Hull vs Southampton: Hull City boss Steve Bruce raises a glass to Southampton’s sparkling example

Tigers manager looks up to lofty Saints following 1-0 defeat

(Getty Images)

Even Ronald Koeman cannot quite believe, in the first week of November, that Southampton are second in the Premier League. "I'm a little bit surprised about the number of points we have," he admitted.

"But I’m not surprised about the quality in the team."

Steve Bruce followed convention in offering the Dutchman a congratulatory handshake and a glass of something in his office after his Hull side became Saints’ latest victims, but the words exchanged went beyond mere platitudes.

Koeman’s success is encouragement to Bruce and every other manager of a Premier League club outside the recognised elite that finishing in midtable need not be the height of their ambition.

"The manager and everyone at the club can take a big pat on the back," Bruce said. "It just shows what can be done and let’s hope they stay there.

"It’s all right having the money they’ve had in the summer but they have invested it in good players who have adapted very well and very quickly.

"If they can stay injury-free, there is no reason why they can’t stay up there."

Victor Wanyama scored Saints’ third-minute winner from more than 35 yards.