achilles heals for Mark Hughes and his team.

As previously stated, only the four points from eight matches back in 2012/13 – the club’s first season back in the top-flight – had seen the side collect a lower total as Nigel Adkins and his side struggled to adapt to the increased demand on them.

One positive has been the Carabao Cup so far however. Wins in the second and third-round stages against Brighton and Everton respectively have seen Saints advance well into the competition and piece together decent performances.

Next. The Saints should jump at the chance to sign Dzeko. dark

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Hughes manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Mark Hughes manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images) /

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That run has seen similarities to last season too. Whilst Saints struggled in the league, they managed to reach the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup and seemed to play without fear in the competition.

The Fourth-Round tie away to Leicester City comes at the end of October, but some even more vital league games come with into November and towards December.

Clashes with Bournemouth, Newcastle, Watford and Fulham are upcoming and will be vital in defining what the season will hold. Other games against Leicester (cup) and Manchester City can be seen as bonuses, whilst substantial points must come from other four.

The team need to channel some of the fighting spirit that got them away from danger in the last campaign when positivity was at its highest point.

There is still plenty of time for things to turn around, but it must come quickly that’s for sure.