Southampton Fan View: Chelsea defeat could be final nail in coffin

For 70 minutes of Southampton’s encounter with Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, it was hard to see just why the team are in the grave predicament they find themselves in.

In the final 20 minutes, however, their shortcomings soon became clear for all to see. Three goals were conceded in the space of eight minutes and Chelsea were going to come away with all three points after turning in a largely rudderless display at St Mary’s.

Shortly after the Blues’ third was fired home by super-sub Olivier Giroud, the travelling faithful roared chants of “That’s why you’re going down” to their counterparts. It’d be easy to laugh off these jibes from other supporters in any other season, but they’re absolutely correct. Saints’ capitulation in the final period of the match is exactly why they will be relegated this season.

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There has been a clear improvement in Southampton’s style, intensity and ability to compete in Premier League matches since Mark Hughes’ arrival. This was only encapsulated by the spirited display which was turned in for the vast majority of their clash with the reigning champions.

However, the Premier League is an unforgiving division and Saints were made to pay once again for their failure to manage the game effectively.

It’s been the story of the season for 18th-placed Southampton, as well. They are, statistically, the second-worst team in the division this term when it comes to claiming three points from winning positions. This is a poignant embodiment of their failure to not only kill off matches by extending their advantages, but also their inability to carry out effective game management and shut up shop when necessary.

Hughes was correct when he pinpointed the reason for Southampton’s demise this season. It is not due to the quality or skill-set of the squad that they are flirting with the increasingly inevitable consequence of relegation, but because of their evident problems with mentality.

This feeling has only transmitted to the Southampton supporters, also. At 2-0 up against Chelsea, St Mary’s was rocking and there was a true sense of belief that survival could be salvaged from an undoubtedly dour campaign.

As soon as Giroud netted his first goal, however, the dour expectation of yet another Southampton capitulation was inescapable. The players lost their heads and the fans could only sit back and look on, helpless to prevent the team falling apart before their eyes.

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Credit must, of course, be directed towards Antonio Conte. The Chelsea boss made a double change and by introducing Giroud and Pedro, the tide turned rather quickly. However, it’s hardly as though these players are unknown quantities and Southampton simply succumbed to Chelsea’s persistent pressure in the closing stages, failing to counter the physical prowess of Giroud especially.

Any relegation battle presents a slippery slope in the Premier League. Southampton have sleepwalked into this situation, however, and they now may have to face the music. With five games remaining, they are five points adrift of 17th.

The future once looked so promising for a ‘well-run’ club punching above their weight in the best league in the world. Now, though, it seems they are headed only in one direction and a bleak period may well lie ahead for Southampton, with time quickly running out.