Key talking points as Southampton draw with Getafe to end pre-season

They looked strong as they zipped passes in the build-up but ultimately fell short in the final third against the La Liga side.

Defensively, Southampton were solid. They gave Getafe little to work with and Russell Martin was pleased with the progression he saw once again.

But that's not to say there aren't things which still need to be ironed out. With that in mind, here are the key talking points at the end of pre-season...

Walker-Peters back in the fold

Up until Saturday, Kyle Walker-Peters had been left out of pre-season games due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The two-time England international has been linked with a move to West Ham and is in the final 12 months of his contract.

But with the league campaign right around the corner and an exit seemingly not imminent - given West Ham's decision to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka - he returned to the starting lineup.

Martin had previously outlined that he expected to speak with the likes of Walker-Peters and Paul Onuachu (who also returned) about getting minutes in pre-season.

While Onuachu entered in the second half, Walker-Peters was given an hour and looked like a player who had received a full quota of pre-season fixtures.

The ball stuck to his feet like velcro and he combined well with Ben Brereton Diaz on the left.

Given the amount of game time he received, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him feature at Newcastle should he still be a Saints player by then.

Kyle Walker-Peters (Image: Stuart Martin)

Saints up for the fight on the field

Martin's charges have played against foreign opposition four times in pre-season - Bordeaux, Montpellier, Lazio and Getafe - and all four have been feisty affairs.

While the on-field brawl against Lazio was a step too far, Saints have demonstrated that they are not a team willing to be bullied this season.

Getafe made repeated efforts to foul Saints, which in itself is not a problem, but coupled with their repeated simulation, it disrupted the flow of the game.

Beyond their fouling antics, Getafe nibbled on several occasions. Carles Aleñá kicked out at Jan Bednarek and was met by a fair reaction from the defender.

Jack Stephens was also met with animosity when he had a word with a Getafe player after he felt they went down too easily - a rather common trend throughout.

This is a group of tight-knit players who are willing to fight for each other, both physically and metaphorically. 

Saints players tussle with Getafe after Bednarek is kicked (Image: Stuart Martin/AFC Bournemouth)

Tough day at the office for Armstrong

Prior to Saturday's friendly, Armstrong had scored three goals in pre-season - a brace at Eastleigh and the winner at Millwall - more than any other player.

His form in front of goal had carried through from last season, which saw him hit 24 Championship goals, including the winner in the play-off final.

However, that wasn't the Armstrong we saw against Getafe. Rather than a clinical finisher, we saw a wasteful forward.

This is just one game and there is no reason to fret. To some degree, missing chances is better than not being in a position to take them in the first place.

Adam Armstrong (Image: Stuart Martin)

Saints need another goal threat

Armstrong's difficult day in front of goal highlighted Southampton's semi-reliance on him.

While the club have signed Brereton Diaz, a third goalscoring forward would hold them in greater stead.

Saints played a front two on Saturday. Armstrong and Brereton Diaz were asked to play wide while Joe Aribo and Will Smallbone pushed on to add numbers in the final third.

They later switched to a front three of Armstrong, Onuachu and Sam Edozie but were still unable to find a breakthrough.

Saints are yet to replace the attacking threat which David Brooks and Ryan Fraser provided last season. They can ill afford to miss out on adding quality in the Premier League.

Onuachu may remain at the club if Trabzonspor (or any other club) fail to stump up the cash required for his services.

If he does remain, he will give Southampton a totally different option to what they already have. However, it's difficult to see him being a natural fit in Martin's system.

Paul Onuachu (Image: Stuart Martin)

Charles misses out due to numbers

Due to Martin naming Walker-Peters and Onuachu in the squad, other outfield players were forced to miss out.

Charly Alcaraz was suspended having been shown a straight red card in the aftermath of his fight with Lazio players during the week.

The other victim of Martin's changes was Shea Charles. The Northern Ireland international was in attendance at St Mary's and took part in the post-match fitness drills - as did Alcaraz.

Charles has been linked with a move away from Saints this summer. Celtic are reportedly keen on him and he could be used as part of a deal to sign Matt O'Riley.

However, Martin has already insisted that there is "not a chance" he would sanction a departure for Charles without securing reinforcements in midfield.

Shea Charles (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)