Southampton struggled to a 1-0 away victory in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night in a scrappy match that saw the return of Taylor Harwood-Bellis to the starting line-up after injury. Mateus Fernandes' well taken goal was enough to see off the Cobblers in front of 4,381 (1,520 Saints fans) at Sixfields. Here are your 5 big takeaways.
I guess Saints fans should be grateful for small mercies. As Southampton were limping past League One Northampton Town, fellow Championship favourites Ipswich Town were being humbled by League Two outfit Bromley and League One Doncaster Rovers took care of business 4-0 against Championship heavyweights Middlesbrough.
Will Still stuck with three at the back for the second successive game with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Nathan Wood coming in for Jack Stephens and Joshua Quarshie.
Saturday's Wrexham hero, Ryan Manning made his first appearance of the season on the left hand-side of midfield as Yukinari Sugawara played again on the right.
Mateus Fernandes started his first game of the season alongside Shea Charles, who continued in the centre of midfield.
It was all change upfront with Damion Downs, Ben Brereton Diaz, and Cameron Archer leading the attack.
#1 - Taylor Harwood-Bellis looked comfortable in his first game back
The return of Taylor Harwood-Bellis to action after an ankle injury, which has sidelined him since the end of last season, has presented manager Will Still with a positive selection problem ahead of Sunday's visit to Ipswich Town.
Harwood-Bellis looked comfortable and competitive. On the ball, he looked to pass the ball forward with a searing 50-yard crossfield pass to Ryan Manning catching the eye in particular.
Out of possession, the England international made four clearances and blocked a shot that was destined for the back of the net in the 17th minute.
If Still continues to play three at the back, he has at least five front-line players in form to choose from. Both Nathan Wood and Ronnie Edwards turned in solid performances on Tuesday.