Exposing Southampton's mistake that will cost them relegation | OneFootball

Opta supercomputer stat alarms Southampton FC trail much behind in Premier League points than expected.

Predictions and expectations have been a part of the Premier League for quite a long time. While initially it was pundit-centric, the intervention of AI models has grown quickly into the space.

Surprisingly, it has only improved over time, with some of its stats and predictions being uncannily precise.

Today, we deep dive into one such stat that exposes the reason for Southampton's Premier League misery.

Southampton's last point came almost a month ago, and this says it all for their season. Though the players still haven't accepted relegation yet, it feels like a nearly impossible task to avoid.

And why not it would be, as Opta's supercomputer reveals an alarming stat for the Saints.

Exposing Southampton's mistake that will cost them relegation

As per Opta's expected points table, Southampton should have earned around 14 points, but sadly, it ain't the reality. Call it their misfortune, poor management, or whatever, still the Saints are stuck on 6 points.

For Southampton, what is further grueling is that no other club hosts such a negative difference. Surprisingly, clubs like Ipswich and Leicester have stroked huge similarity between expected and actual points, stretching the gap between them and the Saints.

Though each department is responsible for this, Southampton's toothless attack force has been the prime culprit. In comparison, they have better xG than most relegation clubs but have the least goals scored.

And honestly, it isn't that surprising when your top scorer isn't playing much anymore. Further, with the second lead scorer, Tyler Dibling, injured, things have only worsened for Southampton.

However, their still remains a ray of hope for the season ahead. Recently, the Saints completed an exciting transfer for Gronbaek, who can prove to be the missing piece for Ivan Juric's side.

Further, with Tyler Dibling progressing his way through the recovery, things can improve soon.