Super Saints prove they are the real deal at Old Trafford

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has done a superb job in guiding the Saints into third place in the Premier League

Challengers for the Champions League spots in the Premier League come and go, but usually the same group of teams claim the Champions League spots.

The likes of Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham have all challenged for the Champions League places in the Premier League, but only Spurs from the trio has made the top four.

Third

Every season Arsenal always seem to hang on in there for fourth spot. Southampton are the latest challengers and they could be the Gunners toughest opposition yet for their top four spot.

Arsenal secured a comprehensive 3-0 win over Stoke at the Emirates Stadium yesterday to go level on points with the Saints.

Southampton kicked-off later than the Gunners, but ended Manchester United’s 12 match unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford, courtesy of a second half goal from Dusan Tadic.

The victory took Ronald Koeman’s side above the Red Devils to third and the result showed that they can win at big grounds, after previously producing disappointing results on their travels against the league’s top teams.

Tactics

United boss Louis van Gaal has claimed that Southampton came for a draw, but in truth they just set-up their team to be disciplined at a tough ground to visit, like any team does including the big teams.

Even big teams adapt their playing style when they come up against their biggest rivals away from home. Saints boss Ronald Koeman is tactically astute and knew exactly how to set-up his team to claim something at Old Trafford.

Defence

The Southampton defence has conceded just 15 goals in the Premier League this season, four less than league leaders Chelsea and five less than reigning champions Manchester City.

The Saints defence again produced another outstanding display at Old Trafford, despite the fact that they lost Belgium centre-back Toby Alderweireld after just 20 minutes. His replacement Florian Gardos fitted-in seamlessly.

As always full-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand were disciplined and dangerous going forward, even if they did reign in their usual attacking furores slightly.

The summer loss of centre-back Dejan Lovren and full-back Luke Shaw seemed like a massive blow. However, Bertrand and Alderweireld are producing even better performances for the Saints this season than their predecessors.

Both players are only on-loan on the south coast and the Saints will be hoping that the pair will sign on a permanent basis at the end of the season, especially if they qualify for the Champions League for next season.

Formidable

Southampton’s central midfield pair of Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama have formed a formidable partnership in the centre of the park for the Saints. The pair may protect the backline, but they are also comfortable on the ball.

French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is a very intelligent footballer, whose distribution has become a vital attribute for the Saints team in the last few years. His form over the last few seasons has attracted the interest of the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal.

He looked set to join the mass exodus last summer, but he stayed, as it was reported that the club refused to allow his exit, which of course was a masterstroke by the Southampton hierarchy. The France international is still being linked with a January move.

The Saints will not want to lose such a key player in mid-season, or even the summer. However, as the team from the south coast proved in the summer they have a pretty good ability to sign players at reasonable prices and replace anybody who leaves.

Dip

Most teams have a patchy period in a season and the Saints suffered five straight defeats in all competitions earlier this season and questions were asked about their ability to maintain a challenge for a top four position.

Since then Koeman’s men have recovered their composure and regained their form, which has kept them right in the fight for the Champions League spots.

Realistic

At the start of the campaign Southampton was being written off by a lot of people. Some even claimed the Saints would even be struggling against the drop after losing their boss and a host of first team players.

However, the shrewd acquisition of Ronald Koeman as boss and clever signings has inspired the team from the south coast to threaten the top teams, rather than fighting a relegation battle.

The Saints have been that impressive this season that if they do finish in the top four, which they are odds of 6/4 to achieve, then it may not be such a surprise, but it will be a breath of fresh air for the Premier League.

Can Southampton clinch a top four spot this season?