This is Southampton’s 2016/17 Christmas review

PRO – Tough to beat

15 goals conceded in 16 games is an excellent effort from the Southampton defence, who deserve a lot of credit for their solidarity this season.

Their run of six successive clean sheets, three of which were in the league, didn’t come as a surprise to many up and down the country, given the quality of defensive options Puel has at his disposal.

In Virgil van Dijk, they have arguably the best defender in the Premier League this season, and alongside Jose Fonte, another proven central defender, they have struck up quite the partnership.

With the likes of Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand at full-back, as well as Fraser Forster in goal, the Saints have a solid and dependable backline, and will be tough to beat as the season progresses should they keep the majority of them in January.