Ronald Koeman: 'Southampton can finish near top'

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has claimed that his side can finish the current Premier League season in the upper echelons of the table.

The Saints have been one of the surprise packages of the campaign, welcoming 2015 in the top four of the league despite a summer exodus of players that many thought would derail the side.

Prior to Thursday's match against fifth-placed Arsenal, Koeman said: "I believe still that we can fight for a top place in the league.

"The Premier League really is a strong competition and Arsenal have to play Champions League again after February or March.

"That means a lot of games for them and it is a challenge to keep the physical freshness in the competition. Maybe we will come and surprise people."

Southampton went on to defeat Arsenal 2-0 to remain fourth in the Premier League table, three points above the fifth-placed Gunners.