Southampton reminded elite status that even Manchester clubs don't possess | OneFootball

Southampton are no match in front of the reputation of glorious Manchester clubs. Still, the Saints have an astonishing pride to boast which even those English football heavyweights lack.

Though it may come as a surprise, glancing at the Premier League table isn't just a simple task for Southampton fans. In fact, every time they have to wonder about the growing differences between them and the ones guaranteed for top-flight action for at least a few years.

Yes, those top-table giants that have always managed to amass twice or even thrice as many points as Southampton have been able to grasp all season. And that trail could soar just short of ten-folds by the time the Saints go their separate ways from the Premier League.

Indeed, there is no denying that Southampton's English football stature is alarmingly falling which often hides their consistent legacy as well.

Southampton's first-division consistency is commendable across English football

Even though they never lifted the coveted title as many times as the glorious Manchester clubs, actually not even once, still they never allowed shameful accolades to accumulate next to their name either.

As pointed out by Opta's Analyst, their relegation performance chart backs Southampton's respectable first-division past. In the current scenario, the Saints have kept their fingers crossed in the hope of overtaking Derby County but this entire Championship drop comes as a rare theme for the club.

That's because they weren't used to jumping divisions every now and then when even the modern-day silverware favourites struggled to keep up with the tournament's pace.

Further, these teams include the dominating Manchester duo who enjoyed nearly a similar magnitude of success as well as failures before becoming the powerhouses of European football as they are known nowadays.

Overall, the biggest takeaway for Southampton is gaining pride in their rhythmic consistencies which seems completely alienated from their current scheme of things. No wonder this bottom-table routine needs to change but the question mark still asks when will the progress happen.