Struggling to find their rhythm in recent weeks, Tottenham Hotspur are desperate to halt their winless streak as they prepare to face Premier League bottom-dwellers Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday evening. With five matches across all competitions without a victory, Spurs arrive in dire need of a morale-boosting performance, while Southampton seek to reverse their dismal fortunes as the league’s basement boys.
Tottenham’s recent form has done little to inspire confidence, with their last outing resulting in a 1-1 Europa League draw against Rangers. Ange Postecoglou’s men relied on a late equalizer from substitute Dejan Kulusevski to salvage a point, extending their disheartening run without a win. This came on the back of a dramatic yet devastating 4-3 Premier League loss to Chelsea, where Spurs surrendered a two-goal lead, highlighting their defensive frailties and lack of composure under pressure. A week prior, they suffered another setback, falling to a 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth, leaving them reeling from back-to-back league losses.
Since their stunning victory over Manchester City at the Etihad earlier in the season — a result that seemed to mark a turning point in their campaign — Tottenham have struggled to maintain momentum. That triumph, where they demolished the reigning champions in emphatic fashion, now feels like a distant memory. Spurs have since managed to pick up just three points from their last five league matches, a return that has seen them slip into the bottom half of the Premier League table. With their confidence shaken, Postecoglou’s position has come under scrutiny as questions swirl about his ability to turn the tide.
Adding to Tottenham’s woes is their abysmal away record in 2024. Of their 16 Premier League matches on the road this calendar year, they have only secured four victories, translating to a win rate of just 25%. Their performances away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have often lacked conviction, with defensive lapses and attacking inefficiency costing them valuable points. However, one glimmer of hope lies in their recent history against teams languishing at the bottom of the table. Spurs have gone unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League encounters against the side starting the weekend in 20th place. This statistic may offer some solace as they prepare to face a Southampton team in dire straits.
Meanwhile, Southampton’s plight at the foot of the table continues to deepen. The Saints suffered their 12th defeat in 15 Premier League matches this season last weekend, falling 1-0 to a resurgent Aston Villa. Colombian striker Jhon Duran’s first-half goal condemned Southampton to yet another loss, leaving manager Russell Martin’s position hanging by a thread. Despite mounting pressure, Martin retains the backing of the club’s hierarchy — for now. However, his own admission that his team’s meager five-point tally is “embarrassing” reflects the severity of the situation.
Southampton’s problems are manifold. Offensively, they have been toothless, managing just 11 goals in 15 league matches — the worst attacking record in the division. Defensively, they have also been porous, though they have conceded fewer goals than 19th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. With only one point to show from their last five Premier League outings, the Saints remain rooted to the bottom of the table, a daunting eight points adrift of safety. Their prospects of survival look increasingly bleak as the season progresses.
While Southampton’s away form has been abysmal, their performances at St Mary’s have offered a sliver of hope. Four of their five points this season have been earned on home soil, where they have occasionally displayed resilience. Historically, St Mary’s has not been the easiest venue for Tottenham either. The Saints have only lost one of their last six Premier League home games against Spurs, a record that underscores their ability to rise to the occasion in this particular fixture. Moreover, Southampton have scored in each of their last 15 league matches against Tottenham, marking their longest scoring streak against any single opponent in Premier League history.
Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities will likely be a focal point for Southampton as they seek to exploit their visitors’ fragility. Spurs’ backline has looked increasingly shaky in recent weeks, with lapses in concentration and a lack of cohesion evident in their recent displays. The dramatic collapse against Chelsea was a prime example, as Tottenham’s early dominance evaporated in the face of relentless pressure. Similarly, their inability to close out matches was on display against Rangers, where a late equalizer was required to avoid defeat. If Southampton can capitalize on these weaknesses, they may yet salvage a positive result.
Despite their struggles, Tottenham possess ample firepower in attack, with players like Kulusevski, Son Heung-min, and James Maddison capable of producing moments of brilliance. However, their recent lack of cutting edge in front of goal has been a source of frustration. While Spurs’ attacking unit has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency has plagued their efforts. The pressure on Postecoglou to extract the best from his attacking players is mounting, as Tottenham’s once-promising campaign threatens to unravel.
For Southampton, the challenge is twofold: finding a way to breach Tottenham’s defense while shoring up their own backline. The Saints’ inability to keep clean sheets has been a recurring theme, and they will need to address this issue if they are to have any hope of climbing out of the relegation zone. Duran’s clinical finish against Aston Villa highlighted the importance of taking chances when they arise, and Southampton will need similar efficiency against Spurs.
The stakes are high for both teams heading into Sunday’s clash. For Tottenham, a win could provide a much-needed boost as they look to arrest their slide and regain momentum. For Southampton, victory would offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak campaign, as well as much-needed breathing room for Martin. With both sides desperate for a positive result, the stage is set for a fiercely contested encounter at St Mary’s.
As the Premier League season reaches its midway point, the pressure on managers and players alike intensifies. Postecoglou and Martin find themselves under the microscope, with their respective fanbases growing increasingly restless. For Tottenham, the challenge lies in rediscovering their early-season form and translating their potential into consistent performances. For Southampton, the fight for survival grows more daunting with each passing week, making every point crucial in their battle against relegation.
The narrative surrounding this match is one of redemption and resilience. Both teams have endured challenging campaigns thus far, and Sunday’s clash represents an opportunity to change the narrative. Whether it’s Tottenham’s pursuit of stability or Southampton’s fight for survival, the stakes could hardly be higher. As the clock ticks down to kick-off, anticipation builds for what promises to be a pivotal encounter in the Premier League season.