A great sigh of relief could be heard at St Mary’s as the Saints got their first Championship win of the season against Stoke City.
Tonda Eckert’s side went in at 1-1 at half-time after a scrappy and imperfect 45 minutes of football, before coming out and dominating, and finally getting their breakthrough in the final minutes of the game.
A home debut goal for Divin Mubama and a penalty from left-back Ryan Manning won the occasion, putting Southampton on -1 point following their Spygate deduction.
We’ve selected five key learnings from the match to take into the first double gameweek of the season.
Mubama looks confident
It was always important for new boy Divin Mubama to get off to a good start in a Southampton shirt. And he did.
The 21-year-old was brought on to the pitch to find a winner with the game level at 1-1, and delivered following an expert ball through from Finn Azaz. Mubama latched onto it, striking the ball home with his left foot and celebrated in front of the Northam.
Ahead of a two-game week versus West Ham United and Millwall, Mubama could be in line to make his first start.
Tonda Eckert subdued
Following the full-time whistle, Saints head coach Tonda Eckert had a subdued reaction and didn’t overly celebrate with the delighted fans.
The German boss remains under investigation by the Football Association over his involvement in Spygate which ended Southampton’s season early, but stayed back to observe the players.
It was a telling reaction - he’ll be hoping to have his name cleared and properly celebrate with the fans that bellowed his name all game later down the line.
Sam Edozie impactful
Sam Edozie promised the Southampton fans that he’d “be ready” ahead of this season, and has been handed a couple of early cameo appearances off the bench.
The winger, who was signed from Manchester City in 2022, won the penalty to make the game 3-1 and impressed in his few minutes.
Edozie could be another player set to start in the West Ham game in the League Cup - and will be chasing a spot in the first eleven for Millwall.
Difficult afternoon for fan favourite
It was a tough day at the office for Leo Scienza in a Southampton shirt, who was doubled up on frequently by Stoke City players.
The 27-year-old was knocked off his feet a couple of times by Potters’ players, and struggled with his shoulder for the rest of the match.
It wasn’t the best game for him, but claims that Scienza was ‘disinterested’ feel far from the truth.
Big week ahead
There’s a chance Southampton could end next week on a positive points tally, and even climb out of the relegation zone.
That’s if they overcome Millwall, but first comes a meeting with West Ham United in the League Cup, who are struggling to make life in the second tier work for them.
Their only win so far this season has come in the cup - against Portsmouth. Southampton will be hoping the south coast rules supreme in this one.
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