Ronald Koeman goes into today’s game against Stoke aiming to add to his start as the best Saints boss in the Premier League era.

Koeman is one of just six men to have been in charge of Saints for 50 Premier League games, with victory over Sunderland proving a fitting way to mark the occasion.

The Dutchman has by far the best record, with a whopping 80 points secured and a win ratio of 46 per cent.

His nearest challengers, Gordon Strachan and Mauricio Pochettino, who have remarkably similar records, trail well behind.

It underlines Koeman’s success, which saw the club secure a Premier League record seventh placed finish last season.

This campaign is looking just as promising with Saints heading into today’s game at St Mary’s just four points outside of the top four and on the crest of a fantastic unbeaten run.

Koeman is hoping to see his side extend that unbeaten stretch to seven top flight games and nine in all competitions.

The manager is in no doubt as to what has brought the recent success.

“I think the key to this run is a good organisation,” he said.

“We had a difficult start, we had some new players, we lost some players, and you need always time to improve yourself.

“I think the confidence in the team is one of the key words at the moment.

“The second clean sheet in a row is a good feeling and that makes the confidence.

“We are close to the level what we want and we have to work hard. It will be a tough programme in the coming weeks but we are prepared for that.”

Saints are arguably better equipped for a sustained challenge in the higher echelons of the Premier League than they were last year, with far greater depth in their squad this time out.

Koeman certainly believes that is the case.

“I think so,” he reflected.

“We have different ways to attack, and we know with Graziano (Pelle) we can play the long ball, we have offensive left and right full backs and good movement from midfield.

“Different options to create problems for our opponent.

“We are strong with our set pieces and also a possibility to score a goal.

“That makes it difficult to beat and to make it tough for Southampton.”