Many thought Southampton’s February 13th 3-1 loss to Bristol City might have been a small bump on the path to automatic promotion.
But after going 22 games without a loss in the Championship, Russell Martin’s team is currently experiencing their poorest form since September, which has coincided with the worst possible time to cause concern at St Mary’s.
They responded admirably to the setback at Ashton Gate, defeating a buoyant West Bromwich Albion 2-0 on the road while being observed by Shilen Patel, their potential new owner. But the next home games against Millwall, who welcomed back Neil Harris to South London in their hour of need, and an in-form Hull City team both ended in 2-1 losses, pushing the Saints further behind Leeds United and Ipswich Town in the battle for automatic promotion
Carlton Palmer, who played 45 times for the team between 1997 and 1999, exclusively spoke with Football League World about his thoughts on the recent decline in performance at St Mary’s.
“After setting an unbelievable record of consecutive games without defeat, Southampton have now suffered three in their last five games,” Palmer said.
“With the way Leeds United and Ipswich Town are playing, it’s come at a really awful moment. Ipswich has won four straight games after a slight lull, and Leeds has won six straight (in all competitions).
“Salenta was extremely disappointed, particularly with the outcome against Millwall at home. As I mentioned earlier, it’s really knocked them, therefore I believe they’ve wasted their chances.
They are lagging Leeds and Ipswich by five points. I don’t think Leeds or Ipswich will give up a ton of points in their final 12 games, therefore I don’t think that can be recovered.
“Yes, Southampton will have a tough task ahead of them since the team from Leeds and Ipswich that doesn’t receive immediate promotion will likely be the best team in the play-offs. It is frustrating for them.
“As I say, it’s cost Southampton dearly at such a critical time.”
