No-one likes losing – but being five goals down before half-time is something Southampton fans have seen before.
In fact, this was the fourth time in Premier League history Saints have conceded five inside 45 minutes. No other team has experienced it more than once.
Russell Martin has been under the microscope all season for his refusal to compromise on his principles as Saints sank to the bottom of the table – and stayed there.
After this game, he accepted the “modern world” reality that not getting results means the manager comes under pressure.
He also said he understands the fan frustration, clearly evident in that devastating first half. To their credit though, Saints supporters showed great resilience in the second half as they refused to give up on their team.
The club’s hierarchy have given up on Martin though, dismissing him within two hours of the final whistle.
On the day relegation rivals Wolves pulled the trigger on Gary O’Neil, Southampton have sent packing the man who got them promoted at the first time of asking.
Only four teams have survived when bottom of the Premier League at Christmas. This result guarantees that whoever succeeds Martin will have to add their name to that list if they are to stay up.
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