The 2022/23 Premier League season was one to forget for Southampton, especially in our encounters against Nottingham Forest. Those two games marked some of the lowest points in a campaign that saw the Saints drop out of the top flight after a disastrous run of form following the mid-season break for the World Cup. Fast forward 20 months, and we now have an opportunity to exorcise those demons when Forest returns to St Mary’s. This match isn’t just about three points; it’s a chance to demonstrate how far we’ve come under new management.
The 2022/23 Relegation Battle: A Season to Forget
Reflecting on our relegation season, the mid-season break provided what seemed like a much-needed respite. We entered the World Cup hiatus having just sacked Ralph Hasenhüttl, with Nathan Jones stepping in to replace him. However, the timing couldn’t have been worse as we had slipped into the bottom three, creating a mountain to climb when the season resumed in December.
Despite being in the bottom three, our situation wasn’t entirely hopeless. Two clubs sat below us, and four, including Nottingham Forest, were within a four-point range above us. The goal was clear: hit the ground running when the Premier League action resumed.
However, the restart was a disaster. Two consecutive defeats saw us slump to the very bottom of the table, leaving us on a precarious 12 points. When Forest arrived at St Mary’s in early January, they were just two places and two points ahead of us. Victory could have seen us leapfrog them and West Ham, bringing us level with Everton. It was a golden opportunity to breathe life into our survival hopes.
But as fate would have it, despite dominating possession with 63%, we failed to register a single shot on target. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, clinched a 1-0 victory with their only shot on goal in the 27th minute. That match was a significant turning point, a harsh reality check that the relegation battle was very much real.
May’s Heartbreak at the City Ground
As the season drew to a close, the situation became increasingly dire. With just four games remaining, we traveled to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest again. Forest was still in the relegation zone with 30 points, just six ahead of us. Leeds and Leicester were also struggling, making this match a must-win if we had any hopes of staying up.
Unfortunately, the night started on a sour note as Everton won at Brighton, pulling themselves out of the bottom three. Nonetheless, beating Forest would have kept our slim survival chances alive. The Saints fought valiantly, but defensive errors cost us dearly. Despite dominating possession once more, Forest made their chances count, scoring with each of their four shots on target to win 4-3.
For Saints supporters, the writing was on the wall. The defeat effectively sealed our fate, although relegation wasn’t officially confirmed until the following weekend’s loss at home to Fulham.
A Chance for Redemption
Now, as we prepare to face Nottingham Forest at St Mary’s once again, 20 months after that painful night, there’s a sense of unfinished business. This match is about more than just getting three points on the board; it’s about putting to bed the bad memories of the 2022/23 season and demonstrating how far we’ve progressed under the stewardship of Russell Martin.
However, it’s important to recognize that the journey is far from complete. While we have made significant strides, particularly with the additions of new players and a refreshed tactical approach, some familiar issues remain—most notably, our goalkeeping dilemma.
The Goalkeeping Conundrum: McCarthy or Lumley?
Russell Martin faces a tough decision ahead of this game, particularly in goal. Alex McCarthy, our current first-choice keeper, struggled with playing out from the back—a crucial element of Martin’s philosophy—in last week’s match against Newcastle. His weaknesses were laid bare, and it’s clear that this style doesn’t suit his strengths.
On the other hand, Joe Lumley, who has yet to feature in the Premier League, offers a safer pair of feet. However, his lack of top-flight experience is a concern. With negotiations reportedly ongoing for a new goalkeeper, possibly from Feyenoord or Arsenal, Martin has to decide whether to stick with McCarthy or take a gamble on Lumley, knowing that both might soon find themselves out of the starting XI.
Tactical Choices: Who Will Support Jack Stephens?
Aside from the goalkeeping issue, Martin must also decide on his defensive setup. At Newcastle, we saw a three-center-back system, with Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, and Jack Stephens forming a solid trio, supported by wing-backs Yuri Sugawara and Kyle Walker-Peters. But does Martin need to employ the same setup against Forest, a team that struggled to score away from home last season?
Nottingham Forest had one of the lowest away goal tallies last season, managing just 22 goals on the road. Only the three relegated teams had worse records. This stat may prompt Martin to consider a more attacking approach, possibly sacrificing a defender to push more players forward.
New Faces in Midfield: Ogochukwu and Fernandes
The arrival of two new midfielders, Lesley Ogochukwu (or “Big Les” as we’ll call him going forward) and Mateus Fernandes, adds another layer of complexity to Martin’s team selection. Both are expected to play crucial roles this season. Big Les, with his physical presence and ability to break up play, seems a likely starter. Fernandes, more attack-minded, might be introduced off the bench, depending on the game’s flow.
Predicted Lineup: A Balanced Approach
With these considerations in mind, here’s how I’d line up against Nottingham Forest:
Goalkeeper:
- Alex McCarthy or Joe Lumley
Defense:
- Yuri Sugawara
- Harwood-Bellis
- Jan Bednarek
- Kyle Walker-Peters
Midfield:
- Lesley Ogochukwu (Big Les)
- Flynn Downes
- Will Smallbone
Attack:
- Ben Brereton Diaz
- Cameron Archer
- Stuart Armstrong
This lineup offers a solid balance between defense and attack, allowing us to play the possession-based game that Martin favors. With the full-backs pushing forward, Big Les and Flynn Downes will provide cover, while the front three have the potential to cause real problems for Forest’s defense.
Strength in Depth: The Bench
Our bench is also looking strong, with options to change the game if needed. Joe Aribo, Mateus Fernandes, and Charly Alcaraz can add different dimensions in midfield, while Tyler Dibling, Sam Edozie, and Sam Amo-Ameyaw provide attacking alternatives.
Defensively, Charlie Taylor is a versatile option, capable of playing both centrally and as a full-back. The final defensive spot could go to Captain Jack if he doesn’t start, though Nathan Wood is also in contention.
A Call for Patience: On and Off the Pitch
As we approach our first home game of the season, it’s crucial to remember that patience will be key—both on and off the pitch. The new season brings with it changes in and around St Mary’s, including a new ticketing system and altered routes due to the relocation of away fans. These changes may cause some initial teething problems, so early arrival and understanding are advised.
Similarly, on the pitch, we must be patient as the team adapts to Martin’s possession-based style. We may not see fireworks from the start, but if we back the team and allow them to grow into the game, the rewards could be significant.
Conclusion: Time to Show Progress
Southampton’s clash with Nottingham Forest is more than just a Premier League fixture. It’s an opportunity to show that the dark days of the 2022/23 season are behind us. Under Russell Martin, the Saints are building something new, and a victory here would not only provide three crucial points but also signal the progress made over the past year.
Source: Fans Network
In Other News: Check out our analysis of Southampton’s summer signings and how they could impact the 2024/25 season on SoccerClan.
Connect with Us on Social Media:
- Facebook: SoccerClan
Be the first to comment