Southampton are unbeaten in six under Claude Puel and the all the signs are there for another good season at St. Mary’s.
As Ronald Koeman made the move north to Everton, the way was paved for Claude Puel to take the reins. And, after a rocky start, the Saints have gone unbeaten in their last six in all competitions. With that in mind, here are three reasons why Puel can lead Southampton to a top six finish.
Consistency is key
As aforementioned, the Saints are unbeaten in six. That is no mean feat, especially when battling across three competitions already this season. However, this exposure to other tournaments and, arguably, lesser sides means that Southampton have the ability to build momentum.
Southampton manager Claude Puel
Moreover, if they continue to rotate their squad in such fixtures then it should stand them in good stead when it comes to maintaining consistency. Fresher players means that performing at a good standard comes easier in the long term – and that’s exactly the kind of trait needed for a top six team.
Core strength
Much of the this consistency in their results can be put down to a settled squad. Players know their roles and appear to be well drilled, and no goals conceded in their previous six outings is a testament to that.
Players such as the colossal Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte are complemented by Oriol Romeu and Steven Davis further forward, who ably protect the back line. Further forward still, the outstanding Dusan Tadic supplies the fit-and-firing Charlie Austin. These central players, both in their position and their importance, give Southampton something to build upon and a good spine such as this is essential for success in today’s game.
Southampton’s Fraser Forster in action
Power partnership
Tadic, like all playmakers, can only do so much without a striker. So when Graziano Pelle left for the lucrative shores of China, Southampton fans will have been worried whether Shane Long could fill such a gaping void up front.
When his partnership with Nathan Redmond failed to hit the heights some might have imagine, Austin stepped up to the plate. The 3-0 demolition of West Ham United at the London Stadium saw Tadic and Austin dovetail magnificently and, if the latter can stay fit, it could be a partnership which sees the Saints marching into Europe once again next season.
Southampton’s Dusan Tadic celebrates
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