started really well this year. I would have expected QPR to be higher, but it just hasn't clicked for them yet. The most pleasant surprise? It has to be West Brom. In the last decade 53% of sides in the drop zone after 10 games avoided relegation and 50% of those who were bottom survived. That said, the only club to have conceded as many goals at this stage as Southampton's 28 (Barnsley in 1997-98) were relegated. "Although Southampton have spent money on new players, dealing with consecutive promotions is incredibly difficult," said Taylor. "For two years those players didn't know what losing was; suddenly they're experiencing that and it's hard to handle. If Nigel gets them to safety, it will rank alongside his two straight promotions." Share this story Comments Comment number 106. wirral18 9th November 2012 - 12:04 1. Chelsea will challenge this year 2. City's defence is all over the place at times 3. United still haven't sorted out their hole in central midfield 4. United have so many defensive injuries they will concede regularly 5. Saints look down 6. QPR look down 7. Reading look down 8. Villa look appalling but should scrape it Comment number 104. adamantop 9th November 2012 - 12:02 West Brom spend the lowest in the league and are 5th at the moment! Just goes to show what gradual progress and a smart financial plan can do for you. Rather than spending 37.5 million and still complaining week in week out that