Derby wins are great but Southampton’s away form will define their season

Southampton's insane St Mary's record under Tonda Eckert was tested to its limits against Portsmouth on Sunday.

Indeed, on another day, John Mousinho's visitors might have clinched a draw against the Saints, with Pompey registering ten second half shots at the home side's goal.

But, even with a man disadvantage working against them, a nervy, but determined 1-0 win would still be secured at the full time whistle, meaning it's five wins from five on their home patch this season in the Championship.

Eckert hasn't actually lost on home soil, in league action, since January, with the German praising the the "connection" the fans have with their beloved team last month, when three Championship victories at home had already been secured.

He will know, as much as he loves the confidence oozing out of his troops at St. Mary's, that the away form does need to be looked into, as it is hampering their push up the league.

Saints need to correct their away form

Heading into the brand-new 26/27 season in the competitive Championship, the Saints had an immediate issue to address.

They would start the fresh campaign with an annoying four point deduction, as the EFL punished them long-term for Spygate.

Eckert and Co. haven't let this penalty impact them too much, as they're only five points off the automatic promotion positions, even when playing catch-up.

But, they have their flawless home record to thank for this positive early position, despite these sanctions being in play, as they have only collected a sorry two points on their travels all season long.

Defeats to Watford and Wrexham will hit hard, as neither team have looked particularly menacing this season so far, especially a crisis-ridden Hornets team.

Draws against Lincoln City and Birmingham City will also be frustrating, as if one those irritating draws were turned into a win - with the Saints leading the Imps right up to the 87th minute mark - they would be in touching distance of their Spygate foe, Middlesbrough, even more in second spot.

If they continue to stumble on the road, a playoff spot will have to be stomached, as you can't just rely on your home form to bail you out, if you want to be a top two competitor.

The ecstasy of the Derby win could be swiftly forgotten about if they lose away at Norwich City in mid-week, with a number of tough away games greeting them in October.

Tough away games coming up

Looking at it initially, Norwich are there for the taking when Eckert and Co. make the long trip to Norfolk on Wednesday.

Indeed, the Canaries have given up a costly 19 goals this season from nine league outings, with four of those given up last time on home soil against Bolton Wanderers.

But, they have also scored a sublime ten home goals this campaign, with Birmingham City - who are a fellow promotion contender alongside the Saints - losing 2-1 at Carrow Road in mid-September.

Beating Burnley 4-1 as well, Eckert's men can't afford to be caught cold in Norfolk, as the Norwich attack can hurt the very best teams in the entire division, when on-song.

Then, before October is out, Southampton have to make the daunting trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United, who have bagged a league best 23 goals this season in the Championship.

The home games do a look more winnable, with Bolton and Queens Park Rangers travelling to the South Coast in October, but the fortress that is St Mary's can't possibly be an impenetrable bastion all campaign long.

Eckert and Co. will need to change up how they play away from home, perhaps, to finally grab that elusive away day win, with a gritty mindset, like the one on full display against Portsmouth, potentially the way forward on the road to get that winless monkey off their back.