Southampton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly expecting more arrivals following the signing of Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s start to life as Southampton manager has been considerably quieter than many people anticipated. Pundits and supporters alike were expecting a flurry of new arrivals to the south coast this summer, yet Southampton’s business hasn’t progressed as many were expecting. It is more than likely that their transfer proceedings will progress over the course of the future weeks, as the Saints look to strengthen their depth and improve the quality of their squad.
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For the time being, our landlord has decided to focus on the present. Our resident Saints fans are hopeful that they can maintain their 8th place league finish that they attained last season, and while some are even hoping to improve on this position, the threat of relegation looms large for most teams in the division. Here are three reasons that display why the Saints could be relegated.
4.3 shots on target per game
Despite their eighth place finish in the league, an average of 4.3 shots per game is utterly unacceptable for a team vying to remain competitive in one of the most, if not, the most, prestigious leagues in football. An average of 4.3 shots per game significantly damages the Saints’ chances of scoring goals and requires their strikers to be nigh-on perfect with each shot on target they achieve. With greater accuracy, and more shots on target, the likelihood of Southampton scoring increases.
41 league goals scored
The first statistic is unquestionably linked with the second. A total of 41 league goals in 38 games is frankly appalling, and something that Southampton must improve on ahead of the start of the new season. To average almost a goal every game in one of the most competitive leagues is unacceptable, and with a weakened defence (with the potential departure of Van Dijk) it could leave the Saints in a rather precarious position.
10 league draws
Southampton’s total of 10 draws, was the fourth-highest total achieved in the Premier League last season. While drawing games isn’t disastrous, it isn’t the desired result either. Four victories and six defeats trump a total of 10 draws. Thus the Saints should look to try and be more clinical in games, to finish opportunities when presented with them to secure all three points, rather than settle for one.
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