The defeat left Saints bottom of the table with just 10 points from 31 matches, with them needing a point from their remaining seven to avoid setting a record for the lowest points total in Premier League history.

Having been relegated with seven games remaining, meanwhile, set a record for the earliest any Premier League team has had its relegation confirmed.

The Croatian joined the club on 21 December, taking over a week after his predecessor Russell Martin had been sacked with the club bottom of the league on five points from their opening 16 matches.

In its 14 matches under Juric, Southampton picked up just four points, working out at 0.29 points per game – the lowest points-per-game average of any Premier League manager to have taken 10 games or more in history.

Saints are also only the third team to have lost 25 of their first 31 games in a Premier League season after after Sunderland (2005-06) and Sheffield United (2020-21).

The club thanked its fans for their support in what has been a trying season.

"We remain incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our fans," a Southampton statement read. "Their continued dedication and passion, despite what has been a very tough season, is remarkable and is appreciated by everyone at the club.

"Despite the challenges that relegation will bring, our goal is to restore a sense of pride for them in their team and club once again.

While the club searches for Juric's replacement, Simon Rusk will take charge as interim manager just as he did for its 0-0 draw away to Fulham in the league on 22 December. Rusk will be assisted by Adam Lallana.

Next up for Saints is a game at home to Aston Villa, followed by a trip to West Ham United the next week.