Southampton suffered sixth Premier League defeat in seven games after losing 3-1 at home to a resurgent West Ham on Saturday.

Claude Puel’s side have picked up just one league victory in 2017 and, although their cup exploits have been impressive, they are in danger of being dragged into a relegation dog-fight if their form doesn’t improve.

Manolo Gabbiadini gave the Saints the lead on Saturday, but goals from Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang, and Mark Noble secured the victory for Slaven Bilic’s side, who move up to ninth as a result.

However, Puel’s Saints slipped to 13th after their latest defeat, and they are now just seven points clear of danger after an 11th loss of the campaign.

Although that’s still a healthy advantage, the improving form of the sides below them alongside their own poor form suggests that the gap isn’t yet big enough to completely disregard relegation this term, yet Puel will know that there is enough quality in his squad to keep them up come May.

Thus, here are TWO players who must start every game between now and May in a bid to save Southampton’s season…

Oriol Romeu

Southampton have struggled defensively in recent weeks, and with Jose Fonte having left the club and Virgil van Dijk out injured for a few months, it’s imperative that Oriol Romeu continues his fine form in front of the back four.

The Spaniard left Chelsea in 2015 to join the Saints on a three-year-deal, and has since been a regular feature in the side such is his ability to control proceedings in the midfield, and provide the Saints backline with a solid and dependable option in front of them.

His defensive abilities are excellent, and with Puel now without his first choice centre-back pairing, Romeu’s role in the midfield will become even more vital as the season progresses.

Manolo Gabbiadini

Southampton’s lack of goals must be of concern to manager Puel, especially with Charlie Austin out injured, and Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez not really getting the goals to compensate.

However, new signing Manolo Gabbiadini was brought in to get the goals to move the Saints away from the relegation dog-fight.

The Italian international signed for £14 million on deadline day last week, and immediately set about repaying some of that transfer fee with a fine strike against West Ham on Saturday.

Although the Saints lost the game, it was a good start to life on the South Coast for Gabbiadini, who will be Puel’s go-to man between now and May in a bid to stave off any relegation fears.