Southampton’s 1-0 home defeat to Stoke on Saturday left a few Saints fans struggling not to cry into their pints served from the Transfer Tavern.
Indeed, the defeat was their third of the season, and means Southampton are now six points outside of the Champions League places.
The next two games don’t get much easier for Ronald Koeman’s men, as they come up against Manchester City and Liverpool.
Though their current position is by no means terrible, Saints fans will certainly be keen for them to build on their impressive seventh-place finish last term, but so far this looks like it could be a challenge.
The likes of Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane have, by no surprise, stood out for the Saints so far this season, but they cannot do this on their own.
Below, we picked out FIVE players who we think could offer a bit more to the current Southampton side, and should be looking to improve on their performances so far this season.
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Cedric Soares
The Portuguese defender arrived at St Mary’s from Sporting Lisbon last summer, and the right back has made a reasonable start to the difficult job of filling the void left by Nathanael Clyne.
At times, Cedric has shown glimpses of being very good, and has potential to be for sure.
But often he can find himself standing off the attacker and letting him run at him.
Saints fans may also want him to contribute more going forward, and build on performances such as his assist against Newcastle on the opening day.
Matthew Targett
When Luke Shaw departed in the summer of 2014, Targett was the man tipped to emulate him and replace him at left back.
However, it hasn’t been quite as smooth a transition, and Targett looked poor while deputising for Bertrand at the start of the season.
For now, Bertrand is firmly the first choice left back, but should he face another injury spell, Targett will need to take his chance a lot better than last time.
James Ward-Prowse
Like Targett, Ward-Prowse is another who is tipped for great things at Southampton.
However, he must become more than just a very good set-piece taker.
Indeed, the current England U21 captain should look to add a bit more consistency in his game, and if Siido Mane leaves, should look to make that spot in midfield his own.
Juanmi
The 22-year-old is very much one for the future.
In the few games that Juanmi has played for Southampton, he has clearly struggled with the physical demands of the Premier League, and hasn’t imposed himself enough.
Juanmi should look to take his chances when he can, but in the summer break, should certainly be looking to do some serious work in the gym.
Paulo Gazzaniga
With Gazzaniga having recently signed a five-year-deal at the club, there is clearly hope in Southampton that the Argentinian will have some substantial involvement in the first team.
However, Gazzaniga is currently the fourth-choice keeper behind Forster, Steklenbuurg and Kelvin Davis.
For the sake of his own career, Gazzaniga needs to work himself up the pecking order, or at least seek more regular first team football.
