Southampton have been humiliated by Portsmouth in 2 international break related statistics which must be brought to a halt.
Championship should have been Southampton's language of victories but with five days into October, the Saints are polishing their catalogue with draws as if shielding losses was the whole point of it. Viewing from a fan's angle, it's a slow walkdown into second-tier mediocrity.
Now, a plethora of Premier League's fallen boys face Championship hardships for years, whereas Southampton only had two off months. But do note the reputation hasn't dipped, it has dived past Saints' grudge rivals Portsmouth.
Be real, at St. Mary's the notion was never to beware of the Pompeys when and in which shape they come. Before walking down the tunnel, they had grasped a two-point foothold over Will Still's team, and this isn't limited to the first international break.
Saints slipping behind Portsmouth's spot can't be acceptable everytime
In October's current gameless duration, Portsmouth are one step ahead and that was avoidable not once, but in two places. Southampton pocketing a second goal over Derby would have asserted an opposite 1 point dominance and Middlesbrough overpowering Pompeys was just as fine a thought.
One of the two undefeated Championship groups until Saturday had to turn Portsmouth into lightwork, but Boro didn't. They had Saints requesting their luck for them to not split points at St. Mary's but no, Middlesbrough stood generous only for our neighbours.
Learning these upper-hands Portsmouth are sweeping from Southampton, the club must pledge to stop looking weaker. Next international break will start ticking one month from present, thus, the Saints must pen down plans and game styles to surpass the Blues to never fall back again.
Point is Portsmouth don't have a playoff aim to pursue, this Saints fans can affirm, henceforth, racing with top-table giants like Coventry and Middlesbrough can be the needle mover for Southampton's ship.