Saints must ensure to leave Swans all at sea
SOUTHAMPTON can ease the disappointment of the late equaliser they conceded at Everton by inching towards Premier League survival with a win over fellow strugglers Swansea City today, manager Mark Hughes has said.
Relegation-threatened Southampton were denied victory in a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday when Everton midfielder Tom Davies equalised with a deflected shot in the fifth minute of added time.
The draw took Southampton out of the drop zone for the first time since March and the Saints will be seeking to stay ahead of Swansea by picking up as many points as possible at the Liberty Stadium followed by the visit of champions Manchester City.
“We have a quick turnaround and we can go again. We were great last weekend, we were great again today (Saturday) and we’ll be great again on Tuesday I am sure,” said Hughes.
Hughes was appointed by Southampton in March and the 54year-old was tasked with rescuing the club from the threat of the drop two months after he was fired by Stoke City, who were relegated at the weekend.
“It was difficult circumstances. What did I have, eight games? I think I came in and made an impact with a group which is really strong at the moment,” the manager added.
“The fixtures weren’t kind – we’ve had one home game, we have one to come against Manchester City, and the rest away games and it was never going to be easy but we have had a go and we are out of the bottom three.
“We just have to make sure we are after the next two games we have left.” Southampton are 17th on 33 points from 36 games, the same as Swansea, who are one place below them on goal difference.
● Relegated Stoke City must review their “farcical” recruitment policy before they plan for life in the Championship, goalkeeper Jack Butland has said.
Stoke’s fate was sealed following the 2-1 Premier League defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday and England international Butland did not hold back when assessing the club’s failings as their 10-year stint in the top-flight came to an end.
“I think the whole recruitment process needs looking at,” Butland told reporters. “There have been transfers that aren’t even part of the squad for all kinds of reasons, whether it be discipline, whether it be lack of performance.”
Midfielder Jese Rodriguez, who arrived in the close season on loan from French side Paris St Germain, has made just eight starts all season and missed several weeks due to his infant son’s health problems in Spain.
The likes of striker Saido Berahino, defenders Kevin Wimmer and midfielder Ibrahim Afellay have also failed to hit their stride for the team since arriving at the bet365 Stadium.
“Too many of the recent investments and over the years are completely unused and that’s unacceptable,” Butland added, without naming individuals. “So before anyone is signed and any changes happen that’s got to be looked at because it’s been farcical really. You’ve got to look at that – what decisions are being made and the type of characters.” Stoke visit relegation-threatened Swansea City in their final game on Sunday. —