Southampton may be heading back to the Championship after a dismal 2024–25 Premier League season, but they’ve narrowly avoided joining the record books for all the wrong reasons.
A goalless draw at home against Manchester City ensured that the Saints climbed to 12 points, just enough to eclipse Derby County’s all-time low of 11 Premier League points set during the 2007–08 season.
🔥 Saints Avoid Infamous Premier League Record
Despite already being relegated weeks before Easter, Southampton held firm against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a 0-0 draw that was short on action but significant in outcome. The result spared the Saints the ignominy of being labelled the worst top-flight side in Premier League history.
Southampton took to social media with a cheeky jab at Derby County, writing: “Sorry if we got your hopes up.”
🧤 Ramsdale Reflects on Painful Season
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, no stranger to relegation following drops with Bournemouth and Sheffield United, acknowledged the difficult campaign but highlighted the pride in not finishing with the lowest-ever Premier League points total.
“Everyone thought we’d get zero points the rest of the way. That point was for the fans,” Ramsdale told the press. “We’re still not happy with 12 points, but it’s one weight off our backs.”
Ramsdale was crucial late on, saving a Ruben Dias header and watching as Omar Marmoush’s long-range shot clipped the bar.
📉 Man City’s Frustrations Grow in Title Race
Manchester City’s title hopes suffered another setback, as Guardiola’s men failed to break down a deeply defensive Southampton. Ruben Dias criticized the Saints post-match, accusing them of time-wasting and lacking ambition.
“It’s no good for the show, for us, or even for themselves,” Dias told reporters.
💬 Sutton, Savage Slam Southampton’s Celebrations
Premier League winner Chris Sutton blasted the Saints’ post-match reaction as “embarrassing,” criticizing players who celebrated avoiding the record as if they had achieved something significant.
“Celebrating being the second-worst Premier League team ever? Amateur hour,” said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Former Derby captain Robbie Savage, whose side holds the record for the worst Premier League points total, also called Southampton’s on-pitch celebrations “pathetic.”
🧠 Simon Rusk Sees Value in the Result
Interim boss Simon Rusk, Southampton’s third manager this season, chose to focus on the positives. In just his second match in charge, the former Barnet boss led his side to a resilient performance against elite opposition.
“We were fighting for pride and aiming to finish strong,” Rusk said. “Hopefully this gives the fans a bit of encouragement. It’s been tough, but we’re trying to build for the Championship.”
📅 What’s Next for Southampton?
The Saints now prepare for a poignant fixture as they visit Everton for the final match ever at Goodison Park on 18 May. While the 2024–25 campaign ends in disappointment, avoiding Derby County’s record gives Southampton a small yet meaningful victory.
