The eighth Premier League matchday is over, and Southampton gave away a huge chance to secure their first league win before facing defending Champions Manchester City. The Saints are nineteenth in the Premier League table, ahead of bottom-placed Wolves on goal-difference.
Southampton’s aim to avoid relegation is surrounded with uncertainties, however, the Saints could still win the relegation battle this season. This is due to the fact that there are four teams who are yet to secure their first Premier League win after the first eight matches. Alongside Southampton, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace and Wolves are also winless with Ipswich Town being the only team to remain outside the relegation zone due to their four consecutive draws.
Why Southampton could still win the Premier League relegation battle
Among them, Ipswich Town have faced two back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Everton, thus, ending their four-match unbeaten streak. Crystal Palace are coming on the back of three narrow one-goal defeats, where they scored only goal in those three fixtures.
Meanwhile, Wolves have conceded the most goals in the league despite being a good goalscoring side among these four Premier League teams. Hence, Southampton are currently the only winless team who have been improving with every Premier League match, and thus, could take a first league win quickly as compared to these other sides.
If the Saints start picking up a few important wins before the first half of the season, Russell Martin's side could make a comeback in the Premier League table and stay away from the relegation zone. However, for that to happen, the Saints need to learn from their defensive shortcomings and continue their goalscoring progress in every league fixture.
Southampton will face Wolves and Everton after the next away fixture against defending Premier League Champions Manchester City, thus, it remains to be seen whether they can take a win in those two consecutive six-pointer matches.