SAINTS suffered their first loss of pre-season on Wednesday evening when they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Oxford United.
Russell Martin was clearly frustrated following his side's defeat to Championship opposition, insisting that they "need to get better."
Southampton looked shaky while playing out from the back. It was an error from Ronnie Edwards that led to the hosts' second, scored by Ruben Rodrigues.
The defeat followed a positive training camp in Spain, during which the Daily Echo observed reasons to be excited this season.
Here are five key talking points as Saints suffered a pre-season blow upon their return to action on UK soil...
Saints concede with 10 men on the field
When Kamaldeen Sulemana headed down the tunnel after receiving a knock, Saints didn’t rush to introduce his replacement.
Kamaldeen’s injury came eight minutes after Sekou Mara was also forced off having taken a blow in the box.
Saints continued with 10 men for a few minutes and eventually fell behind when a cross from the right landed for Mark Harris, who beat Alex McCarthy.
Sam Edozie did eventually enter the field after Southampton had gone behind for the first time in pre-season.
Mara’s early exit was a blow for him as this was really his last chance to impress before Ben Brereton Diaz gets pre-season minutes.
Chile international Brereton Diaz was in attendance at the Kassam Stadium a day after his arrival but played no part during the game.
READ MORE: Ankle roll' - Martin gives injury update as Kamaldeen seen leaving in boot
First-choice-goalkeeper Alex McCarthy looked nervy with the ball at his feet, which isn't a positive sign ahead of the Premier League campaign.
He almost handed Oxford United a goal late in the first half when he conceded possession on the edge of his box.
It wasn’t the first time he played a loose ball as Southampton attempted to play out of the back during pre-season.
He continued to look edgy after the break. His first action was to play a pass straight to onrushing players when he could have cleared it long.
In his defence, Ryan Manning was his only option on this occasion and the Irishman had been pushed to the ground, earning Saints a free-kick.
Martin insisted he is not concerned about McCarthy's ability to play out from the back and pointed out that he needs more minutes.
That could explain why he played a full 90 once again despite Mat Lis being named among the substitutes.
Pre-season isn't only a chance for managers to try new things on the pitch, it's also a chance for them to try new methods.
Saints boss Martin started the first half up in the gantry as he aimed to observe the action from a higher vantage point.
With a number of tactical tweaks, the boss will have wanted to see his players deploy what they’ve been tasked to do.
However, he only remained in the gantry until the 21st minute and returned to the touchline for the remainder of the game.
Left-back Ryan Manning was tasked with starting the first half in holding midfield - a totally new role for him.
Although the Irishman played as a midfielder in his youth, he was more of an attack-minded midfielder.
He had started brightly in his new role. He pinged a lovely pass over to Charly Alcaraz, but the Argentinian was beaten to the ball by Oxford United's keeper.
As mentioned, he was the only man to show for the ball when McCarthy had three players closing him down seconds after the restart.
Manning's new role comes following a summer which has seen Saints sign two left-backs, Charlie Taylor and Wellington (who will arrive in January).
READ MORE: 'We need reinforcements' - Martin responds to reports of Celtic interest in Charles
After an abject first half, Saints introduced regular goalscorer Adam Armstrong at the break in their first pre-planned change.
More changes followed on the hour mark as Martin shifted the team closer to a side which resembled their strongest lineup.
Although they were still unable to find a breakthrough in the half an hour which followed, they did create more chances.
Armstrong was afforded the best of those when the ball landed at his feet, but his effort lacked the required conviction.
Joe Aribo was the most impressive player who entered in the second half. He did well to set up Sam Edozie after seeing a well-hit shot fly just past the post.
Jack Stephens also returned for his first minutes in pre-season having missed the first three friendlies.
🪫👉🔋
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 31, 2024
A first pre-season outing for @jackstephens_18 💪 pic.twitter.com/favhDimdaY
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