Being at the bottom of the Premier League table at Christmas is often seen as a daunting challenge for teams hoping to avoid relegation. This year, Southampton finds itself in that precarious position, sitting in 20th place with just six points from 17 matches. They trail 19th-placed Ipswich by six points and are eight points away from climbing out of the relegation zone, making their situation dire.
However, history provides a glimmer of hope; several clubs have successfully defied the odds and achieved remarkable escapes from relegation.
One of the most famous examples is West Bromwich Albion’s “Great Escape” during the 2004/05 season. At Christmas, they were at the bottom with only 10 points, but a spirited resurgence led them to safety on the final day of the season.
Leicester City also had a stunning escape in the 2014/15 season, starting at the bottom with just 10 points. Their late-season revival included winning seven of their last nine matches, which not only ensured their survival but eventually paved the way for their fairy-tale season where they won the league the following year.
Sunderland in the 2013/14 season experienced their own “Great Escape,” initially placed last on Christmas Day. Under manager Gus Poyet, they pulled off incredible results, finishing 14th and five points clear of relegation.
Most recently, Wolverhampton Wanderers achieved a dramatic turnaround in the 2022/23 season. They were also at the bottom during Christmas with only 10 points. After bringing in manager Julen Lopetegui, Wolves demonstrated resilience, climbing out of the relegation zone by spring and finishing 13th with 41 points by season’s end.
In the last 32 years, only four teams have managed to survive after being at the bottom on Christmas Day; while the odds are daunting, they are not impossible. Clubs like Leicester, who were also bottom at Christmas before winning the league the next season, illustrate that optimism and determination can lead to extraordinary comebacks.
As Southampton battles its current predicament, it can draw inspiration from these previous success stories, knowing that a turnaround is still possible. With the right mindset and team performance, the Saints might find their path to safety and revival in the coming months.
Summary: Southampton currently sits at the bottom of the Premier League at Christmas with six points, but history shows that teams like West Brom, Leicester, Sunderland, and Wolves have successfully escaped relegation from similar positions. The odds are challenging, yet achievable, suggesting that with determination, Southampton could still turn their season around.