Southampton’s Return to the Premier League: Challenges Ahead for Russell Martin’s Side

Southampton’s return to the Premier League is marked by a sense of cautious optimism. After spending a year in the Championship, the Saints managed to secure promotion through the playoffs, edging out Leeds United in a tense final. However, as Tadiwa Chanakira highlighted in the recent A Tad Predictable podcast, the challenges for Southampton are just beginning. With a focus on ball-dominant football under manager Russell Martin, the big question remains: can this style of play succeed in the Premier League?

Southampton’s Tactical Approach

Russell Martin’s approach at Southampton has been heavily influenced by possession-based football, a style that earned them success in the Championship. Martin, who gained experience from his time at Swansea and MK Dons, is known for his commitment to a ball-dominant philosophy. “For Southampton, it’s a very, very possession-heavy football, ball-dominant football,” said Tadiwa Chanakira. This approach, inspired by the likes of Pep Guardiola, has worked well in lower leagues, but the Premier League presents a different challenge to a newly promoted side.

The Championship campaign for Southampton last season was not without its hiccups. After a strong start, they encountered a rough patch, losing four consecutive games. However, they bounced back impressively, going on a 19-game unbeaten run. This resilience was crucial in securing their spot back in the top flight, but as Chanakira noted, “It’s going to be an adjustment” for Southampton to maintain this style against stronger opposition.

Key Challenges for Southampton

One of the main concerns for Southampton is whether they have the caliber of players to impose their game in the Premier League. Tadiwa Chanakira questioned if the team can maintain their ball-dominant style, saying, “If you’re a Southampton coming into the league and you’re insistent on being ball-dominant, you have to have the caliber of players that can hold up to that standard.” This is particularly challenging in a league where they will face teams with superior talent on a weekly basis.

Another issue is the fitness of key players. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who ruptured his Achilles tendon, is not expected to return until early next year. This leaves Southampton in a precarious position regarding who will guard the net. Alex McCarthy, the backup, has not convinced many that he can step up to the challenge. As Chanakira pointed out, “I don’t think Alex McCarthy is the answer for them there.”

The need for a reliable striker is also pressing. While Ben Brereton Díaz has been brought in, his role has primarily been on the left wing rather than as a central striker. “They need to bring in a focal point,” said Chanakira, emphasising the importance of having a forward who can lead the line and convert chances, especially against tougher Premier League defenses.

Fan Optimism and Realistic Expectations

Despite these challenges, there is a sense of optimism among Southampton fans. Some believe that the team could finish as high as midtable, with the more conservative predictions placing them around 17th, just avoiding relegation. “The perception I get from Southampton fans is they’re quite confident that they’re going to stay up and they’re quite confident that they’re going to surprise a few teams,” noted Chanakira.

However, the reality is that Southampton are likely to be involved in a relegation battle. The Premier League is unforgiving, and while their style may have worked in the Championship, it remains to be seen if it can translate to success at a higher level. “I think it’s going to be a tall order for them,” admitted Chanakira, acknowledging the significant step up required to compete.