Saints Marching
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Five takeaways from the Brentford vs Southampton friendly

By Nikos Lemanis

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Supporters make their way to the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup third round match between Brentford and Eastleigh FC at Griffin Park on January 7, 2017 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Supporters make their way to the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup third round match between Brentford and Eastleigh FC at Griffin Park on January 7, 2017 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Charlie Austin back on the scoresheet

Having scored only four times in their last 10 games, it seems fitting that it took an afternoon of torrential rain to end Southampton’s goal drought.

And it was the man who has been missing since December who made the difference today. For the first of his brace, Austin slotted calmly past Daniel Bentley following a defensive mix up. Then just eight minutes later he raced into the box to slam home a left wing cross from Sam McQueen.

Before succumbing to a shoulder injury during Saints’ 1-1 draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in December of last season, Austin had scored nine times in 21 appearances. Although the purchase of Manolo Gabbiadini in January replaced some of that scoring ability, the team’s subsequent lack of goals highlighted Southampton’s weakness in this area.

Adding more goals to Saints’ game has to a priority for Pellegrino this summer. Fans will be hoping that Austin’s clinical performance today is a sign of things to come.