Premier League 2018-19, Arsenal 2-0 Southampton: 5 Talking points and tactical analysis

#2. Southampton miss their chance to steer clear of the drop zone

The weekend started with Southampton a point from safety. However, Saturday’s events meant that the Saints had the opportunity to leapfrog Cardiff City into 17th if they avoided defeat. Yet, the visitors failed to make any substantial inroads and they now have to spend another weekend in the drop zone.

Eleven games remain between now and the end of the season and though the Saints have enough quality to stay up, their continued inability to string decent displays together is becoming a concern.

After sacking Mark Hughes, Southampton reaped the rewards of the ‘new manager bounce’ with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s liveliness becoming an instant hit with the fans.

However, after the initial successes, the results have dried up and with each passing week, the Saints are sinking deeper into the relegation quicksand. And if they can’t conjure the results they require, they run the risk of plying their trade in the Championship next term.

While eleven games accord teams plenty of time to turn things around, the Southampton faithful would hope the revival arrives sooner than later.