Leicester City Struggling for Survival
Leicester City, once the tale of an underdog dream in 2016 when they won the Premier League, are now faced with a stark reality. Currently six points from safety, the Foxes, along with Southampton and Ipswich Town, occupy the bottom three spots in the Premier League. This trio of newly promoted teams is on the brink of an unprecedented feat—or perhaps, misfortune. If history is any guide, their immediate relegation would mark the first time in Premier League history that all three promoted sides have been relegated in consecutive seasons. The Premier League, once a sought-after prize, is increasingly becoming a daunting challenge, especially for those coming up from the Championship.
The Curse of the Newly Promoted
The past few seasons have painted a grim picture for newly promoted teams. Last year, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United were all relegated back to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League. Their combined total of 66 points was the lowest for any trio of relegated teams in a 38-match Premier League season. However, the current plight of Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester suggests that this season might be even more harrowing. According to Opta, these three teams are on course to accumulate just 58 points between them by the end of the season. With 28 matches played, they have already accrued only 43 points, the lowest combined total at this stage in Premier League history. This is a stark indicator of the increasing difficulty of survival for promoted teams.
Southampton’s Desperate Struggle
Southampton, who secured promotion via the play-offs, have seen their dreams of survival fade rapidly. With 10 games left, they are 14 points adrift of 17th-placed Wolves, making their prospects of staying in the Premier League look increasingly bleak. The team, under the leadership of Ivan Juric, is now fighting to avoid the ignominious title of the worst Premier League side ever. The current record for the lowest points in a Premier League season is held by Derby County in 2007-08, who finished with just 11 points. Southampton’s recent defeat to Liverpool has left them with only nine points after 28 matches, putting them on track to surpass Derby’s record. To avoid this dubious distinction, Southampton need to secure at least three more points in their remaining 10 matches, a task that seems daunting given their current form.
The Financial Paradox
The struggle of newly promoted teams is not just about footballing ability; it is also about financial investment and its effectiveness. In the last four seasons, seven out of the 12 promoted sides have been relegated immediately. The 2022-23 season stands out as an exception, with Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Fulham all managing to survive. Forest’s survival was partly attributed to their significant financial investment, spending over £150 million on more than 20 new players. However, this spending spree also led to the club being docked four points for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. Fulham, too, invested heavily, spending over £100 million on players like Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira, and Issa Diop. Despite these expenditures, the road to survival remains treacherous.
The Parachute Payment Factor
Financial factors play a crucial role in the survival of newly promoted teams. Fulham, for instance, had the advantage of parachute payments from their previous relegations, which helped them secure the funds needed to invest in their squad. Southampton and Ipswich also made significant financial outlays last summer, spending over £100 million each. Despite these investments, their struggles highlight the growing challenge of survival in the Premier League. The financial landscape of the league is increasingly competitive, and even substantial spending does not guarantee safety.
A Shifting Paradigm
The growing difficulty of survival for newly promoted teams in the Premier League raises questions about the league’s dynamics and the support systems in place for these clubs. The current trend suggests that the gap between the established clubs and the newly promoted sides is widening. This trend is not just a matter of financial disparity but also of competitive imbalance, where the skill, experience, and resources of established teams are proving too much for the newcomers. As the Premier League continues to evolve, the challenge of maintaining a place in the top flight will likely become even more daunting for those coming up from the lower leagues. The experiences of Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich serve as a stark reminder of the formidable challenge that lies ahead for any club aspiring to reach the Premier League.
