We asked you for your thoughts on Southampton‘s transfer window, their start to the season and where you believed they would finish.
More than half of you said Saints would end up in the relegation zone based on what you had seen so far – and that was borne out in many of the comments we received.
Here’s a snapshot:
Richard: The most worrying thing is Russell Martin’s refusal to adapt his (playing out of defence) style despite being against better teams and with his own less skilful players. I was encouraged by their play-off performances but bottom place beckons with a record fewest goals scored I’m afraid.
Peter: Saints are making opposition teams’ lives way, way too easy. We are too predictable and take too many liberties in front of our own goal. When we attack, we don’t get numbers in the box quickly enough. We have some really decent players, but need more cutting edge and less madness in defence.
Paul: I think it’s always difficult when you’re the last team to be promoted as you have less options to buy players and less time to bond with any available. I think if the fans can keep supporting Russell and the team then things will turn around once there’s been more time to realise the best combination of what we have now. That will happen.
Dave: Unless they make significant changes to their style of play and eliminate the mistakes at the back while actually scoring goals up front, they are doomed. If they persist in the pressing style, they need an overhaul of the defence, which can’t now happen until January by which time the damage will have been done.
Hedley: Football = a simple game, only complicated by those who play it! It is foolish to take unnecessary risks in an area where you don’t need to take risks. In and around your own penalty area you play ultra-safe. In the opposition penalty area is where you may take risks, in a way that may lead to your team to score a goal.
Laurie: I am bitterly disappointed with the Southampton way so far. We conceded over 20 goals in the Championship last season by playing out from the back. It’s simply not working and these failings are actually embarrassing the club. Change in the system needs to happen now otherwise Russell Martin goes or relegation looms.
