The numbers behind Martin's gruelling Premier League experience
Russell Martin's career was on the perfect trajectory. In the space of fours years he had gone from the third tier to the Premier League.But the new Rangers boss was served an almighty reality check in England's top flight after being sacked by Southampton with the team bottom in December.Martin guided Saints to promotion via the Championship play-offs in his first season in charge, but was dismissed after a 5-0 defeat to Tottenham made it 13 losses in 16 Premier League games.At that point, they only had one win, against Everton in November, and their tally of 11 goals was a league low.
Prior to his arrival at St Mary's, the former Ibrox defender gained a positive reputation for his attractive, possession-based style at MK Dons and Swansea.His ability to implement that approach ultimately led him to Southampton and the Premier League, but he faced intense criticism for refusing to compromise in a division many regard as the world's best - and most unforgiving.At the time of Martin's sacking, Saints had just five points from 16 games.Their goal difference was -25. Only four teams have had a worse goal difference after 16 matches of a Premier League season.Southampton had the most errors leading to goals (10) and most mistakes leading to shots (26). Martin's side also faced a league high of 108 shots on target.But those damning statistics certainly do not mean he is destined for failure at Ibrox. Dig a little deeper and there are underlying numbers that highlight why the new Rangers regime have decided the ex-Scotland defender is their man.
Martin's style is all about control. Despite being rooted to the foot of the table, Saints still managed an average possession of 53% across the manager's 16 Premier League games.Over the course of the season, only six teams - Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United - averaged more possession.Martin's teams keep the ball well and they pass the ball well. Remarkably, his Saints side's 88% passing accuracy was bettered only by Man City last term.His defence still gave away a load of opportunities, though, accumulating an expected goals (xG) against tally of 38 over just 16 matches. However, the attack's failure to take their chances let the manager down, scoring just 11 goals from an xG total of 17.How those numbers will translate to the Scottish Premiership with Rangers - a team with, by a distance, the second largest budget in the league - is unknown. But, in theory, the new Ibrox hierarchy will expect Martin's controlling style to bring them consistent domestic results.
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