Leicester City's limp title defence, while entirely predictable, reached its lowest point Sunday, as the Foxes were trounced 3-0 by Southampton.
The result, which came about through goals from James Ward-Prowse, Jay Rodriguez, and Dusan Tadic, leaves Claudio Ranieri's men sitting on a mere 21 points this season; through 22 matches, only one other top-flight team has ever performed as poorly:
Ranieri has come under criticism for sticking with the ordinary 4-4-2 formation that helped spur the club to its fairytale title win last season, but maintained after the latest defeat that his players need a change of mindset, not tactics.
"I think it's better we give them something they know, a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1, and to push with the right mentality," he said. "There are no excuses. Southampton were the better team and deserved to win. But I take responsibility for our shape."
Leicester, five points above the relegation zone, is back in action Jan. 27 against Derby County in the FA Cup.