A LATE goal from David Brooks saw Bournemouth secure a late 3-2 win in Russell Martin’s first outing as Saints boss at St Mary’s.

Southampton had recovered from a two-goal deficit, thanks to goals from Shea Charles and Stuart Armstrong, before the Welsh international secured the win for the visiting Cherries.

Martin has stressed that his main priority in pre-season is to see an improvement in his players’ performances as they get to grips with his new style of play. 

There is only so much you can read into players’ performances during pre-season - so here’s how we rated each player against the Premier League opposition.

PLAYER RATINGS:

McCarthy – 5.

Shot-stopping good, distribution really poor. Couple early saves to deny Bournemouth’s Kerkez and another one-handed from close-range. Not comfortable with ball at feet, gave the ball away to Solanke and they should have scored a third.

Bree – 6.

Didn’t really do anything in a struggling team and was taken off at half-time.

Lyanco – 5.

Not near enough to Ouattara for the headed opener. Looked shaky throughout beginning. Dealt with Solanke well.

Charles – 6.

Gave away possession in a dangerous area – but composed under pressure on the ball in box, won goal kick. Hospital pass to Amo-Ameyaw for Bournemouth’s second. Power header to pull one back.

Manning – 7.

His side having a lot of problems but top delivery for one back right before half-time.

Lavia – 7.

Really impressive on the ball both in defensive third and attacking third. Won fouls and created chances.

Alcaraz – 6.

Lost possession due to a lack of awareness in midfield. Stepped up for a free-kick from between 25-30 yards and dipped wide of the post.

Amo-Ameyaw – 6.

Looks confident on the ball but physically dealt with by Premier League opposition.

Djenepo – 6.

First shot of the game, good power behind it. Touch got away from him and fouled seconds after trying to recover. Found himself in good space.

Adams – 5.

Big one-on-one chance but low shot well-saved by Neto. Could have picked out Livramento but shot and saw it blocked into the keeper’s arms.

Substitutes

Walker-Peters – 6.

On at half-time. Played both right-back and left-back. His ball Armstrong took and equalised with. Held off for Brooks’s late winner.

Stephens – 6.

Ball through him for Brooks’s winner but not much he could have done to stop it. Conceded few chances otherwise.

Caleta-Car – 6.

Similar to Stephens, did little wrong for goal and didn’t concede any other big chances. Average performance off the bench.

Tella – 7.

Only played 20 minutes but looked to be in down the right before being put down. Physical approach to dealing with him from Bournemouth. Raced through right and played in a dangerous square which was well-saved, before his rebound was smothered. 

Smallbone – 8.

On at half-time. Bailed McCarthy out after losing the ball in his box by putting Ouatarra off as he took his shot.

S Armstrong – 8.

Great turn and powerful finish off the bench to equalise on his return from injury.

Livramento – 6.

Offered a good run for Adams in behind but not picked out. Gave the ball away to start a dangerous Cherries attack.

Doyle – 6.

Didn't make an impact after coming on from the bench. Had a speculative effort from range blocked.

Meghoma – 6.

Used in an interesting attacking role after featuring as a full-back for the under-21s and Martin previously.

A Armstrong – 6.

Didn't do much after coming on as a late substitute, but also didn't have the ball enough to impact the game.