Saints stumble, Biden’s bold statement, what happened overnight in the world of sport
Southampton’s Premier League rude-awakening, Biden’s ‘USA the greatest’ declaration, ex-Barcelona star Eto’o slapped with 6-month ban
Relegation from the Premier League is depicted in most quarters as a doomsday scenario for clubs. And, sure, there is no argument about the financial hit that results from dropping into the Championship.
Think of all that TV money down the drain, the loss of associated sponsorships and potential blue-chip investors. Except, none of that is what football fans really want to spend their time contemplating. No, the vast majority of supporters want entertainment and fun; a pastime that allows them to lose themselves and banish thoughts of real life for 90 minutes.
All of which brings us to Southampton, whose supporters’ jubilation when they beat Leeds United in last season’s Championship play-off final was tempered with recent miserable memories of losing every week in the Premier League. Some were only half-joking when they said they quite fancied another season in the second tier.
They might get their wish in time for next season if things do not turn around soon. Saints’ 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth, which leaves them with one point from six matches and a -9 goal difference, was among the sporting action that happened while you were sleeping.
Spineless Saints
Most Southampton fans scoff at the idea of a rivalry with the traditionally smaller and less well-heeled AFC Bournemouth. For Saints devotees, their proper local derby is the spicy-but-infrequent meeting with Portsmouth.
