Southampton fell to a 5-2 defeat at home to Spurs on Sunday as it became obvious that the players need more time to get back up to speed.
Saints were actually on top for much of the first-half and grabbed the lead after an expertly taken goal from Danny Ings, but a lapse in concentration just before half-time saw Son Hueng-Min equalise.
The second-half saw a complete swing in momentum and Spurs took full control. Son added three more goals, all of which were assisted by Harry Kane before the England man got in on the act with a strike of his own late on.
For Saints, there has been little to cheer about at the beginning of this campaign and it is clear that Ralph Hasenhuttl is ruing a shortened pre-season given the style of football he wants his players to play.
After a full assessment of the game, here are three key takeaway thoughts that apply to Saints right now: