SAINTS stepped up their pre-season preparations with a 3-2 win over French outfit Bordeaux in Girona on Wednesday morning.
Second half goals from Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Sekou Mara saw them secure a win under the sweltering Spanish sun.
Southampton's performance was not without moments of worry, they twice escaped in additional time with Bordeaux denied a 3-3 draw by the woodwork.
Here are the key talking points from Southampton's second friendly of pre-season...
Improvements after a sloppy start
After an intense double session on Tuesday, a youthful first XI showed some early signs of sloppiness.
At times, their passes were loose and players held onto the ball for a fraction too long. Two traits of an early pre-season game.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who wore the armband in the first half, voiced his frustration when he demanded more rhythm from his teammates.
Saints did improve as the game half progressed and started to play neater football. The rhythm Harwood-Bellis demanded started to appear.
Martin made a load of changes on the hour mark, changing the entire outfield squad. Those new players also took time to adjust to the speed of the game.
This shouldn't be too much to worry about at such an early stage of pre-season. This is exactly why the staff wanted a training camp.
Russell Martin vocal on the sidelines
With the game being played behind closed doors, those who tuned into the stream were offered an insight into how manager Martin behaves on the touchline.
The retired defender could be heard barking instructions for his players and talking them through how to break down the resolute Bordeaux backline.
Martin and his assistant Matt Gill gave constant messages to youngster Jay Robinson, 17, who grew in confidence as the game developed.
He was also unwilling to allow players to shirk their responsibilities, shouting at one player in the first half to "do your job."
Russell Martin (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)
Tyler Dibling impressing again
Tyler Dibling is making good on the target set by Martin to "stake a claim" with the senior team during pre-season.
The 18 year old is now viewed as a senior player by Saints staff, the justification for that has been clear across the first two friendlies.
It was his deflected cross which gave Southampton the lead - the own goal coming from a nice one-two with fellow starlet Robinson.
Dibling always looks assured on the ball and is capable of playing teammates through on goal.
That was seen when he unlocked the defence, but Charly Alcaraz was flagged offside before the ball hit the net.
He continued to be a real threat after the break. He provided the assist for Mara after continually driving at the Bordeaux defence.
Tyler Dibling provided two assists against Eastleigh (Image: Stuart Martin)
Sam Amo-Ameyaw proving himself
Martin has also challenged Amo-Ameyaw to prove that he should stay at Southampton rather than go out on loan.
And much like his fellow teenager Dibling, Amo-Ameyaw has been brilliant so far in pre-season. Speaking on Monday, the 18 year old revealed his aim to "prove" himself during pre-season.
The England youth international scored Southampton's second with a quick shift of the ball followed by a brilliant finish into the bottom corner.
The winger was also integral to the third goal, scored by Mara, as he linked up with Dibling on the right.
Dibling and Amo-Ameyaw have been the standout players in both pre-season games. It will be interesting to see whether they remain or leave on loan for more guaranteed senior football.
Sam Amo-Ameyaw 👏😇#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/9KKxOGIuUX
— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) July 24, 2024
Full 90 minutes for Mateusz Lis
Goalkeeper Mateusz Lis became the first player to play a full 90 minutes for Southampton during this pre-season.
The 27 year old is competing with Joe Lumley - who is yet to feature during pre-season - for the number two spot behind Alex McCarthy.
Lis made some good saves without looking entirely convincing between the sticks. He conceded in both halves as Bordeaux had limited chances.
Their second goal came after the Pole half cleared the ball, although it should be pointed out that he was beaten by a good finish.
It remains to be seen if Lis will stay at the club this summer. Martin is a fan of the keeper but expects him to want more regular football.
Mateusz Lis (Image: Stuart Martin)
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