Southampton’s automatic promotion hopes were dealt a huge blow after suffering a dramatic late defeat against Ipswich Town.
Russell Martin‘s side picked up just one point over the Easter weekend after being held to a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough in the previous game.
They now reside 12 points adrift of the top two, albeit with two games in hand on Leeds United and Ipswich.
Even having played fewer games, the gap may be insurmountable now given the form others are in heading into the final stretch.
Martin was particularly disappointed on Monday given the manner of the defeat, with Jeremy Sarmiento netting a stoppage-time winner.
Saints outplayed the Portman Road outfit for much of the clash but ultimately, defensive errors cost them, once again.
Gavin Bazunu needs to be dropped v Blackburn Rovers
Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has come in for a lot of criticism this season due to a number of ‘poor’ performances.
Against Ipswich, the Ireland international was perhaps at fault for the first goal when Leif Davis lashed the ball into his near post. Daily Echo journalist Alfie House marked him down a four-match rating, which was the lowest score in the team.
“Should do better for all three goals he conceded. Beaten at his near post by Davis’ thunder strike. Could not get a hand to Nathan Broadhead’s central strike. Failed to stop Sarmiento’s toe-poke finding the bottom corner,” House wrote.
An alarming stat emerged following the clash which amplified just how much Bazunu has underperformed throughout the campaign.
Southampton will need to dip into the market this summer for an upgrade but until then, Martin should consider taking a gamble on Joe Lumley.
Joe Lumley should start v Blackburn Rovers
Lumley joined the South Coasters last summer on a free transfer after departing fellow Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
Since arriving, he’s made four appearances for the club, all of which have come in the FA Cup, and he’s largely impressed in those.
After his debut in January, Martin was pleased with how comfortable he was with the ball at his feet.
“He was amazing,” Martin said. “His footwork is why Dean Thornton was so keen on bringing him here. Joe hasn’t had a chance to show what he can do because he hasn’t played for teams with that style.
“It’s about having a manager who wants you to do that and Joe has that. I thought he showed so much composure,” the Saints boss added.
Clearly, Martin admires his skill set, so with Bazunu underperforming, surely Lumley is worth a gamble in the remaining eight games.