Winless but not desperate: What's happening in the Premier League's bottom four? | first division

Ipswich Ptos 4 GD -8

Why did they fight? Aipasi did not behave like protesters. After 22 years of facing Liverpool and Manchester City, they have had rocky starts, so an element of recovery is inevitable. But if they don't come out on top in the next three games, there could be some nerves, with the first win of all. Kieran McKenna massively strengthened his squad in the summer and, while there is a promoted centre, there is an inevitable deal process. Liam Delap is hitting the ground running after moving out of town, but the fate of his recruits could depend on how quickly they find their groove.

What are the signs of hope? Until the last defeat against West Ham, Ipswich was able to take positive things from each game. They defended valiantly to hold off Brighton and then, when Aston Villa headed to a typically atmospheric Portman Road, they showed a more familiar team in a 2-2 draw they should have won. They don't look out of place and look remarkably good, with excellent results in attacking areas. Calvin Phillips has started well after his surprise loan spell and Delap, Jacob Greaves and Omari Hutchinson are three of England's best young players; All three should improve as the season progresses.

How confident is the administrator? McKenna's place is secure in the Premier League. Ipswich breathed a huge sigh of relief when they signed a lucrative new deal in May, despite announcements from several major rivals. He has been inactive since arriving in December 2021 and will be forgiven for some bumps in the road this season. When necessary, he has shown that his team can take a hands-on approach rather than the cloak-and-dagger style of taking on divisions. that

Kieran McKenna's job is safe. Photo: Daniel Pierham/Colorsport/Rex/Shutterstock

Crystal Palace Pts 3 GD -5

Why did they fight? Following the departures of Michael Allis, Jordan Ayew and Joachim Andersson, player rotation is a key factor in the summer, with four arriving on deadline day. A new defense has struggled for consistency and Oliver Klausner's side are far from the swashbuckling team that finished so well last season and scored just five times in their first seven games. The goals have dried up for Jean-Philippe Mateta as Adam Wharton and Eperechi Eze have failed to regain the form that earned them selection for the England squad for Euro 2024.

What are the signs of hope? Palace spent around £65m on summer signings, including Daichi Kamada on a free transfer from Lazio, and brought in Trevoh Chalobah on loan from Chelsea. None of them have made their mark yet, but there are promising signs that Maxence Lacroix, Chalobah and Marc Guéhi can recreate the time that all three have given to Gel. Ismaïla Sarr, Kamada and Eddie Nketiah have all shown their potential, but Palace will need to score goals to move up the table.

How confident is the administrator? Klausner can do no wrong at the end of last season, but a defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday, when they took three points from eight games after the sacking of Frank de Boer, would have equaled Palace's infamous start to the 2016-17 season. Relying on the full-backs, the Austrian will have to find a solution to replace Daniel Muñoz on the right if the Colombian limped off in his last game against Liverpool. Klausner will realize that another defeat will pile on the pressure ahead of meetings with Spurs and Aston Villa. EA

Eddie Nkedia has shown flashes of quality. Photo: Ashley Western/Colorsport/Rex/Shutterstock

Southampton Points 1 GT – 11

Why did they fight? The fourth best team in the championship last season will advance in an increasingly tough category. They tried to strengthen the team; Seven of the starting XI did not start for the club in the league last season in last month's poor defeat to Bournemouth. Cameron Archer, one of 14 summer signings, scored his first goal against Arsenal last time out and Aaron Ramsdale improved the goal. Russell Martin has been criticized for his stubbornness but, as he said after the 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth, the goals they conceded were not due to style but a lack of aggression. Southampton has a bloated squad and the coach is not clear which is his best squad.

What are the signs of hope? Eighteen-year-old Tyler Dipling, who joined the academy when he was eight, has been a huge beacon of light. The Exeter-born youngster was impressive on his debut against Manchester United, opening the scoring after collecting the ball in his own half and then winning a penalty. Picking up the ball on the turn and clearing defenders, Dipping showed magnificent poise to bury his first senior goal against Ipswich. Martin has high hopes for a player he says the world is surely watching.

How confident is the administrator? Martin was handed a new three-year contract after leading the Saints to promotion to the Wembley play-off final. A late scare at Arsenal eased the immediate pressure, but Martin knows results must continue to satisfy owner Dragan Solak, who has signed more than £100m, and there are few encouraging facts or figures. “Nobody cares if you don't win,” he said this week. Leicester's visit to St Mary's on Saturday has been seen as Martin's best chance to claim those elusive first three points. boyfriend

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Tyler Tipling is a ray of light for Southampton. Photo: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

Wolves Pts 1 GD -12

Why did they fight? Wolves have conceded 21 goals, the most in the league, and, at the other end, are missing key players from last season (see Pedro Neto) or are out of form in the case of Hwang Hee-san. The decision not to replace Maximilian Gilman, one of two outfield players who played every minute in the top flight last season (the other was Arsenal's William Saliba), was further exposed by Yerson Mosquera's knee injury. which ended his season. Gary O'Neill's decision to stick with a back four has so far backfired, but he is willing to switch to a five-man defense for the visit of Manchester City on Sunday, although his options are limited, with Craig Dawson, Totti Gomes and Santiago Bueno the only veteran center backs.

What are the signs of hope? Wolves have the structure of a decent team; The problem is their lack of depth and their team has been struggling for two months. They have a trio of Brazilian internationals in Matheus Cunha, João Gomes and Andre, Fluminense's summer deadline day signings. Hwang and full-backs Rayon Ate-Nouri and Nelson Semedo are among those yet to reach the heights of last season. No. 9 Jorgen Strand Larsson scored his second goal of the season late in a humiliating 5-3 defeat at Brentford – which O'Neill described as the worst performance he has overseen as a manager – and showed signs of potential.

Hwang Hee-san struggled to maintain form. Photo: Ryan Crockett/Every Second Media/Rex/Shutterstock

How confident is the administrator? O'Neill and his staff signed new four-year deals in the summer after re-signing Wolves last season, and the club are willing to give him more time to turn things around. They are aware of the brutal schedule in which Wolves faced Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle. O'Neill remains in favor with the deciders but, with Wolves bottom after six defeats in seven, he must find a way to arrest the slide. boyfriend