x

Saints V Athletic Club Bilbao ! The Verdict.

Claude Puel again used virtually a different side in each half in a game that still left a few questions unanswered before next week's opener against Watford.

Claude Puel mixed and matched his side in the final friendly before the Premier League opener next Saturday.

His starting line up was perhaps disrupted by the injury that again kept Ryan Bertrand out of the game and the fact that the French manager did not seem to want to play both Fonte and Soares together in the back four in their first game since the Euro 2016 final, perhaps from a fitness perspective.

So the starting line up although containing most of those you would expect to start in just under a weeks time, was still leaving some questions unanswered.

It was the first view for many of the 17, 758 crowd of new signings Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Nathan Redmond.

Both looked good in that first 45 minutes, Redmond looked fast and pacy and caused the visitors problems, whilst Hojbjerg looked big strong and looking to pick a pass.

Also in the centre of midfield was Oriol Romeu and he looked ready to step into Wanyama's shoes as the muscle of the midfield.

The reality of the match though was this was one that was comfortable for Saints, they passed the ball well and apart from the odd occasion rarely looked like being under any pressure with Fraser Forster not having a save of note to make.

The game was won just before the break when Steven Davis split the defence with a lovely weighted ball and Shane Long ran on to stroke the ball past a keeper stranded in no mans land.

Four changes at the break and then several others throughout the second half did not seem to break Saints rythym and they continued to dominate the game although they could not add to the total.

Jeremy Pied cam on for his first outing in his new club's colours and looked to be a tidy player and good back up for Cedric Soares.

By the end of the game only Forster and Hojbjerg remained from the starting line up and the game petered out to a tame ending, but Saints still held the upper hand.

The verdict of this game is that it may be a new man on the bench in charge, but the quality is still there, like most Saints fans I would still like to see a player or two come into the squad, ideally in the next day or so but certainly before the transfer window ends.

The squad is strong with plenty of options, but it does perhaps need the icing on the cake !

What to read next:

Saints Go To The Taylors As The Transfer Window Opens In Earnest
It was a tale of two Taylors as Southampton made two signings on the first day of the transfer window after the bonus payments had been paid, one a brand new signing and the second exceeding the option to buy after last season’s loan.
Southampton Set To Make £20 Million Offer to Celtic
News reports from North of the border are suggesting that Saints are preparing a transfer bid to Celtic for midfielder Matt O’Riley, but the Glasgow club are not in the mood for negotiating unless their valuation is met.
West Ham United Linked With Southampton Defender
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, usually one of the more reliable purveyors of transfer news, West Ham are in negotiations with Saints regarding Kyle Walker Peters.
The Calm Before The Storm The Transfer Scrum Begins On Monday
Southampton have been linked with literally dozens of players in the past few weeks, causing the frothing of mouths across the fanbase, as every rumour was treated like it was a nailed on signing.
Saints Announce Pre Season Schedule
Southampton have announced the first part of their pre season schedule with a game against National League side Eastleigh followed by a week long trip to Spain and a couple of friendlies.
Southampton In Pole Position For Peterborough Defender
Saints are building their squad for next season and are looking to get the balance right between, seasoned professionals, experienced 25 year olds & promising youngsters, the latest reports suggest that Saints are in pole position for one of League One's most gifted talents.
Southampton Linked With Yet Another Liverpool Player
Hot on the heels of Fabio Carvalho, Tyler Morton and Caoimhin Kelleher, Saints are being liked with yet another fringe player from Anfield, this time in the centre of defence.
Saints Set To Agree Deal With Keeper
According to sources, as the saying goes, Southampton are about to agree a new contract with goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, therefore putting an end to the speculation that he might join Liverpool.
Saints Linked With Liverpool Attacker They Lost Out On In January
Back in January Saints tried to sign a number of attacking players as they looked to boost their options for the Promotion run in, they ended up with David Brooks from Bournemouth, but it seems he is now not on the list and they are looking to get the man they lost out on.
Championship Goalkeeper Linked With Southampton Liverpool And Arsenal
Many outfield players have been linked with Southampton in the past month, but there has been virtually no concrete rumours about a new goalkeeper, however here is the first of the summer.