Arsene Wenger believes Southampton’s fine form is a result of their “defensive stability”.
The Saints sit third in the Premier League and have only conceded nine goals this season, the fewest of any club in England.
Wenger says Southampton are stronger now - despite losing key players during the summer - and are in the frame for a top-four finish.
"They have renewed last season's form which shows they have stability in their performances"
“[When you consider] the exodus that happened at the end of the season, their form is a surprise,” he said. “But if you analyse their team, they have the stability defensively.
“In midfield, they have the same players to last year, so that should not be so surprising. The strikers they have bought - Saido Mane, Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic - have integrated very well into the system and have been very efficient.
“If you look at their number of points and the number of games they've played, you have to consider them [for a top-four finish], yes. If they can maintain their run, yes. We'll know more about it in March.
“At Christmas last season, they were in a very strong position and the fact that they could renew that shows that they have stability in their performances.”
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