At the weekend, Southampton made a giant step in surviving relegation from the Premier League. Results around them made their win even more significant.
Southampton secured their first win of the season at the weekend. Without a doubt, this is worthy of celebration enough, particularly with summer signing Aaron Ramsdale also keeping his first clean sheet.
The Saints would like to avoid relegation this season. They are not expected to be battling it out in mid-table, let alone pushing for European football just yet. However, if Russell Martin can keep the Saints afloat, it will be a successful first season back in the Premier League.
At the weekend, Southampton took a major step in the right direction towards this objective.
How Southampton made a giant step in surviving Premier League relegation
As pointed out by a fan on Reddit, Southampton were the only team in the bottom nine of the Premier League to pick up three points at the weekend. Wolves, Ipswich, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Man United all secured one point. Only the Saints obtained three.
Now, Southampton are three points away from 17th (the lowest spot for Premier League safety). They are below Crystal Palace in terms of goal difference but they took a step in the right direction at the weekend.
Hopefully, Southampton can capitalise on the winning momentum and make it two on the bounce. They have perhaps their easiest opportunity yet, as they face Wolves this weekend.
Wolves have not made a great start to the Premier League. In fact, they are rock bottom of the table and one of only two teams still yet to win this campaign.
It is worth noting that Wolves have played some difficult fixtures. During which, they have put in some impressive performances. However, they are clearly lacking in confidence, a constraint which could be Southampton's gain.
The significance of Southampton picking up maximum points while those around them dropped points must not be overlooked. It seems like applauding the minimum but the Saints did their job at the weekend and they are now making ground on their competitors.
Of course, this could be rendered as meaningless if they return their previous form. Therefore, Russell Martin must rally up his troops and give them reason to fight for more. It certainly goes without saying that he fans will be behind them every step of the way.