Why does data say Southampton's defending is not that bad?

Can Russell Martin organise a defence? That was the question asked of the promising young coach before we had kicked a ball. 

His Swansea team were swashbuckling at their best but being unable to keep it tight at the back meant they narrowly missed out. 

It may be a similar story again in his first season with Saints, albeit probably going into the playoffs as second-favourites to win.

Only seven teams have conceded more than the St Mary's side this season (61), despite sitting fourth in the Championship.

We have seen them concede three goals or more in a single game on eight occasions, including this week's Leicester embarrassment.

REMINDER: Southampton have conceded three or more goals on eight occasions (Image: SDE)

However, it might be a surprise to hear the data paints Southampton's defence this season in a slightly different light.

On expected goals conceded - a statistical metric that quantifies the quality of goalscoring chances - Saints are fourth best. 

Only Leicester, Ipswich and Leeds have conceded fewer xG, while Saints face among the fewest attacks of any team in the division. 

They are fourth best for fewest shots on target per 90 minutes (3.52) but no team have conceded more goals per shot on target. 

Opposition teams also have the least play in the Saints area, with the fewest passes into Southampton's final third and penalty box. 

Their defenders are the least busy, making the fewest blocks and clearances and among the fewest tackles/interceptions. 

And the average distance of a shot Saints face is the sixth furthest away of any team, so it is not like every shot they concede is a sitter. 

Whatever you think of statistics in football - and the sport is not played on a spreadsheet - it is a bizarre anomaly across the division.

"We have looked at the defence a lot this season," Martin explains, speaking to the Daily Echo.

Russell Martin's sides have conceded 62, 68, 64 and now 61* goals in his full seasons as a manaer (Image: PA)

"To have the fourth least expected goals and to be where we are on goals conceded is not good enough. It's up to us to look at that.

"If I tell you the real fundamental problems then the opposition will take that, so I'm never going to come out and do that.

"I also feel really protective of my players all the time, but I think it's a big focus for us over the next couple of weeks.

"It has to be. When we've conceded in certain games it's then gone on to two and three and we have to be better in them moments.

"I think it all comes down to psychology and mentality. We have to accept that the opposition team will have a spell in the game and deal with it."

So where exactly are Saints conceding all of these goals from? There are some weaknesses.

Only Plymouth Argyle have seen the opposition turn more defensive actions into shots against them than Saints.

This suggests that opposition teams have the opportunity to break quickly to goal when Saints lose possession on the attack, although this only accounts for three goals. 

Only the West Brom and Leeds goalkeepers have made fewer saves this season with Southampton's 62.4 per cent save rate the second worst in the division.

Alex McCarthy will hope to improve on the record of his and - chiefly - Gavin Bazunu's creation

Since the international break, Saints have been susceptible to attacks from the flanks with goals versus Leicester, Cardiff, Coventry, Ipswich and Middlesbrough. 

Only 3.5 per cent of opposition crosses are stopped by the Saints keeper - another stat which is the lowest of any in the division.

But, to the eye, it looks like a desire from the full-backs to stop the cross and then the marking at the back-post has caused the problems. 

"There is some really fundamental stuff that we have to get back to and really understand," Martin insisted.

"Things we need to make sure everyone understands the importance of, and stopping crosses will definitely be one of them." 

James Bree, speaking about what is one of his key roles, added: "I think it's just about working as a team to double up on the outside. 

James Bree sat down to talk stopping crosses and his side's defensive record (Image: PA)

"Make sure you're working as hard as you can to stop that cross and mark it in the box. I think there are quite a few things that come into it. 

"It's something we've been working on. Most of the time, I'd say we're good at it. It's just when we haven't been, we've been punished."

Over the season, data suggests Saints are not more open than the teams they should be competing with - Tuesday was only the third time they have conceded two or more xG.

A large portion of it has to come down to mentality and fight, whether that is a willingness to defend the box or merely concentration.

Unfortunately, there is only one goal stat that ends up mattering to the league table - it is right there in the columns left of the points tally.

Saints, although they have scored plenty, have conceded far too many and must go through the playoff lottery as punishment.

Whatever the data says about their defence, there is a problem and Martin knows he has to fix it - time is running out.

"Everyone in there is fighting to play. Everyone wants to play," Bree insists, concluding a chat with the Daily Echo. 

"Everyone knows that we need to sort it out now and work even harder than we have been. I don't think there's anyone that doesn't want to."