Sunday 15 May 2016 20:31, UK
Stats, quotes and expert opinion on Southampton's 2015/16 Premier League season...
Finishing position: 5th (Before Man Utd v Bournemouth)
Total points: 63
FA Cup: Third round
Capital One Cup: Fifth round
Top scorer: Sadio Mane, Graziano Pelle (11)
WhoScored Top Rating: Virgil van Dijk (7.56)
Season review
Having worked so hard to secure a Europa League spot last season, a disappointing start to the campaign saw Southampton eliminated by August thanks to a 2-1 aggregate defeat by FC Midtjylland.
It foreshadowed a bumpy opening few weeks, and it was not until October and an impressive 3-1 win at defending champions Chelsea that the Saints seemed on surer footing.
But a mid-season slump, including a thumping 6-1 home defeat to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, saw Ronald Koeman's side exit both the Capital One Cup and FA Cup in quick succession.
An impressive 4-0 home win over Arsenal served notice of their potential, but it was only after the return of Fraser Forster from a long-term knee injury that Southampton's form really picked up.
The England 'keeper kept six consecutive clean sheets as they surged up the table, and they finished the season on a high, beating Man City home and Tottenham away before routing Crystal Palace on the final day.
Quotes of the season
"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and maybe one of the best in Europe." - Ronald Koeman on the return of Fraser Forster.
"I don't have words - it was an unbelievable feeling. I saw the ball go in and I thought 'oh my God'" - Cuco Martina on his strike against Arsenal.
"If there is any player thinking if his behaviour is not good that makes it easier for the player, then I'll put the player in the stands until the end of their contract." - Koeman on transfer speculation regarding Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama.
Stats of the season
Southampton scored four goals in successive Premier League games for the first time after back-to-back 4-2 wins over Aston Villa and Man City.
Shane Long hit double figures in a Premier League season for the first time in his career.
Saints have scored a joint league-high 15 headed goals this season (level with West Ham) - having scored the fewest in the top-flight last season (3).
Matt Le Tissier's view
Hopefully Southampton can keep hold of their best players and have a crack at the top four next season.
"It's been a very good season. Ronald Koeman has done a terrific job and one of the biggest things this summer is tying him down to a new contract.
"We've previously expected the best players to leave but I don't get that feeling this time, so hopefully we can keep hold of them and have a crack at the top four next season."
