This is Southampton’s 2016/17 Christmas review

PRO – Decent Premier League form

Despite a slow start to Puel’s reign as Southampton manager, they have done reasonably well in the Premier League thus far.

The Saints have won five and drawn six of their 16 league games, and conceded just 15 goals in that time – only Chelsea and Tottenham have conceded less than Puel’s side.

It was their seven-match unbeaten run from September to October that got the Saints back on track, as they secured four successive wins and six consecutive clean sheets in that time to solidify their place in the top half.

Whether or not they can challenge for the European spots remains to be seen, but Southampton have laid the foundations for a second half of the season that could be a successful one for Saints fans.