Southampton entered the international break off the back of some mixed performances. Just as one thought they’d turned a corner from their slow start to the season, they were essentially outperformed by Chelsea, before capitulating in two second half minutes away to Hull, leaving the Saints in 10th position. That said, overall the Sotonians have more to be pleased with than not. An historic 2-1 home win in the Europa League against Inter Milan has near guaranteed qualification to the knockout stages and the Saints are also in the EFL Cup quarter final (which they will no doubt see as a real opportunity for silverware). However, despite being 10th (an indication of the tight nature of the Premier League table even at this stage of the season) they have only won 3 games domestically, against Swansea, West Ham and Burnley – hardly Premier League big hitters. That is why it is these three games that are pivotal for Claude Puel going into 2017, and he must aim to secure as many points as he can out of the following…
