Southampton Can Continue Their Red-Hot Form

Second in the table after six games, few had predicted such a blistering start to the Premier League from Southampton this season.

A complete revamp of departed manager Mauricio Pochettino's squad, who excited on their way to an eighth-place finish last season, left many believing new manager Ronald Koeman would struggle to keep the south coast side in the league.

Such a forecast now seems premature following a sixth victory in a row in all competitions on Saturday, which also gives them their the best start to a top-flight campaign since 1983-84.

There are strong reasons to believe the Saints can build on their impressive start.

One reason is quickly becoming a revelation.  Graziano Pelle looks not only a decent replacement for Rickie Lambert, who swapped St Mary's for Anfield in the summer, but also a more potent threat to spearhead Southampton's attack.  The 29-year-old striker has four goals in six matches in the league following his summer move from Feyenoord, including his sensational winner over QPR on Saturday. 

Should the creative acts of Dusan Tadic, Sadio Mane and company continue to supply Pelle, there is no reason why the Italian, tipped for a first national call-up, can't fire the goals to keep the Saints competing at the top end of the Premier League table.

Southampton don't just boost attacking threats in the middle and final third, either.  The exploits of full-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand have played a significant role in their fine start to the season.  They have been pivotal in the team's expansive approach, with both finding the net in the league during some swashbuckling displays.

Clyne in particular has been in stunning form, his devastating winner at the Emirates in the Capital One Cup last week being a standout moment.  His level of performance has led to calls from his manager that he should be included in the next England squad, and if he and Bertrand are able to maintain such standards, then Southampton can in turn sustain their good start.  

The dominant Morgan Schneiderlin has been another important cog in the successful Southampton system. Intense speculation surrounded Schneiderlin during the summer.  However, the club's hierarchy resisted the temptation to sell another one of their star turns in a transfer window of high-profile exits.  It looks like an inspired decision, as the French international has been a commanding presence, providing Koeman's midfield with a solid foundation.   

Schneiderlin's importance to the Saints is undoubtedly in his destructive abilities. According to WhoScored.com, he has made 26 successful tackles so far this season. Only Miles Jedinak of Crystal Palace has made more in the Premier League.  Such a presence in the middle of the park can give Southampton a substantial platform to maintain their fine form.

However, one area of concern must be a lack of depth.  They remain without the services of Jay Rodriguez, who has yet to play this season, while James Ward-Prowse's spell on the treatment table is a considerable blow.  Koeman can ill afford further serious injuries to his first team. 

A trip to former manager Pochettino's new side, Tottenham Hotspur, next Sunday will offer a good indication of whether Southampton really can continue to prove those pre-season doubters wrong.