Southampton: The Saints Must Improve in the EPL to Avoid Relegation This Season

It has been a strange start to the season for Southampton.

The Saints began their return to the English Premier League with a tough away match at Manchester City, but surprised everyone with two goals at the Etihad Stadium. The newly promoted side did end up losing 3-2, but it was a fine start to the season.

After a good performance against last year's champions, it was expected that Southampton would get all three points at home to Wigan Athletic in the team's second league game. 

That didn't happen; while the Saints were the better side in the first half, they let in two goals as the Latics took the points at St Mary's.

After zero points from the team's first two games, it seemed likely that Southampton would be thoroughly beaten by their next opponents, Manchester United.

As we know, Southampton took the lead against the Red Devils in the 16th minute and were winning 2-1 in the 87th minute before Robin van Persie scored two late goals to win the game for United.

So, after three fixtures, Southampton are bottom of the Premier League table—and you need to feel bad for them. They were arguably the better team against Manchester United, played very well against City and were unlucky not to score against Wigan Athletic.

And that's why Southampton could have major problems this season. 

In all three games, the Saints played well and created many chances, but they have obtained zero points from a possible nine.

Southampton self-destructed against all three teams. While it is very difficult to take points off the two Manchester clubs, Nigel Adkins' side were ahead in both matches and should have at least obtained a draw, especially against United.

For the Wigan game, no excuses could be made. The Saints had many chances over the course of the game and were unable to put even one goal past a defense that conceded 62 goals last season. 

Southampton have looked good so far but, in the Premier League, winning points is the most important thing. 

While they were unlucky to play against last year's two best teams at the very start of the season, the newcomers shouldn't have given up those late goals.

Southampton have so far conceded eight goals, and five of them have been allowed after the 80th minute. The Saints were able to hold off both Manchester teams well for the majority of the 90 minutes, but succumbed to pressure at the very end.

Adkins and his team will have easier matches in the future, but their inability to take their chances and hold their lead will certainly cost them. 

There are still 35 games left to play, and Southampton have a lot of time to pick up points. But the Premier League looks as competitive as ever this season, and the Saints will need to start winning games as soon as possible.