Sunday’s win over Burnley was a fantastic example of Saints’ current standing in English football.
Claude Puel’s men dominated The Clarets from start to finish and showed quality throughout the side.
It’s hard to pin down any particular highlight with so many positives, from Sam McQueen’s perfect home debut and a brace from Charlie Austin, to a fine finish and performance from Nathan Redmond and a rock solid display from Oriol Romeu.
We also saw the usual conscientious efforts from Steven Davis, Jose Fonte, Jordy Clasie Dusan Tadic, while Fraser Forster looked tidy but largely untroubled.
Although Virgil van Dijk wasn’t at his usual near-perfect level, the man of the moment — potentially the best central defender in the league — is entitled to a below-par 90 minutes from time to time.
I’m at a loss as to why some fans expressed disappointment at the first half display, particularly considering the only thing which stood in the way of a 2-0 lead at half-time was Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
He produced a world-class stop from an Austin header and a body block from Tadic’s close-range effort — two saves he really had no right to make.
Over 90 minutes the statistics speak for themselves — 65% possession, 34 shots and eight corners. In comparison, Sean Dyche’s men managed 35% and six shots, of which the only one on target was the penalty scored by Sam Vokes.
OK, so why get excited about a home victory against a newly-promoted, bottom-half side?
The win and performance summed up what a strong position the club finds itself in at the moment despite having to manage a busy schedule.
Some may argue this followed a return from an international break, but there’s no such thing for Saints. The club had no less than 15 players on international duty.
That fact suggests Puel and his staff deserve praise not only for how they have handled the players to this point, but also how they react following internationals — taking into consideration the upcoming fixture pile-up.
I stated in my column on 31 August about the need to reflect on the first seven league games of last season in the face of a slow start to this term.
The 2015-16 season saw Saints record two wins, three draws and two defeats. That has been replicated this season under Puel but with additional wins against Sparta Prague in the Europa League and Crystal Palace in the League Cup.
As we head towards Saints’ trip to the San Siro, Sunday’s visit to Manchester City and the home League Cup tie against Sunderland next Wednesday, Puel’s rotation system will need to be in full swing.
He has used it effectively up until now and there is no reason why he will not be able to do the same as we head into this busy period.
In addition to utilising players efficiently, he has also instilled a desire to play and win among the squad as a whole.
James Ward-Prowse, despite fairly little game time, has looked as comfortable and hungry as I have ever seen him, while Jay Rodriguez continues to defy the odds and fight on from every set-back.
The squad also continues to grow, with the left back now ably covered not just by Matt Targett but also McQueen.
We also await the much-anticipated introduction of Moroccan Sofiane Boufal, who is now in full training and expected to feature in the squad in the near future.
The 22-year-old could still, in my view, prove to be the most astute signing of the summer.
Some may argue the club signed a £16 million player with an injury and who is likely to head off to the African Cup of Nations in January.
On the other hand, Saints have signed one of the most promising and exciting talents in world football in a cut-price deal despite the current extortionate transfer market.
Puel has already demonstrated his team can cope and perform — and win — without Boufal.
With him, and if he shows anything near the form that caught the attention of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Tottenham, we could see the team move up a gear.
On top form, he could be the difference between a good season and a great season. Time will tell.