Southampton were on the receiving end of a humbling as they lost 5-0 to Leicester City on Tuesday night.
The game all but confirmed that Southampton will have to settle for a place in the play-offs.
Russell Martin knew this was the mostly likely outcome of their season even ahead of this game and made the decision not to risk rushing back Flynn Downes as a result.
Alex McCarthy was the unfortunate goalkeeper who shipped five goals but it was through little fault of his own as he deputised for the injured Gavin Bazunu.
The Saints must now find a way to brush off this bruising defeat ahead of the final two league games.
Both games may seem a chore now given they are effectively meaningless, but two wins could see Martin’s side gather some momentum ahead of the play-offs.
However, a worrying statistic has emerged which Southampton must put right before these crucial games.
The statistic Russell Martin must address ahead of play-offs
Southampton’s defeat to Leicester was their joint worst of the season, with the Saints also falling to a 5-0 defeat away at Sunderland early in the season.
Despite the fact the Saints are fourth in the Championship and went on a record-breaking unbeaten run from the end of September to the beginning of February, shipping goals is not a rarity for Martin’s side.
The St Mary’s club have conceded 61 goals in their 44 league games this season which is the joint highest in the top ten of England’s second tier.
However, most worryingly, Southampton reporter George Rees-Julian posted on ‘X’ after the Leicester defeat that: “This is the ninth time Southampton have conceded three or more in a game this season. Seven of those are in the Championship. Twice against Leicester.”
With the play-offs looming this is deeply concerning.
If Southampton are to concede three goals in any of their play-off clashes, it is incredibly unlikely they will manage to outscore difficult opponents to secure a Premier League place.
Martin may turn to Jack Stephens experience
Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek started as the central defensive duo against Leicester.
The pair had started the two games prior to that too, with captain Jack Stephens watching on from the bench.
However, speaking post-match, Martin hinted that the Southampton skipper will now come into the side to help them tighten things up.
The Saints boss said: “If Jack’s playing tonight, we don’t lose 5-0. My fault.”
Bednarek has been very good this season, whilst Harwood-Bellis has shown why he was such a key part of the Championship winning Burnley side last campaign.
One of the duo may have to drop out the side though, as Martin looks likely to lean on Stephen’s experience and leadership ahead of the play-offs.
Scoring goals has not been a problem with Southampton’s 85 league strikes second only to Leicester, so defensive solidity will likely be the deciding factor in promotion.