Southampton relegated with seven games left after 3-1 Spurs loss. Brennan Johnson brace seals record-breaking Premier League exit

Southampton have suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history, crashing out of the top flight with seven games remaining after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

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A clinical first-half brace from Welsh forward Brennan Johnson set the tone, as Spurs capitalised on their opponents’ disarray to pile on more misery for the Saints.

The result marks an unwanted milestone for Southampton, who become the first club in Premier League history to be relegated with so many games left, surpassing the previous record of six.

Johnson opened the scoring in the 13th minute after a clever cut-back from Djed Spence. His second, just before half-time, came via a deft flick past Aaron Ramsdale following a James Maddison header.

Despite Southampton showing brief signs of life when Mateus Fernandes scored in the 90th minute, any hopes of a miraculous comeback were dashed in stoppage time.

After Johnson was fouled in the box by Welington, Mathys Tel stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty to confirm Southampton’s relegation.

The match, however, played out under a cloud of tension. Another round of pre-match protests against Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy created a subdued atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fans also expressed frustration with manager Ange Postecoglou, whose side had been struggling near the drop zone themselves in recent weeks.

Nevertheless, Spurs showed early promise, with Johnson and Lucas Bergvall combining effectively in attack. Defender Cristian Romero twice came close to scoring from set-pieces, denied brilliantly by Saints keeper Ramsdale, who made five crucial saves throughout the match.

Southampton, to their credit, had their moments. Kamaldeen Sulemana nearly levelled in the 17th minute after a surging run, only to see his shot deflected onto the post by Pedro Porro.

VAR also came into play in the first half, ruling out a Bergvall goal after an offside call on Romero’s assist from a free-kick. Yet the pressure mounted, and Johnson made no mistake the second time around, taking advantage of defensive lapses to give Spurs a deserved two-goal lead.

Though Fernandes managed a late consolation goal after converting a Sulemana cross, it wasn’t enough to stave off the inevitable. Tel’s injury-time penalty left no doubt, confirming Southampton’s relegation with seven games still to play.

The Saints now sit bottom of the table with just 10 points, staring down the possibility of breaking Derby County’s infamous 2007-08 record of 11 points — the lowest-ever Premier League season total.

With survival mathematically out of reach, Southampton’s focus will now shift to regrouping for life in the Championship, while Tottenham hope this win marks a turning point in their tumultuous season.