Premier League Review: Southampton

This Premier League Review sees Southampton's season assessed, despite Puel's sacking it has been a good season.

The Saints came into the season on the back of a 6th placed finish, with Ronald Koeman moving onto rivals Everton.

It was a season that saw Southampton under another new manager, with Puel drafted in from the French leagues.

The challenge for Southampton was to retain their top ten status, and to challenge for a cup, which they managed to do.

Despite his sacking, the Saints did make progress under Puel, the playing style was the eventual cause of his termination.

The calibre of managers in the league was incredible, with all of the clubs above them boasting incredible managers.

Considering that they had yet again sold their best players and manager, it hasn't been a bad season for the Saints.

Southampton endured a tough start to the season, failing to win a game in August (D2, L1).

Their first win came against struggling Swansea at the start of September, a narrow 1-0 win getting them up and running.

They lost 16 matches in total, this was five more than their nearest rivals Everton and explains the points difference.

Breaking into the top four will be the next stage in Southampton's evolution, it will be an enormous ask though.

With the sides around them looking to strengthen during the summer it is vital that the Saints do the same.

The Saints endured a tough record against the top six, they failed to register a Premier League win against sides above them.

They finished 47 points behind Antonio Conte's side, registering just under half of their total points.

Southampton had an excellent run in the cups this season, losing 3-2 to Manchester United in the EFL Cup Final.

Despite finishing as the runners-up they can be very proud of their performance, beating Klopp's Liverpool twice in the Semi-Final.

Southampton will need to be consistent across all competitions again next season, as well as holding onto their star players.

Nathan Redmond enjoyed a fine debut season, ending as the club's top Premier League scorer with 7 goals.

Dusan Tadic had another good season in the Southampton midfield, finish top of the assists with 5.

Oriol Romeu had an excellent season, with the most passes (2070), the most tackles (117) and interceptions (89).

Their final points tally was 46, that was 17 points worse than last season, finishing one place lower.

Overall it's an excellent season due to their top eight finish and their cup final appearance but it still cost Puel his job.

Mauricio Pellegrino will have a huge job on his hands to satisfy the Southampton owners, it'll be hard to temper expectations.

The main issue for Southampton will be holding onto their high profile players, as is often the case for the Saints.

Virgil Van Dijk has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Liverpool and Chelsea linked.

The form of Oriol Romeu and Dusan Tadic will also have attracted unwanted attention, with Redmond also performing well.

To win the 17/18 Premier League outright @ 250/1

A Top Four Finish @ 20/1

To win the Carabao Cup 17/18 @ 20/1

To win the FA Cup 17/18 @ 25/1