Five things learnt from Southampton’s 2-1 win over SC Preußen Münster | OneFootball

Southampton came from behind to beat SC Preußen Münster 2-1 in their final pre-season outing, with Leo Scienza and Lewis Dobbin replying after an early setback ahead of the Carabao Cup trip to Colchester United.

According to Sainstmarching.com, pre-season under Tonda Eckert exposed a shortage at centre forward. Damion Downs, Nick Oyekunle and Ben Brereton Diaz all featured, yet none look proven at Championship level and Diaz struggled here. With Cyle Larin returning without preparation, Eckert faces a Colchester United dilemma and a striker signing is urgent.

Nathan Wood and Welington started on the left of the defence and the back four were largely solid. Taylor Harwood-Bellis should have been stronger for the hosts’ goal. With Jack Stephens and Ryan Manning in their thirties, perhaps this hints at a tilt to younger options.

Scienza opened his account in Southampton’s famous number seven shirt, once worn by Matt Le Tissier and Rickie Lambert. He won the ball before guiding into the bottom corner. If the club keep their fan favourite, next season is sure to be fun.

Eckert watched from the stands to rehearse for a possible touchline ban as the club awaits his Spygate sanction. Out of possession, Southampton again resembled a four-four-two, similar to last season, and it was a winning formula here.

Overall pre-season was positive. The Saints lost only one of five games, retained most of last season’s squad and added Dobbin. The remaining hurdle could be the FA choosing to ban their head coach despite the season’s proximity.

Source: Sainstmarching.com