The Unprecedented Struggle of the Bottom Three

The Premier League has always been a battleground for survival, but the current season has highlighted an unprecedented struggle for the bottom three teams: Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town. These teams are not just fighting to avoid relegation; they are on the verge of setting a historic low in Premier League history.

A Record-Breaking Low

Last season, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United were relegated with a combined total of 66 points, the lowest in a 38-match Premier League season. However, this season's bottom three are projected to 'beat' this record, with Opta forecasting a combined total of just 58 points by the end of the season. After 28 matches, Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester have managed only 43 points between them, the lowest combined total at this stage in Premier League history.

Southampton's Battle to Avoid Infamy

Southampton, promoted via the play-offs, had survival as their primary goal. However, with 10 games left, they are 14 points adrift of 17th-placed Wolves and are now fighting to avoid being labeled the worst Premier League side ever. The current record for the lowest points in a season is held by Derby County, who finished the 2007-08 season with just 11 points. Southampton's recent defeat by Liverpool means they have fewer points (nine) than Derby had after 28 matches in 2008. To avoid this unwanted record, Southampton needs to secure at least three points in their remaining 10 matches.

The Futility of Big Spending

In the last four seasons, seven of the 12 promoted sides have been immediately relegated back to the Championship. The 2022-23 season was an exception, with Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Fulham all surviving their first season in the Premier League. Forest achieved this by spending over £150m on new players, but this led to a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules. Fulham also spent big, with an outlay of more than £100m on players like Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira. Despite similar investments, Southampton and Ipswich are struggling, proving that big spending does not guarantee survival.

Conclusion

The current season has highlighted the increasing difficulty for promoted teams to survive in the Premier League. With Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town on the verge of setting a historic low, the battle for survival has never been more intense. The Premier League continues to be a challenging arena, where even significant financial investments cannot ensure safety.