The Premier League is the most entertaining football league in the world, but it is also the most ruthless. A six-game barren streak for that star striker? Ship him out. A second red card in the season for that young centre-back? Put him in the reserves. As for managers, they only have to put one foot wrong and they’re out of the door.

When it comes to managerial sackings, however, what is right and what is wrong? And perhaps, when is the best time to make a decision on whether a manager has to go or gets to stay?

The early bath

Last year, it took until December for the first manager in the Premier League to receive his marching orders, Mark Hughes vacating the Southampton hot seat extremely late by EPL standards. It could be argued that The Saints has barely improved their league position in the year since his dismissal, but it might also be possible that Ralph Hasenhüttl has given them an identity and shape that his predecessor did not.