Pre-season friendly recap: Derby County 3-0 Southampton

Southampton fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Frank Lampard’s Derby County in their third pre-season game ahead of the 2018/19 season.

A competitive first-half had seen some decent chances for both sides, and Ryan Bertrand went closest for Saints in the second period. However, Tom Lawrence’s brace and a third from Mason Bennett saw Derby end the match as comfortable victors.

Saints lined-up in the 3-4-2-1 system that has become their custom set-up under Mark Hughes. A first start for Mohamed Elyounoussi and places on the bench for Angus Gunn and Jannik Vestergaard were the stand-out points from the team-news.

A highly competitive first-half saw the first openings fall to Derby, and Saints keeper Alex McCarthy had to be alert to deny both Craig Bryson and Tom Lawrence.

Nathan Redmond and Elyounoussi started on the wings for Hughes’ side and looked to provide the spark for the team going forward. Redmond curled a shot well over before Elyounoussi couldn’t quite connect with James Ward-Prowse’s low cross.

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The best chance of the first period would fall the way of the home side however as Lawrence burst through on goal. He struck well and low at McCarthy, who parried well and away from goal.

It remained goalless up until the break but it had certainly been Saints’ best pre-season test so far.

£18m summer signing Vestergaard was introduced for the second-half alongside club-captain Steven Davis, and they replaced Elyounoussi and Matt Targett.

Danish giant Vestergaard almost mad the perfect start to his career in England too as he flicked a Ward-Prowse free-kick goalwards, but Scott Carson was there to save well.

A third chance for Derby winger Lawrence came in the 58th minute and this time he wouldn’t be denied. He skipped past Vestergaard and slid coolly into the corner to put his side 1-0 up.

Saints almost drew level shortly after though as Ryan Bertrand fizzed an effort towards the far corner of the net, but Carson tipped over well.

However, it was soon 2-0 to the Rams and Lawrence completed his double with a controlled long-range strike.

They then made it three when the Saints defence parted like the red sea, McCarthy made a great save but Mason Bennett was there to tap home into an empty net.

Saints now move onto a training camp and friendly with Dijon in France before returning home for home friendlies against Celta Vigo and Borussia Mochengladbach.

They kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to Burnley on the 12th August.