Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl admits his players have surprised him this year.
This time last year, the Saints headed into Christmas sitting 17th and just three points above the Premier League drop zone.
But Hasenhuttl's well-drilled side have briefly topped the table this term during an unbeaten run of seven matches.
“We had a very successful year to be honest. We had successful times where we definitely played fantastic football, and (with) the development of the team," the Austrian said.
“When you are that long in your job I think there are not so many things that surprise you.
“But I think the way we developed our game, especially with the ball, was one of the most surprising parts of my management career so far, because nobody expected that.
“When you see them playing now, it is completely different.
“This is definitely for us all a very big statement for the team, that they wanted to learn and they have learned very quickly, we sent in the right messages maybe – and that is the reason why now we are in the position we are."
