Southampton have continued to build after their first class performance last season.
Although it is still early in the season, Southampton appear to have once again proved that losing their previous manager to a Premier League rival does little to derail their progress.
After Ronald Koeman’s arrival eased the blow of losing Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham, some Saints fans may have been concerned that they may not be so lucky when the Dutchman departed for Everton in the summer.
However, Claude Puel has made an excellent brilliant start to life at St Mary’s, helping the Saints enjoy plenty of high-points across several competitions.
With that in mind, here is a look at Puel’s first few months in charge, along with some of the defining images from that period:
Southampton manager Claude Puel before the match against Watford
Southampton’s campaign began in unspectacular fashion, as they drew 1-1 at home against Watford.
Southampton manager Claude Puel against Manchester United
Then two goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic handed the Saints their first defeat, as Manchester United won 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin with manager Claude Puel as he is substituted against Sparta Prague
After drawing with Sunderland and losing to Arsenal, Puel’s first victory as Southampton boss came in the Europa League. A brace from Charlie Austin and a clincher from Jay Rodriguez saw them thrash Sparta Prague 3-0 at St Mary’s.
Southampton manager Claude Puel against Swansea
Puel’s first Premier League win would come in their next game as Austin’s goal settled a narrow clash against Swansea.
Southampton manager Claude Puel with Thierry Henry before the West Ham match
Perhaps Southampton’s most impressive league win came on their trip to the London Stadium, as they embarrassed West Ham 3-0. The game also saw Puel meet up with Thierry Henry, with whom he played alongside at Monaco.
Southampton manager Claude Puel against Inter
Despite suffering defeat against Inter Milan in the Europa League, the game in the San Siro was undoubtedly a massive moment for the south coast club – given how far they have come from the doldrums of League One. The 1-0 loss was not a fair reflection on a game that Southampton dominated.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shakes hands with Southampton manager Claude Puel after the game
A 1-1 draw against Manchester City in October saw the Saints extend their unbeaten run in the league to five games.
Sunderland manager David Moyes with referee Chris Kavanagh as Southampton manager Claude Puel looks on
As well as their promising form in the league, Southampton fans can also afford to be excited about their EFL Cup run. A quarter-final place was secured after a victory over Sunderland. Sofiane Boufal’s stunning winner was perhaps the only moment of real quality during the game.
Inter Milan interim manager Stefano Vecchi and Southampton manager Claude Puel
And Southampton’s good form extended to Europe, as they came from behind to beat Inter Milan at St Mary’s. With two group games to go, Southampton sit second and are in with an excellent chance of continuing their journey beyond the current phase.
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