Why Hasenhuttl can keep Southampton in the Premier League

Early signs suggest Ralph won’t wreck it

Southampton were in dire straits before Ralph Hasenhuttl’s arrival in December.

Winless in 10 Premier League games before Mark Hughes got the boot, that run had included defeats to fellow strugglers Fulham and Cardiff City.

But the South Coast club have made sustained progress since the Austrian gaffer’s arrival. And Saturday’s victory at Leicester City finally saw them exit the relegation zone.

While nobody is expecting miracles at St Mary’s, they should now beat the drop – and have drifted to 8/1 to be relegated. Here’s why the new boss is turning it around…

He’s getting the best from Redmond

Despite joining Saints in 2016  for a fee of over £12m, it’s fair to say that one-time England international Nathan Redmond hasn’t really fulfilled his promise. Until now.

Hasenhuttl has swiftly converted the winger to an attacking midfield role, and it’s already paying dividends.

In the Austrian’s eight games at the helm, Redmond has racked up four goals and a couple of assists in all competitions – including Danny Ings’ goal in the 3-2 defeat of Arsenal. By contrast, he netted just once in the Prem in the 2017-18 season.

His work-rate has also improved. Last season, he made 32 tackles in the entire Prem campaign. This term he’s already on 25 – a large chunk of those since Hasenhuttl’s arrival.

Three at the back is working nicely

It’s not just Redmond who’s shifted position. The former RB Leipzig manager has quickly set about changing Saints’ tactical make-up.