Ray Parlour delivers emphatic verdict on Southampton under Mark Hughes, makes prediction

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Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has delivered an emphatic verdict on Southampton under new boss Mark Hughes after watching them two weeks in a row.

Southampton were beaten 3-0 by fellow strugglers West Ham in a crucial relegation six-pointer two weeks ago in what was Mark Hughes’ first Premier League game in charge.

The Saints then lost further ground in the relegation battle when shipped another three goals next time out to lose 3-2 to Arsenal at the Emirates.

It comes after the south coast club also shipped three in the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle before Hughes’ appointment and yet they can still jump out of the bottom three with a surprise win over and out of sorts Chelsea this weekend.

But speaking as a guest on Sky Sports’ The Debate, Gunners legend Ray Parlour has delivered a damning verdict on their survival chances after watching both of their games against West Ham and Arsenal live in recent weeks.

“I was at it myself when Southampton went to the London Stadium and they were so poor,” Parlour told The Debate.

“But Southampton (in the last two games) didn’t look like they were up for the fight which is so important in a relegation battle.

“Those second balls they were losing and it looked like from the outside that West Ham wanted it more and you can’t have that (against a relegation rival) when you’re in a relegation battle.

“I think it’s going to be a real tough end to the season for Southampton but they have got good quality as well and if they can get those players on the ball (Dusan) Tadic’s and people like that (and) Redmond I’m surprised has not been starting, whenever I watch him play he looks a real livewire and a danger to get you goals.

“But Charlie Austin could be the saviour, you know, he’s back fit now.

“But I’m going to go Southampton (to be relegated), I just didn’t see enough (against Arsenal and West Ham), especially that West Ham game, and I think they might drop out.”

Saints have Leicester, Bournemouth, Everton and Swansea in the Premier League after taking on Chelsea before a home game against champions-elect Manchester City on the final day.