It has never been more challenging for clubs recently promoted to the Premier League to maintain their status. For the second year in a row, it appears that all three of the promoted teams will be relegated to the Championship after just one season, something that has not occurred in the Premier League era since its inception in 1992.
Last season witnessed the demotion of Sheffield United, Burnley, and Luton. This year, Southampton’s relegation has already been sealed well ahead of the season’s end, marking a historical first, while Leicester and Ipswich trail so far behind the safety zone that salvaging their season seems nearly impossible. Ipswich, presently holding the third-to-last spot, finds itself 12 points shy of overtaking Wolverhampton, who currently cling to fourth-to-last place, with just seven matches remaining.
Aggregating the points from Southampton, Leicester, and Ipswich – totaling 47 – only barely places them in a mid-table position and bolsters the viewpoint that this cohort might be the least competitive lineup of promoted teams seen in Premier League history.
### Southampton’s Struggles
3
The club is on its third manager of the season, appointed Simon Rusk on a temporary basis following Ivan Juric’s dismissal. Initially, the season started with Russell Martin, who was replaced by Juric in December.
7
The Saints have been relegated with seven games still left to play, setting a record. Until now, according to statistics by Opta, no team has ever been condemned to relegation this early with so many matches remaining.
10
Their points this season total just ten, and the club is racing against time to avoid the least points recorded ever by a Premier League team, which Derby County set with eleven points in the 2007-08 campaign.
25
Southampton has succumbed to 25 defeats in just 31 matches.
### Leicester’s Downward Spiral
8
Following a 3-0 loss at home to Newcastle on Monday, Leicester has now endured eight consecutive home losses without scoring. Such a streak is unprecedented in the top four tiers of English football.
11
This season, Leicester has lost 11 home games, a record for the club in single league competition.
72
It’s been 72 days since any Leicester player last found the net in the Premier League. The drought has been ongoing since Bilal El Khannouss scored against Tottenham on January 26.
### Ipswich’s Troubles
6
Ipswich’s home form woes are historic too, as they have suffered defeats in their last six home fixtures, a streak not seen since 1963. Their most recent loss was a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wolves on Saturday.
11
Out of 16 home games this season, Ipswich has lost 11.
140
Despite having spent around £109 million (equivalent to $140 million) during the summer transfer window to enhance their squad with ten new players, only Brighton exceeded their spending.