Key talking points as Southampton beat Millwall in pre-season

Adam Armstrong scored the only goal at The Den, his third of pre-season, as Saints improved in the second half.

Russell Martin was displeased with their end product in the first half but was satisfied with their overall performance at this stage of pre-season.

Saints have two more friendlies to play - against Lazio (Wednesday, August 7) and Getafe (Saturday, August 10).

Here are the key talking points from Southampton's win at Millwall...

First sighting of the away kit

Having worn the red and white striped home kit in every pre-season game so far, Southampton took to the field at Millwall in their bright yellow away shirt.

Southampton also donned a navy warmup shirt with yellow trimming, not yet available on the Saints website.

This season's away shirt contains the dazzle painting design which was first used on ships, including HMS Southampton.

The shirts give a nod to the design of HMS Southampton, which was first created by the artist and writer Jan Gordon.

Southampton's Flynn Downes at Millwall (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson)  

Ben Brereton Diaz makes first Saints appearance

Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz got his first outing as a Southampton player at The Den.

The 25 year old came on for the final 20 minutes, alongside Tyler Dibling, with Saints already a goal to the good.

He looked to play off the left, a position he may be required to play early this season given Southampton’s lack of depth in the wide areas.

Martin was impressed by Brereton Diaz's first appearance but pointed out he still has a way to go in terms of fitness.

Supporters will have to wait a little longer for a glimpse of Brereton Diaz playing alongside Armstrong.

The former Blackburn Rovers teammates replaced each other but we may see them play alongside one another at St Mary’s on Wednesday.

Ben Brereton Diaz played 20 minutes at Millwall (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson)

Southampton’s attacking depth issues highlighted

Southampton arrived at Millwall with limited attacking numbers. Armstrong was partnered by Sam Edozie, while Brereton, Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Jay Robinson started on the bench.

The restricted depth was in part due to Sekou Mara and Kamaldeen Sulemana’s absences after the pair were withdrawn at Oxford United on Wednesday.

Mara’s injury doesn’t look too bad with Martin expecting him to be back by the time they face Lazio on Wednesday.

However, Kamaldeen is set for a longer period on the sidelines. The Ghana international has been ruled out for the start of the Premier League season.

Saints are also still without Ross Stewart, who is yet to feature in pre-season, while Paul Onuachu appears as though he is not a part of Martin’s plans.

Adam Armstrong scored the winner at The Den (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson)

Jack Stephens in midfield

Captain Jack Stephens has played various roles under Martin. The 30 year old has played as a centre-back, left-back and defensive midfielder.

Saturday’s game saw the Torpoint native used in midfield once again, this time getting a full hour alongside Flynn Downes.

Stephens was tasked with playing a role in attack while also dropping back into centre-back when required.

Although he is a defender, Stephens was willing to run in behind and was Southampton’s most advanced player on occasion.

He is the latest player to be tried out in that role following Martin’s experiment with Ryan Manning at Oxford.

Southampton's Jack Stephens battles for the ball (Image: PA)

Tyler Dribbling

There isn’t much left to be said about Dibling’s impressive pre-season cameos.

The 18 year old had a major impact once again and was singled out for praise from Martin at full-time.

He's given the boss a selection headache ahead of the season with Martin admitting Dibing and Amo-Ameyaw have made a difference time and time again.

Dibling looked assured on the ball against Championship opposition. He used his silky close control to wriggle free off defenders in tight spaces.

He almost added to his pre-season goals tally when he fired an effort from the edge of the box, which cracked off the crossbar. His finest moment came towards full-time.

Dibling received the ball on Southampton’s byline before beating three defenders and rolling the ball through George Saville’s legs.

He raced away from his marker before eventually being pulled down right on the halfway line, earning him credit from the home supporters.

Tyler Dribbling 🥜 #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/NDqskeJoHE

— JustSaints (@JustSaints_) August 3, 2024