In a move that may have been the safest bet in football over the weekend, Southampton dismissed their manager, Russell Martin, after a 5-0 defeat to Tottenham.
The loss left the Saints nine points adrift of Premier League safety, prompting the club to take action.
Martin, 38, had an impressive start with Southampton last season, leading them to promotion after a victory against Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley. A club-record 25-match unbeaten run marked his tenure.
However, this season could have been better for the Saints.
The recent defeat against Spurs was Southampton's 13th in just 16 league games this campaign. Their only win came against Everton in November and they have scored a league-low of just 11 goals so far.
In light of these events, Simon Rusk, manager of Southampton Under-21s will take interim charge of the senior side. His first game will be a Carabao Cup quarter-final at home against Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday.
Interestingly enough, Martin's dismissal coincides with Wolves' decision to sack Gary O'Neil as both clubs struggle to get their seasons going and look in grave danger of being relegated.
A Southampton FC statement read:
"Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world."
"However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve."
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months. Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the play-off final win in May."
Despite making nine permanent signings during the summer transfer window, Southampton's squad has struggled significantly in the Premier League due to a lack of goals and defensive frailties.
No team with five points or fewer at this stage has ever avoided relegation from the Premier League - an alarming statistic that highlights their predicament.
Martin’s possession-based passing principles have come under scrutiny as they failed to yield positive results.
Southampton's next league game will be away to Fulham, followed by hosting West Ham and a trip to Crystal Palace before year-end. The pressure is mounting for the club to turn things around quickly.
Despite criticism of Martin’s possession-based style and failure to adapt to life in the top flight, it's clear that he has not been lacking in effort or coaching.
The Southampton ownership had been supportive throughout this season but ultimately decided they had no alternative after the defeat against Spurs.
The dismissal of Martin marks a pivotal moment for Southampton as they seek to salvage their Premier League status. It remains to be seen how interim manager Simon Rusk will navigate these challenging times and whether or not the club will make a quick full-time appointment in the coming days.
