Chris Sutton claims that Southampton manager Russell Martin is the Premier League manager most likely to be fired before of their match against Liverpool this weekend.
The Saints’ first victory of the season against Everton in early November took some of the burden off Martin’s shoulders. However, Sutton feels the 38-year-old could be facing a worst-case situation soon.
The BBC commentator also highlighted West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui, who is ‘probably not too far behind’ despite the Hammers’ terrible start to the season.
“It feels to me like Southampton’s Russell Martin is the manager who is closest to the edge at the moment but West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is probably not too far behind him.”
Southampton had slipped to the bottom of the Premier League table before the international break, with only four points from their first 11 games, and their seven goals scored were the lowest in the division.
However, the club’s administration may not shift the blame to Martin just yet. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the 38-year-old is not in immediate risk of losing his job.
According to his assessment, there is a sense within the club that ‘maybe the players have not been good enough’, although Martin is still’very highly thought of’ at St Mary’s.
Southampton were one of the more busy Premier League clubs last summer, bringing in numerous reinforcements to improve their prospects of staying in the league.
However, with some of these purchases failing to produce, Ornstein believes Southampton are already planning for more recruits in January.
Cameron Archer, a former Aston Villa striker, leads the Saints’ scoring charts after 11 games with two goals, while last season’s top scorer, Adam Armstrong, has struggled in the Premier League, scoring only once.
After facing league leaders Liverpool at home on Saturday, Southampton will travel to Brighton for their last November encounter.
Russell Martin’s Southampton record (2023-24)
Matches
68
Wins
34
Draws
12
Losses
22
Goals scored.
122
Goals conceded.
103
Points per match.
1.68
Statistics are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 22-11-24.
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