x

In Ralph We Trust !

In Ralph We Trust, a win tonight takes us clear of the relegation zone, this is a season defining game it has to be won and we can do just that !

Results went for Saints last night meaning that a win against Fulham will take us two points clear of Cardiff and drag Brighton into the mix as assuming that we don't win by six we will be level on points with them.

There has been a lot of panic on social media since the defeat at Arsenal but we should remember the job that Ralph Hasenhuttl has done so far has been excellent, yes there have been blips, but he can't just change things around overnight, but in gaining 15 points out of his 12 games in charge he has turned round a season that under Mark Hughes was heading for disaster.

To put that in perspective Hasenhuttl has earned an average of 1.25 points per game during his time in charge, if he replicates that between now and the end of the season and we will be on 37/38 points and that will be enough.

But some have lost a little focus on what Hasenhuttl has been doing, if he had been in charge from the start of this season and gained this ratio then we would now be sitting comfortably in mid table, indeed Leicester after their win last night are 11th on 35 points exactly 1.25 points per game. Eddie Howe at Bournemouth is a fraction over and will be under should the Cherries lose at Arsenal tonight, in fact is we win and they lose then Hasenhuttl's ratio is up to 1.38 and Howe's down to 1.21, this puts it in real perspective given Howe's reputation for what he has done at Bournemouth.

As it stands 1.25 points per game last season would have seen us into 9th place and nudging Everton in 8th in the final table.

At 1.38 per game last term he would have been 8th and nudging Burnley in 7th by barely a point.

So far Ralph Hasenhuttl has done a great job at this football club in very difficult circumstances, we all know things are still far from perfect, but they are still a lot lot better than at any time in the last 18 months and we can see a way forward.

Between now and the rest of the season Ralph Hasenhuttl needs the support of the fans to do the job he was brought here to do, he is on track to do that even after two straight defeats.

This evening's game against Fulham will be a season defining game, by the end of it the last 10 games will be a lot clearer in the direction we are taking, Ralph Hasenhuttl will be there, I hope that he will be joined by those who want the same aims as him both on and off the pitch..

What to read next:

Southampton 0 - 1 Stoke City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures 2
In the second part of our pictorial look back at some of our games against Stoke City from the past, here we look back at more recent games, so most of you would have been at them.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures
We have looked through our photo archives for a look back as some games against Stoke City over the years, what are your memories of these games ?
Southampton V Stoke City The Preview
Saints go into the last two games of the season with their hopes of automatic promotion ended, even the hope of finishing 3rd is only a point away from being ended, but they do have something to play for and that is getting back the togetherness, character & fight Russell Martin has recently be moaned.
No Togetherness No Character No Fight
Not my words, but those of Southampton manager Russell Martin, who should ask himself the question why two months ago we had all those attributes and now we don't !
Southampton At Leicester The Debacle
The big question is how can a side that was so tight at the back, so clinical up front and who could pass the ball around almost with their eyes closed, become the disorganised rabble that they were at the Leicester City this evening.
Southampton Side Announced For Leicester Game
Russell Martin has revealed his side for the game against Leicester City, find out what surprises he has for Saints supporters this time out.
Southampton At Leicester City The Preview
Saints travel up to Leicester knowing that it is almost certain that they will just be in the play offs come the end of the season, however there is still the feint hope of 3rd place to play for, however the Foxes are playing for a bigger prize.
A Rough Guide To Leicester City FC
Saints head up to Leicester City this evening with their automatic promotion hopes just about over, so for the 3,000 fans who bought their tickets when there was hope here are the details.
Southampton At Cardiff City The Verdict
There can be no excuses for this defeat, a loss that effectively means that it will be a play off spot and not an automatic promotion place for Southampton, so where did it all go wrong.