Southampton Hit Historic Low with Early Premier League Relegation Following Tottenham Defeat
Southampton’s stay in the Premier League came to a crushing early end after a 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, making them the first team in Premier League history to be relegated with seven matches still left to play. This defeat marked their 25th loss in 31 matches during a dismal 2024-25 campaign.
Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson netted twice in the first half, putting the hosts firmly in control. Despite a late goal from Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes, the result was sealed when Mathys Tel converted a penalty in the closing moments, sending the Saints crashing out of the top division.
Southampton’s relegation was nearly confirmed on Saturday when Wolves beat Ipswich 2-1, leaving Ivan Juric’s side 22 points adrift of safety. The loss to Spurs cemented their drop, coming just 315 days after winning promotion via the Championship play-off final against Leeds at Wembley.
The club’s record this season has been abysmal. They are now just one defeat away from equaling Derby County’s record-low Premier League points total of 11 from the 2007-08 season. Juric, who replaced Russell Martin in December after a 5-0 defeat to Spurs, acknowledged the situation, calling it a “difficult day” but emphasized building strength from this experience.
Juric noted improvement in the second half but admitted the only remaining goal is to avoid setting a new record for lowest points. Southampton fans, despite their team’s downfall, continued to support passionately, even jokingly chanting about a trip to Coventry as the club prepares for life back in the Championship.
Tottenham, meanwhile, ended a five-game winless streak, offering manager Ange Postecoglou some much-needed relief amid fan protests against chairman Daniel Levy. The win lifts Spurs to 13th place ahead of their upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Johnson opened the scoring in the 13th minute after a neat cutback from Djed Spence, and added a second before halftime thanks to an assist from James Maddison. Despite Fernandes’s fine goal late in the game, a penalty following a foul on Johnson closed the door on any potential comeback.
Southampton now return to the second tier, just a year after their joyful promotion. With seven matches remaining, the focus shifts from survival to salvaging pride and preventing further record-setting lows.
