2017–18 Southampton F.C. season
The 2017–18 Southampton F.C. season was the club's 19th season in the Premier League and their 41st in the top division of English football. In addition to the Premier League, the club also competed in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. Southampton finished 17th in the Premier League table with seven wins, 15 draws and 16 losses. They were knocked out of the EFL Cup in the second round by Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers, and were knocked out of the semi-finals of the FA Cup by Chelsea. The season was Southampton's first and only campaign with manager Mauricio Pellegrino, who replaced Claude Puel after one season in charge on 23 June 2017. Pellegrino was sacked with eight league games remaining on 12 March 2018, with the club in 17th position in the table, one point above the relegation zone. Mark Hughes, who played for the club between 1998 and 2000, was appointed as his replacement two days later.
Manolo Gabbiadini scored the club's first goal of the season in their second match, against West Ham United.
Sofiane Boufal scored his first goal of the season in a 1–0 win over West Bromwich Albion in October.
Charlie Austin scored five goals during November and December to take over as the club's top scorer for the season.
Jack Stephens scored his first two goals for the club to help temporarily lift them out of the relegation zone.
Leslie Mark Hughes is a Welsh football coach and former player who was most recently the head coach of Bradford City.
Hughes as manager of Stoke City in 2015
Hughes with Manchester United in 1991.
Hughes (right) managing Southampton in 2018
