SAINTS stepped up their pre-season preparations with a 7-1 win over National League neighbours Eastleigh on Friday night.

First half goals from Adam Armstrong and Will Smallbone gave them a comfortable lead before Sekou Mara, Ryan Manning, Yukinari Sugawara and Charly Alcaraz got in on the action.

It was a positive step in pre-season ahead of their trip to Spain next week for a warm-weather training camp.

 Here are five of the biggest talking points following their rout at the Silverlake Stadium...

Southampton beat Eastleigh 7-1 on FridaySouthampton beat Eastleigh 7-1 on Friday (Image: PA)

Saints trying out new systems

A team's first pre-season outing is usually characterised by players showing signs of rusty legs and cobwebs.

Southampton have spent the first weeks of pre-season running and could have been forgiven if they weren't full of energy by the time they rocked up at the Silverlake Stadium.

However, from the moment the referee blew his whistle, Martin's men were keen to put their National League opposition to the sword.

They did so while trialling a new system in the first half which essentially saw them play a back three without wingbacks.

Instead, their wide players were asked to push forward to create a front three, with the remaining midfielders creating a box in the middle of the park.

It will be interesting to see if Saints continue trying out this system through pre-season ahead of their Premier League return.

Lallana did not feature after being named in the initial side

Adam Lallana had been slated to start Southampton's first pre-season friendly but was forced to pull out after feeling tight during the warmup.

The game would have marked the academy graduates' return to Saints action a decade on from leaving to join Liverpool in 2014.

Martin insisted that the former England international was not risked as a precaution. The same reason was given for why Ronnie Edwards only played 15 minutes.

However, given Lallana's injury record and his current age, 36, this early setback is one to keep an eye on during pre-season.

READ MORE: Martin on why Lallana and Edwards were withdrawn at Eastleigh

Adam Lallana played no part against Eastleigh due to a slight injury problemAdam Lallana played no part against Eastleigh due to a slight injury problem (Image: Stuart Martin)

Positive performances from Amo-Ameyaw and Dibling

On an evening were Saints fielded two separate lineups, Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Tyler Dibling played the most football.

The starlets shone in a dominating performance against National League opposition, with Dibling setting Adam Armstrong through for Southampton's second goal.

Amo-Ameyaw, who came on after 15 minutes in place of Ronnie Edwards, dazzled down the right-hand side, particularly after the break.

His performance earned a rave review from teammate Yukinari Sugawara, who was left feeling old after the 18 year old's starring role.

Both have staked another claim for more senior team involvement this season as Saints head into the Premier League. 

Southampton's Tyler Dibling and Sam Amo-Ameyaw stood out against EastleighSouthampton's Tyler Dibling and Sam Amo-Ameyaw stood out against Eastleigh (Image: Stuart Martin)

Mateusz Lis' return creates complex goalkeeper question

Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Lis spent last season on loan at fellow Sport Republic club Goztepe, who earned promotion to the Turkish Super Lig, in large part due to his performances.

Having returned to Staplewood, the 27 year old is competing with Joe Lumley for the second-choice spot during pre-season.

Lis was given the nod for the second half after Alex McCarthy kept a clean sheet during the first 45 minutes as Lumley watched on from the stands.

It remains to be seen if Lis will remain at the club this summer. He would favour regular first-team football but has impressed Martin during pre-season.

READ MORE: Martin: 'I don't care about the scoreline. I'm annoyed we conceded from a set-piece'

Several players miss out on early pre-season outing

Lallana wasn't the only player who missed Southampton's first pre-season outing ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Defenders Kyle Walker-Peters, Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Juan Larios played no part at the Silverlake Stadium.

Neither did Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ross Stewart, Paul Onuachu. For some, this game came too early in their season preparations.

Onuachu is expected back soon, while Walker-Peters, Sulemana and Larios were all training at Staplewood on Friday afternoon.

Captain Stephens was in attendance at Eastleigh and took time to take photos with supporters after the game.

Jack Stephens missed Southampton's friendly against Eastleigh Jack Stephens missed Southampton's friendly against Eastleigh (Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC)