Southampton 2023/24: Determining The Reasons For Saints’ Defensive Frailties – Scout Report

After an 11-year stint in the top flight came to an end last season, Southampton will be looking to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

However, the task to do so and get out of the EFL Championship is no easy feat.

Whilst the Saints are competing at the right end of the table, only one point from the playoffs, the number of goals they are conceding is of genuine concern.

At the time of writing, Russell Martins??side has the divisions worst defence.

They have conceded 16 in six matches and have failed to keep a clean sheet all season.

They also suffered an early exit in the EFL Cup, courtesy of a 3-1 defeat to EFL League Two side Gillingham.

Even though the Kent-based side are top of Englands fourth tier, they are one of the lowest scorers in their respective division.

The fact they were able to put three past the Championship side is a worry for the Saints.

In this tactical analysis and team-focused scout report, we will analyse Southamptons current defensive record and provide an analysis of how it compares to previously promoted teams at this early stage of the season.

We will analyse the tactics deployed by Southampton, emphasising how it is contributing to their poor goals against tally.

Furthermore, we will explore how the recent summer transfer window has impacted their defensive capabilities.

Goals against hampering promotion prospects

It is early days in this new season, but Southampton are currently shipping goals.

It is difficult to contemplate them being in the promotion picture by the end of the campaign.

The graph confirms that the 16 non-penalty goals already conceded by the Saints are far more than the number conceded by any of the eventual promoted sides from the past five seasons at the same stage.

The average number of non-penalty goals conceded in the first six league matches by these previously promoted teams is just six.

Southampton, in cont