Southampton FC has been relegated from the Premier League after defeating Totterham Hotspur 3-1 on Sunday, April 6, becoming the first team to be relegated in league history, with seven games remaining. The loss of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium blocked their fate, which brought dramatic and premature endings to the bleak top sport.
Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson hit twice in the first half, allowing Southampton to put Southampton in the back foot early, while partner Mateus Fernandes’ late goal provided only a brief comfort. After Wellington foul Johnson, Mathys Tel then increased by a third from penalty spot, confirming Southampton’s descendants.
With just 11 points in 31 games, Southampton is now at the 2007-08 season equaling 11 points in Derby County history. Head coach Ivan Juric replaced Russell Martin in December, who earlier admitted that the club’s only goal was to avoid setting new lows in Premier League history. “We are also trying to reform the program to meet current national needs,” Juric said during the tournament’s leadership.
Southampton’s relegation was effectively confirmed a day ago when the Wolves beat Ipswich 2-1 from behind, which allowed the Saints to score 22 points from safety. Just 315 days ago, the club won the Premier League in Wembley’s championship playoffs.
Southampton is thriving on the second floor with an offensive football brand under former boss Russell Martin, but these tactics are shaking in the Premier League. Martin was fired after a 5-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season and Uric was brought in to stabilize the ship. However, his appointment failed to turn the club’s fate, and Southampton has now won the last seven league games.
The match in north London is also a temporary probation for Tottenham Hotspur and manager Ang Poscoglo, who is under increasing pressure after poor results and protests against fans of chairman Daniel Levy. Johnson’s stand and TV (TEL) late penalty put the Spurs at No. 13 and raised morale before the Europa League quarterfinals.
Despite their team being relegated, Southampton fans attending the meeting maintained a sense of humor and shouted “Que Sera, Sera…we’re going to Coventry”. Fernandes scored a good goal in the 90th minute, lowering the ball and crossing Vicario, one of the few moments of quality in an otherwise grim season.
Juric and his players appreciated the travel supporters full time, knowing their short stay in the Premier League has been disappointing.
