Saints lost their final match of the pre season schedule going down to an own goal in the second half, but overall its been a good warm up programme.

Ronald Koeman put out virtually his first XI to take on Leverkusen in a performance that showed how Koeman is coaching his side to play a fluid game, switching between formations as periods in the game dictated they do so.

However there would ultimately be disapointment with the end result with the goal coming from an unlikely source.

Graziano Pelle would have been looking to score in his first appearance at St Mary's and he did so, unfortunately it was at the wrong end and it would prove to be the winner, at least he showed he has an aye for goal though and when he gets his ends right he could be a potent force.

Overall the game showed that Saints have the core of a good squad, but there is still work to do and a few players need to be brought in, we still need a central defender or two, a wide player and another striker, hopefully some of this will be addressed before the big kick off at Anfield, if it is then the coming season should have no fears for Saints.

Photo: Action Images

stmichael added 14:12 - Aug 10 With less than a week to go we r nowhere neat ready. Don't see how anyone can be pleased with that. The preseason has been poor. Mediocre opposition and no prep at all for next week. Liverpool have practically got a bye next week. I just hope we r not embarrassed.
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Zambucco added 14:16 - Aug 10 It was a good workout for us, shades of last season lots of possession but no goals! But agreed the core of a great squad, the regulars or 'old timers' put in great shifts, the new boys were out to impress. I was very impressed with Tadic, I think he really will make Lallana look sh*te! The signings I think will complete us, following Forster Van Dijk, Florin GardoÈ™ or Phillipp Wollscheid Classie Hernandez I think then we have a squad to put in a serious challenge. Either way we're not going to be in trouble this season. Funnily enough, despite all the 'meltdown' and 'fire sale' talk the constant moaning of great sections of the supporters? I think we will be closer to the team this year and we'll be behind the team and Manager all the way. 17k for a friendly, speaks volumes! COYR!

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felly1 added 14:18 - Aug 10 Too early to make any solid judgements on players and formations yet but it has to be said it was a pretty disjointed performance with very little goal threat. Some nice touches and inter-play between Clyne and Tadic , also thought Taider looked promising when he came on. A centre back and Centre forward are urgently required!
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steve_saint added 14:30 - Aug 10 We looked like a team still on their summer holidays. Bertrand looked good, and passed nicely to Isgrove, and Clyne had some nice runs ... but Pelle looked big but slow, and only so-so in winning headers - plus he had no-one to play up alongside him, and Yoshida also looked lees than sharp. Some quality new blood still needed. Urgently.
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davepid added 23:02 - Aug 10 What is Forsters track record of saving goal bound back passes from his team mates. Blimey we have enough experts scoring own goals without Pelle being another one.
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Davethedogged added 20:13 - Aug 14 Leverkusen are a top team and I thought we were unlucky to not get at least a draw. Most promising performance I think was when Taider came on, especially considering he had only been with us a few days. Lively, good passes and won most challenges he faced. Pelle needs time to adjust for this level. His first touch has got to improve but I believe it will come, he seems intelligent enough to adapt.

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Davethedogged added 20:15 - Aug 14 oh and Bertrand and Isgrove linked up well.
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