Despite Southampton fans being satisfied with a point away from home against Arsenal, Saints boss Ruben Selles was disappointed in the eventual 3-3 draw. The team had been leading 2-0 and 3-1 at various points during the game, making it feel like they had lost two points rather than gained one.
As a result of this draw, their win less streak now stretches to seven games (D3, L4), and as the bottom-ranked club, they desperately need a quick and successful run of wins to climb back up.
The upcoming match against Bournemouth could be an ideal opportunity for Southampton to begin their road to redemption.
They have a chance to achieve their first winning league double against Bournemouth since their days in League One back in 2010/11. However, they face challenges, as they are the only PL team that averages fewer points per game at home (0.63) than away (0.88). Their record at home is also poor, with only two wins from 16 home league matches (W2, D4, L10).
Bournemouth’s recent form is relatively strong, with three wins in their last five games. This means they can’t end the current round in the bottom three, but their 4-0 loss to West Ham in their previous game indicated that there is still work to be done.
Cherries boss Gary O’Neil remains optimistic ahead of the Southampton clash, despite acknowledging that his side “couldn’t cope” with their opponents in their last match.
Bournemouth’s survival bid has been boosted by their recent away form, including back-to-back away league wins. These two victories match their total of away wins in their first 14 trips (W2, D2, L10).
Another victory in this match would break two records – Bournemouth has never achieved a three-game winning run of away PL games, while Southampton has never lost more than ten home league games in a single season!
If you’re looking for players to watch, keep an eye on Carlos Alcaraz from Southampton. He was controversially substituted at half-time against Arsenal despite scoring and assisting for the team. Alcaraz also scored the only goal in the team’s last home win.
For Bournemouth, Dominic Solanke could be a key player to watch. He contributed to three of the team’s four goals across their last two league wins (G1, A2).
One final interesting point to note is that Bournemouth has not won any of their last nine PL games played between Tuesday and Thursday (D2, L7).